Crown & Anchor, Winchester

Double fronted pub almost next to the bus station, usually with a pack of smokers guarding the entrance. Open plan but it just about retains a back room housing a pool table, there are also some remaining Victorian touches, notably the carved bar counter with Corinthian columns and a splendid barback. Carpeted throughout, decorated and furnished in a fairly traditional pub style, interesting photos of old Winchester although the frames are a bit ostentatious. Machines and screens, mainly working men for customers although I was told it was quite popular as a gay pub. Three handpumps in the front bar and two in the back, mediocre Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen and Hare Raiser with a number of T-bars dispensing the normal GK range of kegs.