Portland Arms, Maidenhead

Very much an old fashioned locals pub, very well attended on a Friday afternoon.The interior has seen little change from Quinnos review of nearly twelve years ago though I didn't notice a pool table, a dart board was on the wall but had a set of table and chairs in front of it.There is one TV screen mounted on the wall at the front end of the pub for Sky and BT sports.On the bar are two handpumps with just one in use dispensing Vale Best Vale IPA which was served up in pretty good condition. A decent pub of its type but maybe not everyones cup of tea.

Odd little place, just off the town centre. The interior is a strange mish-mash of stuff that’s been thrown in – a bit like making a pub on a limited budget and having to use freecycle and the local charity shops to source your fittings. The chair I was sitting on was ‘quirky’ to say the least, whilst the dartboard was located right by the main door opening, ensuring that at some point someone will get an injury. The main bar is at the front of the pub as you enter, with a 70’s-style fake ceiling beam and wood-clad interior. Further back, in an area by the (modern) loos, was a pool table which remained unused during my visit – I can’t help thinking that this space could be better used. There was a decent choice beer-wise, with two Rebellion ales alongside Fullers ESB. The Rebellion was good, the ESB a little less inspiring but still drinkable. The barman was quite the eccentric, I wonder if he was actually the landlord. There were a couple of TVs tuned to a fairly insipid music channel. There were a few punters in, all congregated round the main bar, who seemed to be in good spirits and added some welcome atmosphere. I think there’s potentially a good pub here, with a bit more focus and better use of space.