Barley Mow, Southsea

Dating back to at least the early 19th century, this was rebuilt in its current form in 1924. This is a pub of two halves, not least because when it comes to halves, mathematicians have determined 2 to be the optimum number. You enter the right side to see a pool table and dartboard; this must be the sports room then. It’s also the lager room as the only founts dispense Coors and Fosters. Unfortunately, a beer menu displaying a goodly number of real ales was cruelly obscured by a large group of mainly men, so I ended up with a half of Australia’s finest at a very steep £2.00. It was only then that I discovered the left-hand lounge bar which is a fine example of the period with wood panelling and several handpumps. Certainly worth a look and worthy of an inclusion on a crawl.

Close to the Hole in the Wall,this is another great traditional boozer with a distinct two room layout with a modest sized public bar to the side which contains a pool table,darts board,some bench seating and a small servery but you wont see any handpumps here so consult the chalk board before ordering.There is a rear door to a charming courtyard with lots of flowers and some wooden seating which then in turn leads back to the lounge,carpeted and traditional.There was a friendly welcome and a decent ale range from 9 handpumps with on my trip Andwell Gold Muddler,St Austell Tribute ,Fullers London Pride and HSB,Butcombe Gold,Long Dog Kismet,Shepherd Neame Hop Country,Langhams XXX Mild (very good nick) and a real cider. A must visit when in Southsea,I would stay a lot longer on my next trip.

Good, traditional, locals' pub with an excellent focus on beer, both in the range and in looking after it. Worth going out of your way for.