The Vaults, Southsea

One of London’s most historic pubs and probably one of the most ruined having totally sold out its historic soul to the tourism trade. The story of Samuel Pepys sitting here in 1666 watching his city burn is part of London folklore but any resemblance to the Anchor of Pepys day and the current pub is purely geographical. The original Anchor was part of a large brewery that stood on the site of the current pub but was destroyed by a fire. The current pub is for the most part probably no more than late 18th / early 19th century but recent and numerous changes, extensions and refurbishments have ultimately destroyed most of the intrinsic charm that it undoubtably once had. The main “Clink” Bar, named after the nearby prison, is a rather featureless bar with just a couple of photos of some prison cells to justify the bar’s name (any puns about prisons and bars are purely unintentional). Steps to the rear lead up to the false wooden floor and a fish and chip shop. Yes, a fish and chip shop. The large bar area to the extended right hand side of the pub could easily have been transplanted from any major chain pubs, very plastic, generic and as far removed from an old riverside tavern as you could imagine. When I was previously here (not that long ago) I sat in what was called the Servery Bar, situated in what was at the time the most unspoilt part of the pub. It was the only place in the pub to escape from the melee of the main bars but even that has now been turned into Dr Johnson’s Tea Room and Coffee Shop which leads me to think that the pub is gradually being converted in its entirety to a tourist visitor complex. The disjointed interior is completed by one small room between the Coffee House and the stairs to the chippy which does not appear to be named but is now probably the only bit that has any character with its old brick fireplace and fading portraits. Upstairs is a separate bar with a roof terrace offering better views across the river than Pepys would have experienced. The riverside location is probably now the best feature with the scenic beer terrace being a pleasant spot on anything that resembles a sunny day. As for the beers, there were 3 Ales on my last visit, 2 standard (London Pride and Green King IPA) and a guest (Morrisey Fox Blonde Ale). I have always found the quality to be fairly decent and whilst prices are a bit steep, it is not exactly unexpected. I have never had a problem with service although I have always been here during non-peak times and staff have always been pleasant enough. For all its faults, and it is easy to be cynical about the place, it is not necessarily a bad place for a quick pint if you pick the right time and can see through the pretence, but it certainly is not worthy of the historical interest that is sometimes heaped upon it by the guide books.

Misnamed if ever was, should be Beer Cellar if the name did not have dodgy connotations Eight hand pull draught beers from different brewers, includes London Pride, ESB & HSB [it owned by Fullers after all ] around £3 pint 3 separate bar areas, all with bare wooden floors, tables & chairs, plus wood paneled walls, but not as austere as it may sound. Has two bars downstairs, but one appears to be an evening only jobby As I was unsure of what beer to order I was offered a [free]taster first, a nice touch that Upstairs has the loos, games room and another bar, if stairs a problem then may not be ideal Serves snack type food till 5pm, but not pub style from descriptions, organic baguette / tortilla wraps around £5, includes salad / coleslaw. Baked spud £4.25 with filling from 3 bean chilli & sour cream, or maybe Stilton, asparagus & mushrooms would suit you better? Has "specials on board as well, around £10 full meal I witnessed the beer being well cared for, pumps being flushed through. etc The publican obviously cares for the beer served, and if the food is of same standard, and no reason to doubt it is not, then this is a must visit if in area Ignore the odd exterior with bikes on the upper walls, go in and try it 3 stars as food not tried, but probably a 4 star rating really