Sir Alec Rose (Lloyds No. 1) , Port Solent, Portsmouth

A split-level modern Spoons in a thoroughly-annoying marina and leisure complex, surrounded by assorted chain restaurants. Most of the action takes place on the upper level, which has the views over the marina and a decked area outside. Downstairs is a smaller bar and small covered outdoor area. Guest ales seemed to be restricted to Boondoggle and Hobgoblin at time of visit. I suppose if you find yourself in Port Solent it is the place to go for a drink, but better to avoid entirely.

Places like Port Solent don't really float my boat. It's modern and consists of some housing, a marina and an entertainment complex. This Spoons is a part of the entertainment area. As noted below it has two floors with a small bar area on the ground floor and a much larger bar area above. It's a Lloyds according to the JDW directory but there was no obvious sign that it still is. The main upstairs area is a long rectangular room overlooking the marina and with a wooden floor. There is a slightly raised area to the left which is carpeted. On my late Thursday morning visit it seemed that everyone in was eating leaving just me to fly the flag for the daytime brigade. Each bar has just four hand pumps with the same beers which on my visit were Doom Bore, Goldmark Liquid Gold & Secret Santa and GK Abbot Reserve. I went for the Abbot Reserve (£2.99) which was in good nick. I must admit that a dead manky December day is probably not the best time to visit this place but for what it is I though it was OK. I'd be unlikely to return but that's more to do with the awkward location than the pub itself.