Mermaid, Portsmouth

Designed by A E Cogswell and built in 1900 for the Pike Spicer brewery on what was once Mermaid Field (Mermaid being a corruption of the words mere mead - a water meadow), this pub features an ornate cast-iron canopy over the entrance doors. Inside, the layout of the pub is remarkably unchanged, with a large public bar at the front, and a smaller, more intimate, lounge bar to the rear. Both have recently been given a sympathetic refurbishment, which has thankfully done nothing to compromise the integrity of the pub's interior. The public bar is well appointed, with darts, pool, a jukebox and television on offer. A meat raffle is held each weekend. A number of sporting trophies are displayed around the pub. In the lounge bar stands a bar billiands table as well as a second dart board. Outside is a sizeable, secluded beer garden.