Face Of Cheam

Valentines Day and single. An excuse for a pub crawl and a gig. This was done with my brother (who is married). We decided to make use of Status Quo’s rearranged date at the Portsmouth Guildhall. We made a quick stop at Horsham changing trains where we had a half in the Bedford pub nearby. Pleasant enough, some jazz figurines on the wall and a big screen showing rugger! Unfortunately the train coincided going through Fratton just after their game with Man City, (both teams vermin!). Still, biting my tongue this went without incident and we got to Portsmouth harbour about half five. The first pub was the Old Customs House. Two very attractive bar staff working at this Fullers pub and a quiz machine. The bar area was small and a larger restaurant room was attached. Very pleasant but quite expensive. After a walk we found the Dragon bar and restaurant. Again the bar area was smaller and we had three frames of pool on an exceptionally poor table where the cushions were resistant to any sort of bounce. The India Arms was next and we had a game of darts, with each dart having a different weight (as this was all they had behind the bar). This prolonged matters as did the pool, and we had finished our drinks a long time before the game was resolved. The Hole In The Wall was next and this small ale pub was probably my favourite despite no machines or games. A raised bar and a small corridor of seating however this meant it was fairly packed. Onwards to the Barley Mow, where there was only one barman. We waited patiently to get served and decided to have a game of bar billards. After depositing a pound we noticed that you had to pay a deposit to get the mushrooms. Back to the bar and the barman had disappeared. However the mushrooms were on display on the shelf so we helped ourselves. Despite the clock ticking during this wait, it was at least twenty minutes before the shutters came down, meaning again we had finished our drinks long time before the game ended. Good things from Beer In The Evening were heard from the next pub, The King Street Tavern. It failed to live up to expectations however, with lots of tables set out for a valentines meal and a jazz band setting up. Time was getting on so after a brief stop for some chips it was off to see the Quo. They were on form, with Francis back to his guitar playing best. Certainly better than when I saw them at Brighton in December despite the same set. The show ended in time for the last train which got to Woking just before midnight leaving time for a final pint in the O’Neills there! Fantastic.