Whether it’s traditional country inns, city bars or trendy micropubs, the Southampton, Winchester and Portsmouth area is blessed with many great places that serve Hampshire beer.

But there are still few better places to sample the best ales from Hampshire’s 30+ breweries than at a local beer festival.

After a break of a few years due to always forgetting to buy a ticket (doh), I headed to the first session of the sold-out Winchester Beer and Cider Festival at the city’s Guildhall last Friday afternoon.… Read more

I do love a good pub crawl.

But there are times when it’s nice to settle in at a pub or bar for a few hours and relax with some good beers and something to eat.

That’s what Tiff and I did a couple of weeks ago before a rare trip to watch a gig at the Engine Rooms in Southampton.… Read more

Although I live close by, I’ve never really had much of a reason to go to Gosport.

In fact, apart from a trip to the submarine museum in my schooldays and skirting the town on a walk along the Solent Way last year, I’m struggling to think of another time I’ve visited.

That’s why I was feeling a little disorientated when I disembarked the Gosport Ferry at dusk after the five-minute crossing from Portsmouth.… Read more

I’m guilty of not venturing too far from home in my search for Hampshire’s best burger.

It was no different on Sunday night because I can’t get much closer to home than the Boat House Cafe in Swanwick Marina.

The Boat House Cafe is close enough for us to walk to as we can cut across Manor Farm Country Park.… Read more