Festing Hotel, Portsmouth

This large Victorian corner house was constructed for the Brickwood's Brewery and designed by one of the area's most celebrated pub architects, A H Bone. It originally operated as an hotel and was once a stones-throw from the long-gone East Southsea railway station. An ornate Brickwood's canopy can still be found above the main entrance. It has retained the same name throughout its long life, though now consists of a single large bar area. The spacious, curved bar room is divided into three main areas, though still retains two separate bar counters, situated back-to-back. Furnishings are a mix of traditional tables and chairs, high tables, upholstered armchairs and banquette seating. The walls in the former lounge bar area are half-panelled and the original fireplace is a point of focus. A raised deck in the former public bar area is now home to a pool table. Sky Sports is shown. A patio garden can be found at the rear of the pub.