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.
Two star - A pub interior of very special national historic interest
Listed status: Not listed
This fine community local was built in 1928 for Brickwoods brewery in a rather quirky sub-Arts andf Crafts style. It has an interior has considerable integrity, retaining two (was five) rooms plus a first-class example of an off-sales which, amazingly in the 21st century, is still functioning. The public bar was originally divided into three: see the three outside doors. It still has its original panelling, counter, back fittings, and a pair of red-brick fireplaces. Round the corner and facing the off-sales hatch is a set of drawers for cash etc in the back fitting. The lounge is panelled too, the wood being said to be Hungarian oak (Portsmouth News, 13 March 1980). The canopies over the servery are no doubt work of the early interwar period, perhaps of the 1960s. Should you be ticking unusual pub names, you’ll need to visit the Ming Arcade in downtown Singapore for the world’s other Jolly Taxpayer pub.
Built 1928 by William Lane for Brickwoods and retains two (was five) rooms and a splendid panelled off-sales with hatch to the bar which is still in use by local residents. The lounge on the left retains its original bar counter, bar back with drawers, and square wood panelled walls of Hungarian oak (Portsmouth News 13/3/80). It was original two very small rooms but the wall was removed many years ago. The public bar retains its original counter and bar back but the canopies over both bars are modern additions. There is more square panelling throughout the room and two original brick fireplaces. Up to c.1960 this was divided into three small rooms by panelled and part glazed partition walls which is confirmed by the three sets of doors into the bar.
This Pub serves no changing beers and 2 regular beers.
Jolly Taxpayer, Portsmouth