Botanical, Port Solent, Portsmouth

A modern bar, part of the retail complex which has sprung up at Port Solent Marina with the architecture to match. There is a small terrace outside which has its own patio heater and overlooks the Marina basin. Inside is a single large open-plan room, irregular in shape, which is loosely demarcated into a bar and separate restaurant areas by a central stone chimney breast, open on both sides and containing a gas flame. Low walls further break up the space to provide a feeling of more privacy. A mix of seating styles in the bar provides a choice for drinkers and casual diners. Coffees, cocktails and a rather unadventurous winelist are available, while the two ales on draft are Doombar and Old Golden Hen. It makes a useful alternative to the JDW and Harvester, the other two pubs on the Broadwalk, but only if using the Marina or its adjacent marine facilities – I wouldn't ship in here otherwise.