Bookshop Alehouse, Southampton

Southern Hampshire CAMRA Pub of the Year and Wessex Region runner up for 2018. The former bookshop was converted into a pub in 2016. It comprises of the front room with two wide steps up to the bar area where there are four handpumps serving beers from a range of breweries, as well as four taps serving kegs, and a display fridge stores the 'bag-in-box' ciders. Its relaxing character has been kept; along one wall there is a bookcase full of books and the room has several tables and chairs. No food, but they will be happy for you to collect from the local takeaways, they supply plates and cutlery but not sauces etc. This and the adjoining buildings were built in 1901 and the frontage, restored after war damage, has local listing so it will continue to look like a shop. Once inside a ramp enables full wheelchair access though outside there is a small step to the pavement - a portable ramp for this is available in the bar.

Unfined / Vegan-Friendly beers are clearly marked on the pump clips and blackboard with the letters 'V.F.' to the bottom-right, which is great for assisting customers to ensure that they choose a beer to their liking.