I’ve been in Fratton for the annual big Pompey GBG tick-off, and took the rattling train to Chichester to say hello to one of our correspondents. John has interesting tales to tell, having been a founder member of Depeche Mode in their formative pub-rock days in Basildon in the late ’70s*. His knowledge of Newark and Retford boozers and B&Bs is even more impressive.
No new pubs in Chichester, but a chance to re-evaluate the art scene and contribute my usual level of shopping spend to a local economy (zero).
There’s a feline theme to the city, extending to the entrance of the Pallant House Gallery, finally open on a day I’m there.
The highlight was the collection of promotional prints for the 1956 Guinness book of records, many of them set in or around pubs.
Spoons has it’s own singular artistry of course, this juxtaposition of mango chutney and The Exodus From Bognor being particularly affecting.
John and I used our Spoons vouchers on a range of strong local beers, which I find an unfortunate feature of the season. Better than tap takeovers, mind. They were good enough, I suppose (NBSS 3). The Spoons was busier with the Sunday Brunch crowd, but we were propping up the ale sales single-handed.
Whereas I always ask for a pint glass, even when drinking thirds, John preferred to decant pints into halves. Along with beer mat provision, this is surely the issue of the day.
Note expensive Spoons prices.
*Possibly
retiredmartin 
It just has to be Doggett’s Coat and Badge.
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Well done.
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And I wish I could say that I recognized St. Paul’s, but I can’t.
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St Pauls is the one with the tents outside it.
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Is there any significance to that cat having the letters JPS on the side of its body? Subtle tobacco advertising, maybe?
That catman looks distinctly creepy, rather like the bunnymen I spotted earlier in the year in Cirencester.
Some very steep beer prices by Spoons standards there!
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Yes, I suspect tobacco advertising less than subtle back in ’56.
Those prices are exceptional. I noted them back in the Spring when I paid £3.35 for an average strength pint; the Lloyds No.1 near the station was a pound or so cheaper.
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At first sight I thought the gallery was called Pedant House and was about to leap onto a slow train to the South coast.
I was slightly put off, however, by the sculpture of Mudgie just below.
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I suspect there are enough pedants in Chichester to go round.
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Round the Solent I suspect.
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