Portsmouth pub prepares for return of winter beer bash

The Rose in June, in Milton Road, Copnor, Portsmouth, will serve up 10 different ales and a selection of ciders to guests from Friday, March 3, to Sunday, March 5.

Organisers are busy preparing the list of beers that will be showcased.

Local breweries are expected to be given the chance to sell their brews to ale fans.

Paul Saynor, co-landlord of The Rose in June, said: ‘This is an annual event because there’s demand for it and, being a winter festival, we try to bring in more of the darker, richer, porter-type ales, which at this time of year people seem to enjoy.

‘It’s a chance to show off different styles and gives the local breweries a chance to show what they have got as well.

‘It’s a great chance to explore a variety of different beers all in one place, rather than doing that from pub to pub.

‘They are all at one venue, which makes beer festivals very popular.’

The event will come a week after the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale throws its annual Winterfest at Thorngate Halls, which this year celebrates its 25th birthday.

Mr Saynor, a Camra member, says the organisation is happy with the way ticket sales are going so far for the event, taking place on Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25.

The Gosport festival gets underway with a day session on the Friday from noon until 4pm.

Friday’s evening session takes place from 6.30pm to 11pm.

Then beer-lovers will be welcomed back on Saturday from 11.30am and again from 6.30pm and 11pm.