A Hampshire pub has been named among the best in South East England as part of the National Pub & Bar Awards 2023.

The Vaults in Southsea was included among the nine recognised in the South East regional section.

A total of 94 venues have been recognised in the annual event as the best in their respective counties.

The awards aim to highlight the positive and inspiring work being carried out across the UK’s hospitality industry.

Hampshire Pub named among best in South East

On The Vaults website, it says: "Set right in the heart of Southsea's bohemian district, The Vaults is a lively pub on Albert Road accommodating 4 bars over 3 floors.

"With a fabulous range of cask real ale and craft lager paired with a diner-style pub menu, it's a great spot for dinner and drinks with friends."

The establishment has a designated craft ale and lager bar with a range of seven cask-conditioned ales and over 20 draught beers.

South East County Winners at the National Pub & Bar Awards 2023

  • Hare & Hounds, Newbury, Berkshire
  • West Sussex, The Blue Bell at Cocking, West Sussex
  • The Fighting Cocks, Isle of Wight
  • The Marquis of Granby, Kent
  • The Oarsman, Buckinghamshire
  • The Running Horses, Mickleham, Surrey
  • The Rusty Bicycle, Oxfordshire
  • The Stag Inn, East Sussex
  • The Vaults, Hampshire

You can see the full list of County Winners via the National Pub & Bar Awards website.

How do the awards work?

Entries for the awards have been open since the start of the year, with hundreds of venues outlining the details of their operation, summarising the work that goes into the design, training, team welfare, sustainability, food, drink, marketing and many other areas. 

At the award ceremony in June, official regional winners will be crowned as well as overall winner.

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which runs the awards, said: “We were overwhelmed by the level and quality of entries this year.

“It just goes to show what magnificent work is going on across the UK hospitality sector. With outrageous energy costs, recruitment shortages and a punishing taxation system, these businesses are once again facing tough times.

"Now, more than ever, it’s vital that people support their local pubs and bars. So, ahead of the long Easter weekend, why not check out the finest in your county?”