I spent the day exploring Southsea’s beer scene, starting at Staggeringly Good, where the dino theme and lively vibe set the tone. Makemake was next, tucked among brewing kit with its creative small-batch beers. The Brewers Tap felt like a real community hub, while the Sir Loin of Beef gave me that classic, historic pub feel. At HUIS, I paired Belgian-inspired bites with a pint, then ducked into the cosy Hole in the Wall. I finished at Farfarout, a snug little bar with a laid-back charm. Southsea’s mix of breweries and pubs made for a fun, flavourful crawl.
Category Archives: Hampshire
13/08/25 – Southampton
Southampton has such a vibrant pub and brewery scene, and I’ve loved exploring the variety of places on offer. One of my favourites is Dancing Man Brewery, set in the historic Wool House, where medieval charm meets modern brewing. Olaf’s Tun is another gem — a cosy little micro-pub with Viking vibes that instantly makes you feel at home — while Bottle & Stoat stands out for its strong community spirit. I’ve also enjoyed spots like Overdraft, Belgium & Blues, and The Cricketers Arms, each with its own character, distinctive décor, and brilliant drinks. For me, it’s that mix of history, atmosphere, and creativity that makes pub-hopping around Southampton such a great experience.
12/08/25 – Gosport, Portsmouth and Surrounding Area
A day exploring various beer venues in Portsmouth and Gosport, starting with Powder Monkey Brewing Co, established in a historical naval gunpowder store. I highlight the vibrant atmosphere of each location, including The Powder Monkey Taphouse and 33 Green Bottles, both rich in local history. Casemates Studios & Café, a converted fort, now combines coffee, live music, and community spirit. Urban Island Brewing Co and The Drayton Tavern emphasise community engagement with unique brews, while The Portcullis Taphouse showcases a new brewery. The exploration concludes at The Fossil Thief, a café-bar blending history with craft beer culture.
20/06/24 – New Forest and Southampton
Started out the day over in the New Forest visiting “Vibrant Forest Brewery”, before heading back to Southampton on the Hythe Ferry. Worked my way through a number of pubs near to the ferry terminals before heading further into town around Woolston, Bedford Place and Shirley. Also includes a visit to “Steel Tank Alehouse” in Chandlers Ford and “Steam Town Brew Co” at Eastleigh.
19/06/24 – Bridport and Weymouth
Started today in Bridport visiting “Palmers Brewery” for a tour around with their Sales Manager and Head Brewer before some tasters back at their Wine Store. Headed into Bridport itself after calling into “The Colmer”, “The Woodman”, “The Tiger Inn”, “The Pursuit of Hoppiness” and “The Ropemakers”. Headed over to Weymouth on the bus via the scenic Jurassic coast visiting “The Rock”, “The Dolphin Hotel” and “The Doghouse Micropub”. Called into New Milton on the train home to visit “The Hourglass” Micropub.
18/06/24 – Isle of Wight
A day out on the Isle of Wight. Started off getting the ferry from Southampton to East Cowes, visiting “Lifecraft” bottle shop. Headed over next to Newport on the bus to visit “Newport Ale House”. Another bus journey over to Brading and a short walk out to “Wight Knuckle Brewery”. Finished on the Island in Sandown at “The Castle”. A train journey back from here back into Ryde and over on the ferry to Portsmouth. Managed a call in Swanwick to “The Gate Craft Bar”
24/06/23 – Bournemouth
Last down down this way of the country and headed out to Bournemouth. A bus route starting from Parkstone, and working through Branksome, Winton, Bournemouth, Southbourne and Christchurch areas visiting 11 Micropubs and Brewery Taps. A final call in Southampton to Unity Brewing Co and their relaunched tap room.
23/06/23 – Eastleigh, Botley, Romsey and Chandlers Ford
A day starting off at Steam Town Brew Co in Eastleigh with its unique reclaimed railway items making up areas of the pub, before heading over to Botley. Two brewery taps here for Botley Brewery and Cracklerock Brewery, Botley Brewery having a unique feature for paddle boarders. Romsey next for Flack Manor Brewery Tap and the Cocky Anchor Micropub and finishing in Chandlers Ford with the popular Steel Tank Alehouse Micropub.
22/06/23 – Lymington, Brockenhurst and Southampton
Started off the day in Lymington Town visiting the Monkey Brewhouse, alongside a couple of real ale pubs in the town. Headed up to Brockenhurst to walk to Pig Beer in its lovely secluded location, before finishing in the Shirley area of Southampton to visit The Witch’s Brew, Overdraft and Clockwork.
21/06/23 – Gosport, Portchester, Swanwick and Southampton
A day out starting with a morning in Gosport with the amazing guys at Powder Monkey Brewing Co, dropping over to Seafire Tap in Lee-on-the-Solent, before heading to a few bars in Gosport. Headed back via Portchester and Swanwick to visit two Micropubs before finishing with Good Libations and Belgium & Blues in Southampton.
Micropub Adventures 