Pack out Portsmouth pub for its annual winter beer festival

The Rose in June, in Milton Road, Copnor, Portsmouth, will hold the annual occasion from Friday, February 26, to Sunday, February 28.

Around 100 ales from across the region and beyond will run through the pumps and five different ciders are being offered up.

And it’s good news for sports fans as the pub will be dishing up free bangers and mash during the England vs Ireland rugby clash at Twickenham Stadium on the Saturday.

Local beers that will be on offer include Piston Porter, by The Oakleaf Brewing Company, in Gosport.

Brews from Portsmouth’s Irving & Brewers will also be showcased at the event, which is in its eighth year.

And Hoppist, a beer from a new UK brewery called Hop Art, will also be making an appearance. Paul Saynor, co-landlord of The Rose in June, said he can’t wait to get it going.

He said: ‘It’s great because we will offer a variety of different ales you don’t normally see in other pubs, especially pubs in this area that often.

‘People realise The Rose in June is a real ale pub and if we have got something new on, then hopefully they will get come and check us out.

‘Saturday will be busy as it’s the day of a Pompey home match as well.’

Paul hopes about 60 punters should pack out the pub each day for the festival - and anticipates all the supplies of beer for the occasion will run out by the end of it.

The event will come a week after Gosport’s Winterfest, which takes place at Thorngate Halls in the town on Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20. More than 100 real ales, ciders and bottled beers will be on offer.