Shearer Arms, Portsmouth

Built for the Gibbs Brewery in the 1890s, the Shearer Arms spent many years in the hands of Brickwood's before being acquired by Whitbread in 1971. Now owned by Punch Taverns, a refurbishment in 2006 has resulted in a pleasant single-bar pub which has become popular with the local community. The bar includes a pool table and dart board, plus jukebox, television and gaming machines. A large collection of sports trophies is on display. Furnishings consist of traditional tables and chairs, upholstered pews and bar stools. The walls are half-boarded and are decorated with an assortment of football memorabilia. A large flag of St George is hung on the end wall. The pub's frontage includes some original leadlight, stained-glass top windows. To the rear is a secluded patio garden, with smoking shelter and the pub's former inn sign. The pub hosts live music at weekends and a meat raffle is held at 7:30pm on Fridays.