Jolly Roger, Elson, Gosport

I remember many years ago being able to moor up on the jetties to the front of this waterside pub and walk over for a pint, but now it's only approachable from the beach or landside. The pub still retains a strong nautical theme although the clientele, which used to be predominantly yachties, is now pretty mixed. The interior has a lot of exposed brickwork and timber, floorboards and tiles, an open fire and plenty of timber cladding for that "Hornblower" effect. Leaded interior windows and a shed load of nauticalia dotted around the bulkheads - er, sorry, walls, add to the ambiance. Unusually for Gosports it's yob-free, calm and civilised, and the food is decent if a bit pricey. Children are nto permitted inside after 6pm, another bonus in this town. There were three ales on - I had Spitfire which was nearly but not quite perfect. Well worth seeking out and tying in with a visit to the Windsor Castle just around the corner.

Jolly Roger official site, contains menus, wine list and event details - www.thejollyrogergosport.co.uk

Jolly Roger official site, contains menus, wine list and event details - www.thejollyrogergosport.co.uk