Possibly the Best Pub and Beer in Britain
There are times when you realise that you have discovered something special. These epiphanies don’t happen very often; yet when they do; you want to tell the world.
I first became aware of the Brewhouse & Kitchen based at 26 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, PO1 2DD when watching my son run the Great South Run in Portsmouth. We had walked past it on our way from the train station to our viewing point. I made a mental note to visit.
A couple of weeks later my daughter wanted to go shopping in Portsmouth. I left my poor wife to be dragged around the shops while I headed to Brewhouse and Kitchen to experience their beer. After all, it is a microbrewery and surely the ale would be good? Alas no! It was amazing!
Portsmouth’s very own Microbrewery
When you walk into the pub; if you look to your right, you will see the vats where the beer’s brewed. They brew some beer styles on the premises and every time I have visited, at least four types; brewed in Portsmouth; are available for consumption.
For those wanting to experience something unique; they hold regular events ranging from a beer masterclass which includes tasting eight beer styles and rounded off with a burger meal and a brewery experience day.
Brewery Experience Day
What can I say? If you have ever been interested in beer; it’s making or tasting; the Brewery Experience Day is right up your street. You start the day with breakfast; then learn and help brew the beer that is due to be brewed that day.
During the day you are given a typically fantastic lunch and get to taste some styles of beer. After which you receive your very own 5l keg of beer to enjoy. Father’s day and birthdays sorted me thinks! (Kids; please note)
Black Swan IPA 5.7%
I seem to have gone off track; so back to the storyline. When I first visited the microbrewery, I sampled a couple of the beers and ended up with a pint of Black Swan IPA. As I neared the end of my glass, I had become aware that this could well have been the best pint I have ever had in a pub.
Being 53 at the time, I might just add that I have had a fair few pints in my time. At this point I should just say that i am sitting in the pub right now with a pint, so any mistakes here is not my fault… blame the beer!
A Portsmouth Gastro Pub
Modern-day pubs find it hard to keep going. Like many others, the Brewhouse & Kitchen has to sell food to attract and keep the customers both happy and hopefully coming back. In Portsmouth they sell food; the pub triples up as a pub/restaurant/gastropub and has two menus; an Express lunch offering food for around £5.50 or under and then there is the main menu which includes one of my personal favourites from home; Beer Can Chicken.
The Ridiculous Burger
At the Brewhouse & Kitchen in Portsmouth, I have to admit that I love the Ridiculous Burger. So what is the Ridiculous Burger?
“Two 21 day aged Birchstead beef patties, BBQ pulled pork, smoked bacon, IPA battered onion rings, Monterey Jack cheese with B&K relish. Tomato, lettuce & red onion.”
Imagine your favourite burger; add to this a little perfection, and you have the Brewhouse & Kitchen Ridiculous Burger.