The annual guide, released by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and on sale today, offers an insight into pubs, bars and clubs.
It highlights venues selected by its members ‘as places to savour good beers from small breweries as well as cask-conditioned lagers and world beers and some pubs are highlighted for serving real ciders too’.
Here are 11 of the Hampshire watering holes in The News area that feature in the 50th edition of the guide and what Camra said about each of them.
These write-ups are the exclusive copyright of Camra, the Campaign for Real Ale, and form part of the Good Beer Guide 2023, which can be purchased at https://shop.camra.org.uk/product/the-good-beer-guide-2023/.
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These among the official best pubs in Hampshire Photo: Various
. Blue Bell, Emsworth
Although there has been a Blue Bell here for many years, this is a relatively modern pub having been rebuilt in the current location in 1960. The brewery associated with the original pub, however, did not survive. The single bar has wood beams and panels, and is decorated with nautical memorabilia. At the front is a small patio seating area and there is a similar larger walled and part-covered one to the rear. Photo: Google Maps
. Coal Exchange, Emsworth
A short distance from the harbour, this traditional pub has a single L-shaped bar. The front is part tiled and still bears the name of its former owner, Gale’s of Horndean. The pub’s name derives from when it was used as a trading place between local farmers and merchants delivering coal by sea. To the rear is a covered smoking area and a small walled garden, a real suntrap in warmer months Photo: Allan Hutchings
9. Wheatsheaf, Titchfield
Situated in a conservation area, the pub is owned by the licensee, bought with the help of crowdfunding. The premises comprise a main bar and a small snug with an outdoor area, and a bistro restaurant. Food is also served in the bar. Sunday lunches are popular and need to be booked well in advance. Biannual beer festivals are held in December or January, and July. No food Sunday evenings. Photo: Google Maps
10. The Golden Lion, Southwick
Historic free house in a village that, apart from Church Lodge, is still privately owned by Southwick Estates. In the car park is the historic brewhouse museum. Nearby Southwick House was the centre of planning for Operation Overlord during the Second World War and the pub was visited by many of those involved including Generals Eisenhower and Montgomery. The lounge bar was the unofficial officers’ mess during that period. Tuesday is jazz night Photo: -
11. The George Inn, Portsdown Hill Road, Widley
Set alongside the old London to Portsmouth coaching route, this Grade II-listed pub offers views across Portsmouth to the Solent and the Isle of Wight. It was also a stop on the Portsdown & Horndean Light Railway (actually a tram service) until its closure in 1935. The single bar is quite spacious and decorated with brewery memorabilia, mostly relating to the former Brickwoods brewery. The bar counter itself has unusual wood panelling. Various games, including chess and shove ha’penny, are available. Photo: Google