The King Street Tavern, Southsea

In my opinion this is simply one of the finest pubs in the country. The pub is traditionally furnished but with quirks (such as an collection of unusual board games from around the world), has a splendid selection of real ales and a really friendly atmosphere. The home-cooked food is excellent, especially for the price (neither being the typical ding-ding pub food nor gastropub nonsense) and the atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming.

It's one of those happy, comfy watering holes where you pitch up with friends in the early evening and then, five minutes later, it's suddenly midnight, you're very jolly and you have no idea where the time went except that it went very well.

If there were more pubs like this the world would be a happier, and probably drunker, place.

10 Jun 2008 17:52

Polish Gospoda, Reading

Okay, now visited.

Bit of a threatening start - all windows closed and doors shut. But once in, greeted by a wall of warmth and pleasant modern decor (all polished wooden floors and shiny fixtures).

Staff and other drinkers (mostly Polish) very nice and accommodating, even though we couldn't pronounce any of the items on the menu. Food fresh, hearty and tasty. At least one Polish beer on draught and lots of bottles of various Polish beers in the fridges. Wide selection of more common British beers (stella etc) and spirits. Was expecting lots of different Polish vodkas but only spotted Wyborowksa.

Basically yeah we had a good night :)

19 Feb 2008 20:25

Polish Gospoda, Reading

This is what used to be the Battle, which closed, and is now apparently being transformed into a Polish bar. Gospoda means 'restaurant'.

Quite eagerly awaited actually - if they get it right then they'll make a packet, both from West Reading's sizeable Polish community and the native Brits (Reading's got quite a varied collection of drinking spots and the locals seem to like diversity in their watering holes).

27 Jan 2008 18:04