Rapscallions, Southsea

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Malden man left this review about Wave Maiden

This is a new venture in what used to be a Greek restaurant and bills itself as "Southsea's home of sincere beer". It is rather unusual in many aspects, not least as the place only serves beer and cider, no wines or spirits, and food specialises in cheeses. The probably unique pub name originates in Norse mythology.
The interior is rather dark and gloomy, the walls and ceiling are painted in a dark green although there is some exposed brickwork. The floor is tiled, seating is at mixed regular tables but with a sofa and low stools in the front window. There is a rough hewn drinking ledge opposite the bar. Strangely, above the bar, the ceiling has been removed, leaving exposed joists which can't do much for the fire resistance of the floor upstairs, can't see how that got through Regs.
Décor is mixed old stuff, a Bakelite radio, antelope head, jars and the like.
On entering, once my eyes became accustomed to the light and I located the small bar in the rear corner I was delighted to find six barrels racked up on stillage, three of which were on. These were Vibrant Forest Radic Ale and also Cydonia plus Goldmark Vertigo. I'd not heard of either brewery or beers. I opted for the Cydonia, described as a "Martian Red Ale". It wasn't a bad drop at all, 4.7%, but I did have a surprise choosing this. The sociable barmaid served me with a smile and I smilingly offered her a £5 note. Unfortunately this was not quite enough; the beer (4.7% and cask) was for some reason £5.10. In Southsea, not Mayfair. I assume the extraordinary price is down to the beer miles from Mars, I can see no other plausible reason.
There is an extensive range of keg offerings as well as cans and bottles of the "craft" variety, ciders from Watkins and Mr Whitehead as well as something called Cidre Bouche.
The place is closed on Mondays and doesn't open until 3pm in the week, 12 at weekends.
The pub had an ok atmosphere and I sort of like what they are trying to do here but more than a fiver for a pint of regular strength beer in a provincial town, I'm waving goodbye to this maiden.

On 3^rd May 2015 - rating: 5
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