Tucked into one of Portsmouth's lesser known conservation areas, the tavern, with its fine ornate china lettering, is located by a cobblestoned, tree-lined square.

Inside the cosy and eclectic pub, the feeling is laid-back. A piano stands in a recess and a small pool table is at the other end of the two-roomed pub.

The room is adorned with hearty beams, resembling those on HMS Victory.

Music is part of the deal. When they don't have a live jazz band or Irish band in, they play guitar or South American music. There's no menu, unless you count the one small blackboard behind the long bar. The two dishes served each evening change daily.

Roasts are served on Sundays, while lunchtimes see soup, quiches, ploughmans or salads emerging from the kitchen. The prices are wonderfully low – none of the mains is over £10.

The landlord and landlady also pride themselves on proper Italian coffee and cask-conditioned beers such as Bishop's Tipple and Tom Woods.

Owners Nicky Gray and Sam Foot collected the award.

Sam says: 'It was a little bit of a shocker to be honest. Last year we were runners-up and we couldn't attend the ceremony. We very nearly didn't make it this time. When it's just two of you running the whole caboodle it's hard to take a night off.

'We were really pleased to have won, especially as we didn't get involved in the voting. We didn't put posters up or publicise it at all, so it's nice to know that people took it upon themselves to vote for us.

'It's crazy. We've only been here two years last month.

'Thank you to everyone for voting for us.'

Runner-up: Sussex Brewery, Emsworth. Yes – there really is still a pub with sawdust on the floor and sausages by the yard. The Sussex has long been a part of the food and drink culture of Emsworth.

While still managing to maintain the traditional values of a proper Inn with its real ales and open fires, The Sussex has recently refurbished its two dining rooms.

The menus concentrate on fresh, local produce as well as offering a range of award winning sausages, all cooked and presented with the emphasis on flavour and simplicity.

Head chef Mark Prior and bar manager Thomas Roman collected their award.

Mark says: 'It was an unexpected surprise. We would have preferred first place but even to be considered was a great honour.

'It's a wonderful feeling to know we're the second best pub in the area and we were over the moon. It was a great achievement for all the staff.'