Sometimes, pub names can reveal something about local history – as is the case with the Havant Wetherspoons “The Parchment Makers”, which draws on the area’s industrial times. In other cases, they are purely for fun. Unusual or funny monikers are as much a celebrated part of the Great British pub as a well poured pint or a packet of pork scratchings.
From the Sir Loin of Beef to the Square Cow, we’ve put together a list of some of what we think are the best pub names in the area. The most memorably named drinking holes in and around the city, these public houses will leave you amused, baffled or intrigued with their wonderful word-play.
Here are 13 pubs with quirky names in and around Portsmouth:

1. Pubs in and around Portsmouth
Here are 17 pubs in the Portsmouth area with quirky names. Photo: -

2. The Jolly Roger - Priory Road, Gosport
The Jolly Roger in Priory Road, Gosport, has a real fire according to useyourlocal.com. Photo: Steve Reid Blitz Photography

3. The Fighting Cocks - Clayhall Road, Gosport
The Fighting Cocks is a traditional pub in Alverstoke, Gosport. It is rated 4.5 on Google. Photo: Picture: Google Street View

4. The Jolly Taxpayer - Eastbourne Road, Portsmouth
Dating back to the early 20th century, this pub in Eastbourne Road, Copnor, has a playful name. Photo: ian hargreaves