The Artillery Arms, Milton, Southsea

The Artillery Arms is a friendly two room back street pub in an inauspicious location around five minutes or so from Fratton Park. The public bar is a narrow room with the bar running half the length before it opens out slightly towards the far end. It has typical public bar décor with bare floorboards and fairly plain walls. There are a couple of small tables opposite the servery but most punters were sat on stools along the bar counter. At the far end of the room there is a pool table which seemed to be quite popular and I also spotted a slot machine and dartboard. A large TV screen on the back wall was showing Sky Sports as was a second screen behind the bar. The lounge bar is a smarter affair with standard table and chair seating and a few pictures on the walls including a large old map of the local area. There is a large cabinet full of books on one wall and I spotted at least one more TV screen. There were five hand pumps in operation on my visit, dispensing Ringwood Fortyniner, Andwell IPA, Fullers London Pride, Gales Seafarers and Bowmans Swift One. I tried the Swift One (£3.00) and found it in near perfect condition, In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I had to order another which resulted in me missing the kick off (and first goal) of the evening match at Fratton Park. The staff, led by a pleasant ‘old school’ landlord, were very friendly and helpful and the locals were a chatty bunch who made me feel very welcome. This felt like a real hidden gem, off most people’s radar but well appreciated by its regulars and those that make the effort to seek it out. I really enjoyed myself here and was quite tempted to watch the match on their big screen rather than stand in the cold stadium down the road. Definitely one to put down for a revisit.

excellent back street local, good range of ales, noisy but friendly public bar, and quieter lounge, good garden as well, definately worth finding