The Clarence Tavern, Gosport

One of Gosport's older pubs, the Clarence is a large town pub with a function room annex, called The Chapel, attached. This annex has its own history - it was formerly a brewhouse called the Chapel Brewery, which became the Oakleaf Brewery when it moved across the road. The pub itself sits on a corner and has been knocked through into a single large bar with bare board flooring. There is no doubt that its beer is excellent, and it was previously a GBG pub as well as the Oakleaf brewery tap. Certainly the pint of Hole Hearted I had was in perfect condition. The paradox is that while the beer is first class, the welcome is not. I was served grudgingly and with no grace at all. Neither were the locals at all friendly, and the atmosphere was not restful (not helped by an over-loud jukebox). This pub is a must for a crawl due to its beer quality, but I woudn't want to be here at closing time.

Superfriendly locals. I visited this pub for one drink yesterday (14th August 2011) and stayed for several hours to listen to live music from Nomad Keith. I think I have found a new local :)

Official site of the Clarence Tavern, includes beer festival details - www.clarencetavern.co.uk

Official site of the Clarence Tavern, includes beer festival details - www.clarencetavern.co.uk