Sovereigns, Mile End, Portsmouth

Built into the Travelodge complex, Sovereigns represents the very worst kind of chain pub, and is probably in breach of the Trades Desciptions Act. Its sign advertises fine wines, but only cheap plonk and middle-range fighting wine was available. It also offered fun - but for whom? Not the serious pub-goer. In fairness, it offered "Extra cold beers" - this was certainly true of the Sharps Doombar I had, although that's not a good thing and the pint was tasteless and unenjoyable. I didn't try the food, which looked like the standard Happy Hungry Horse-eater fare, and in any case there were 2 people at the bar independently complaining about the quality of their meals. Again, in fairness, the smell of stale chip-fat should have kept my expectations in check. Of the 6 staff on (all wearing their corporate polo-shirts), only one lady was prepared to serve beer. It's convenient for the ferry port, but then so are other places. Not worth including on a crawl.

This is really a Travel Lodge now, but does have bars