Pair go on a mission to sink a pint in each of Portsmouth’s 125 pubs

Rory Crawford, 28, and Tom Whitehouse, 29, started the challenge as part of a bet – and now they are nearly halfway through with plans to complete the mission on the August bank holiday.

Rory, a project manager from Fratton, said: ‘It started off as a bit of fun. My friend and I were born and raised in Portsmouth so we’ve drunk in most of the pubs throughout our lives. He came up with the idea and it’s spiralled from there.

‘There are 125 pubs on Portsea Island – so we have gone on a bit of mission to have a pint in each of them. We are now on pub number 58.’

The pair are documenting their journey through Instagram and say they have been surprised by how well it has been received and how much support has been shown for them.

Rory drinks either lager or cider and Tom sups ale. They write a short review of each pub they visit and post it online.

The pair, who usually drink in Shenanigans in Southsea and say that is still their favourite, started in December and plan to finish on bank holiday Monday August 26 at O’Neills, formerly the Goose at the V&A, in Albert Road, Southsea.

They have invited friends from across the country to mark the occasion and they are inviting everyone to follow their challenge and join them for a pint on their last day.

Rory said some of their favourite pubs so far have been the Newcome Arms in Newcome Road, Fratton, the Jolly Taxpayer in Eastbourne Road, Copnor and The Duke Of Buckingham, in High Street, Old Portsmouth.

He said that he felt it was important to show support for pubs, as they are a vital part of the community and provide more benefits than just simply a place to drink.

He said: ‘I don’t really drink indoors. I know that’s the trend these days but I like the atmosphere of a pub.

‘Going in for the first time, you know a good pub if the landlord welcomes you in. And I always say that it’s important to have a pool table and dart board, plus a decent jukebox.

‘Pubs are special. It is so much better than sitting indoors by yourself. It’s about going out and meeting people. You end up learning so much about people – and that beats loneliness.’

To follow the pair search rory.crawford.7 on Instagram or #pubsofportsmouth