Connect with us: 
University of Portsmouth student, Lottie Maguire takes a tour to review a few of the city’s pubs and bars
Image credit Paul Gonella
Brewhouse & Kitchen, 26 Guildhall Walk, Southsea PO1 2DD
Next to NTR, this Tudor-style building is a blast from the past. Superb food, from carveries and burgers, to canapés and sundaes. A gorgeously tiled bar, holding an infinite drinks menu. Homemade beers, ciders, G&Ts. You name it, they have it.
The Coastguard Studio, 91 Clarendon Road, Southsea PO4 0SA
Coastguard studio, established 2011. Hard to find, but never mind! The exclusive venue which covers all events for the local Southsea community and beyond. Fully licensed, accommodating alternative events, public and private functions.
The Deco 128, Elm Grove, Southsea PO5 1LR
Elm Grove gives you The Deco. With its art deco décor, this cosy pub is a hidden gem. Friendly bartenders serve delicious beer, and ‘Bifrost’ cocktails. Game nights on Wednesdays. Board games and pool. An eclectic music scene. One night you might boogie to pop classics, or headbang to heavy metal.
Electric Arms, 192 Fratton Road, Fratton PO1 5HD
First built in 1924, this vintage place is still living in the roaring ‘20s. Traditional furnishings, a coal effect fire, and plush seats. Holds a huge collection of black-and-white photographs. Chirpy bartenders serve real ale and other first-class beers at the pristine bar.
The Emporium, 154 Elm Grove, Southsea
Quirky, artistic, eccentric, retro décor. You might find a hat collection, from its days as a vintage store. Satisfying G&Ts, cocktails and beers served at the neon-lit bar. Pleasing Jazz music. Live musicians on Indie nights. Amusing open mic nights.
The Isambard Kingdom Brunel, 2 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD
Named after the 19th century engineer and son of Portsmouth, this is a perfect place to go after a concert at the Guildhall. Suitable for families. Lager, cider, ale. Cheap and cheerful meals. Fried breakfasts, roast dinners. Play area for the children. And HD TVs, so, you won’t miss the football!
Leopold Tavern, 150 Albert Road, Southsea PO4 0JT
This eccentric green pub may belong in the Emerald City, but we’re glad it’s in our town. With its friendly staff, eight TVs and snug sofas, you will feel at home. A superb range of ales, ciders and lagers. A flowery garden, beautiful all year round.
LORD John Russell, 12 Albert Road, Southsea PO5 2SH
A students’ haven. Why? Reasonably priced food and drink, of course! Try their iconic curried hotdogs or juicy burgers, with a sundae to cool it off. Wash it all down with fine beer, or wine. Top music scene, with pop, electro, and indie. Lord John Russell would be proud.
The Marmion, 20 Marmion Road, Southsea PO5 2BA
Merging rustic décor with modern glamour. Perfect for tourists and families. Good atmosphere and friendly bartenders are a highlight, along with their G&T nights, themed cuisine nights, and nacho nights. Their seafood platters, and the cheeseburgers are fantastic. Their chilli eating challenge will leave you crying with laughter.
The Merchant House, 9-11 Highland Road, Southsea PO4 9DA
Pub ho! A grand, modern pub. Its blue and white wooden décor will make you feel all at sea. Fully stocked craft beer, spirits, and filling food. Their Merchant burgers, and their substantial desserts are to die for. Vegan options included.
The One-Eyed Dog, 177-185, Elm Grove, Southsea
A touch of the ‘90s. Bartenders welcome you to the Gothic décor bar. An old-style beer selection greets you. Popular with students. Loads of games, including pool, table football, pinball, mind boggling quizzes. Also check out their awesome music nights. You will have a blast.
The Ship and Castle, 1-2 The Hard, Portsmouth PO1 3PU
Renowned for its grand view of the quays. Ideal for tourists and families. You won’t miss this sea blue building. Fine cuisine served here, with carveries, children’s meals, and classic fish ‘n’ chips. Their well-stocked bar will leave you spoilt for choice.
Ship Anson, 10 The Hard, Portsmouth PO1 3DT
A Jacobean-styled pub overlooking the Historic Dockyard, the home of the Royal Navy. Lager and ale served at the neo-Gothic bar. Cocktails galore. G&T nights. Meals fit for an admiral. Burgers, nachos, curry, with vegetarian options. Karaoke nights on Saturdays. And board games.
Spice Island, 1 Bath Square, Old Portsmouth PO1 2JL
Amazing sea views. Renowned for its G&T nights. and its collection of first-class lagers, ales and wines. Extensive seasonal menu, sumptuous fish ‘n’ chips, lasagne, burgers and fries, with vegetarian options available. Pets and children welcome.
The Still & West, 2 Bath Square, Old Portsmouth PO1 2JL
With the sea lapping at its sides, this Fullers pub was refurbished in 2017. Food served in the upstairs dining room. Real ales; craft beers; wine; tangy cocktails, transporting you to the tropics; and freshly brewed coffee to fend off the cold sea air.
The Wine Vaults, 41-47 Albert Road, Southsea PO5 2SF
Big on wooden furnishings, craft beers, wines and real ales. A welcoming atmosphere, with skilled bartenders and comfy seating. A vast food menu. Pizzas, burgers, Sunday roasts. A bohemian oasis for families.
Posted in: Articles, Food & Drink
