The Baffins, Portsmouth

A large classic 1930s pub with a strong community following. It retains a three room layout with a games bar to one side with pool, darts and multi sports screens. What was possibly once car parking round the outsides has all been converted into extensive patio areas, some covered, which were very popular on a sunny weekend afternoon. Ales were IPA, Abbot and Speckled Hen.

A family-centric Greene King Meat and Eat pub overlooking a large pond with the grandiose name of Baffin’s Lake. It’s a local pub on a grand scale in a picturesque setting with pleasant views over the water. There are 3 main bar areas. There is a small noisy bar at one end, a large noisy bar/diner in the middle and a more peaceful bar with tables at the far end. There are two handpumps – GK IPA had just gone off, leaving Abbott, which was in average condition. TV screens showed football, and the staff were pleasant but very much over-worked. As a location it’s good, as a pub it’s average.

This 1930s pub has a certain geometric Art Deco appeal, with (almost) matching wings on either side of the central entrance opposite the eponymous lake. The main part of the servery is also right in front of the main doors, although the lounge is off to the right and the sports bar (replete with pool table and dartboard) can be found on the left-hand side. Unfortunately, all has been given a semi-modern makeover so most of the original character has been lost. Also has a basic side patio area. Generic Greene King menu. With only three handpumps, and one of those off, the 'choice' was just IPA (oddly priced at £3.36) and Abbot.

This place use to be great when Colin was here, very laid back but welcoming night and day, it has gone down on the customer service side as most of the bar staff seem to be bored and want to be else where, it still retains th welcoming atmosphere and the food is brilliant, great place to take the kids.