This is now the start of the Highland Run for those who are trying harder than the usual crowd. The reason for starting here, and not in Highland Road is that the pub that used to populate the end of the road (The Mayflower) used to be the starting point for the Highland Run, but was converted into some modern flats around 2006. There was then a discussion about whether to start at the Sirloin, or head around the corner.
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When people think of scary local pubs in Portsmouth, they’re probably thinking of the Royal Marine Artillery Tavern, or RMA as it’s usually referred to. Doesn’t get too much natural light, but that doesn’t make too much difference. It is true to say it’s a local’s pub, but I’ve been in there in the evening at a weekend and had a great night without any stabbing at all so don’t judge a book by it’s cover.
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The Cellars deserves a special mention, not due to anything related to the Highland Run, but because they do excellent work supporting the local music scene, as well as hosting national cover bands and singer/songwriters. Their website can be found in the Southsea Scene Links on the right and is worth a look if you like your entertainment live.
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Now known only ever as the Rave Diggers, due to the lack of lettering outside, which has been like this for about 2 years now. Plus, it can be a bit ravey. A strange layout pub, as long as I’ve known it, it’s been divided into 2 sides.
Left Hand – Studenty kick around area. Grubby sofas, sticky floor, dark painted surfaces, most likely a bit of puke hidden here and there (that’s not saying there is, but it’s pretty dark and you can’t tell for certain).
Right Hand – Old Man Pub. Carpet. Wood. Old men. Usually dead, by that I mean quiet, rather than featuring dead men.
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More or less the halfway house between moderate drinking and excessive drinking. Everything up to this pub usually makes a fair amount of sense. Everything in this pub and beyond it is fairly good going, especially if you started at the Eastney Tavern.
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The Pubs