The Phoenix, Hilsea, Portsmouth

A large 1930s estate house which still retains many of its original features, now a free house. There are two bars, both reasonably large. There is a public bar which has a pool table, TV screens showing live sports, dartboards and a very elderly labrador, presumably the one to which Quinno refers, below. The lounge bar at the back is more comfortable and quieter. There is also a patio at the rear and some seating outside at the front for smokers. Two handpumps – one was clipped Atlantic, but was dry, while the other was serving Bombardier, which was on the turn but still just about drinkable. Probably fine as a local but the beer quality would put me off including it in a crawl.

A solid red brick backstreet local, listed on CAMRA’s local inventory of historic interiors. Two rooms, a main front bar and a seemingly unoccupied large lounge bar at the rear. Traditionally furnished - carpeted, solid wood bar and fittings. Oppressive dark blue ceiling. Decent selection of pub games, with dart board to the right and a (covered) bar billiards table to the left. Cribbage, live music and meat raffle advertised. Two TVs showing the football, competing with piped music. The large ceramic urinals should be listed! Two ales, Bombardier (which I swear smelt faintly of dog) and Doom Bar, plus a rare sighting of Ansells keg mild. Lumbering labrador that may have been the pub hound maybe it was him that made my beer/glass go canine. Not one for beer hunters to make a trek out for but a good no-frills local nonetheless, dog odours notwithstanding.

Under new ownership from 2009, The Walrus has been redesigned and offering a wide and varied food menu. I'd recommend the steaks :). Live bands on Friday's are pretty good.

The wall inscription states built 1937, I suspect, except for painting & large screen TV, not much has changed since then, even toilets are original black & white tiles This is not a criticism, why not stick to what is good instead of chasing the "yoof" market? Had two draughts available, Old Speckled Hen & Spitfire 2 bars, public & saloon, no sign of food but did notice kitchen prep area so may be wrong on this Seems to be a good local pub for surrounding pre war semis, but not one to go out of your way for Given size & build of landlord I doubt there is any trouble in here