The Kraken Wakes

The Kraken Awakes is a student orientated pub in Portsmouth, but somewhat reminiscent of the gastropubs you find in Islington. A mixture of trendy tunes and floppy haircuts, juxtaposed against a decent drinks selection (the first place I’ve seen that sells Gaymers Devon cider that you usually find in Waitrose behind the bar). As a designer, the place appeals to me greatly, as the identity has been well explored, with passages from Tennyson’s poem painted on the walls, beautifully set out menus, a nod to Portsmouth’s baval and fishing history and charming Mr Scruff style motifs dotted around. Looking at their site, they have regular DJ nights, a lovely «Computer Club» games evening, and Sunday roasts that would put your mum to shame. As I’m looking to move to Portsmouth soon, I think this may well become a frequent haunt.