Jolly Taxpayer, Portsmouth

An A E Cogswell designed pub dating from 1914, the Jolly Taxpayer reopened in 1929 following extensive alterations by architect J Walmisley. Hidden away in a residential area and therefore making it one of Portsmouth's least-known pubs, this former Brickwood's house is very much a locals' local. Now a genuine free house, the pub still retains its original public bar and smaller lounge, both of which are wood panelled throughout. Remarkably, the pub's original 'bottle and jug' off-sales counter is still intact, complete with separate entrance, where people young and old still pop in for drinks, tobacco and even sweets! The large public bar is carpeted and traditionally furnished and contains no less than three dart boards - one of the front of house and two to the rear, where a pool table can also be found. Two large brick open fires face one another from either ends of the room. A large television is mounted on the chimney breast at the front of the bar, on which Sky Sports events are shown. The walls are decorated with autographed, framed, football shirts. The comfortable lounge bar is accessed via a separate entrance and is pleasantly furnished with a mixture of banquettes, traditional tables and chairs and bar stools. A piano can also be found here. A beer garden is located at the rear of the pub.