Nightingale, Romsey

Looks quite swish from the outside, however inside it’s a fairly basic locals boozer with an odd triangular entrance and high ceiling. Opened-out inside with a ground floor bar area and a raised rear games area with darts, pool and a jukebox (live music also advertised). There are some oddly high-end touches, such as the framed sepia prints of old Romsey, a proper fire and a large collection of hanging jugs off a couple of ceiling beams. Two large screens with Sky Sports on the go. Two pumps at the bar, both with St Austell clips - Tribute (decent nick) and Proper Job (unavailable, clip turned). A large collection of trophies and shields atop the bar back, presumably attesting to the locals sporting prowess. An odd one, quite schizophrenic and not particularly convincing.

Backstreet pub bordering between the unspoilt and the squalid but tending to the latter. The presence of handpumps with a couple of Flacks Manor beers aroused hope; sadly its condition matched that of the pub. One extended room with the bar to the side and a pool table at the rear. Could be a gem. Isn't.

A dreadful town centre pub that could and should be so much better. Upon entering, I realised too late there was no ale available and chose a pint of guinness, for which I was charged the exorbitant sum of £3.40. I sat in a corner yet could not escape the twin invasions of trance music on the stereo and Jeremy Kyle on the television. I wolfed down my stout and made a quick exit. Truly one of the worst pubs I've ever had the misfortune to stumble into.