The Old Bakehouse, Gosport

Originally the bakery for the whole of Portsmouth Naval Garrison, this small section of the Navy logistic barracks has been formed into a very interesting and not unpleasant bar, part of large building which includes other businesses and apartment accommodation, all overlooking the marina and Portsmouth harbour. The pub comprises a single long bar with a square servery at one end and is entered through modern glass doors. At the side opposite the entrance are the original bread ovens, now lit with multicoloured lighting inside and set as a feature. At the end opposite the servery is a pool table and dartboard. There are a couple of stools at the bar, while the majority of the seating is around high tables. Much of the pub is industrial in outlook, including concrete columns supporting the multiple accommodation floors above, and steel racking and trunking holding a multiplicity of TV screens and other electronics way above head height. There was a single handpump on the bar when we visited, though no cask ale was available. This left a choice between Alpacalypse, Madri, Franciscan Well's Chieftain, Guinness, Staropramen, Coors, Rekorderlig and Aspall's Cider from the keg taps, plus an unremarkable bottled selection. The food menu is a mix of mass produced pub standards and junk food. The barmaid was very pleasant and went out of her way to be sociable, while the clientele was a mixed bunch of yachtsmen, singles and tourists. It's well worth a visit for historic interest, and t's a pleasant place to spend time, but there is better, cheaper beer and food to be had in other nearby establishments.