The Best Pubs in Portsmouth
Forget the same old chain pubs. Whether you’re after a pint of awardwinning beer brewed just metres from your glass, a hidden local where the regulars might play you a tune, or a historic spot with knockout Solent views, Portsmouth serves up a proper pint with a side of personality. From rooftop gardens and rooftop gardens to a garden hiding a real Tardis, these are the places where you’ll end up staying for "just one more." Pour yourself into the full list and check out the best pubs in Portsmouth.


1. Brewhouse & Kitchen
26 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2DD
This is a craft beer pub that brews its own hyper local, award winning beers on site, making it the perfect place to enjoy a proper pint. The menu features a signature beer can chicken, which is steamed over their American pale ale, alongside offers like a burger and pint for £13.95. You can watch the Women’s Six Nations rugby here, or book a designated quiet workspace with wifi and power sockets during the week. It also has a rooftop garden and bar that can be booked for private events.
Photo by Dominic Lockyer — CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. The Phoenix
13 Duncan Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO5 2QU
This is a true hidden gem, a community local where the friendly staff and superb real ales create an unbeatable experience. The quirky patio beer garden is a delight, and the pub is wonderfully welcoming to dogs, with regulars who might even treat you to a Jethro Tull song on request. You simply cannot beat the brilliant, nutty character of this place, making it a pub well worth seeking out.
Photo by Basher Eyre — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. The Still & West, Old Portsmouth
Bath Square, Old Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2JL
This stunning Grade II listed pub in Old Portsmouth blends smart modern style with traditional nautical charm. It promises fine food and drink alongside sublime views over the Solent, making it a special place to relax at the water’s edge. The menu features refined pub classics crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the well stocked bar offers everything from modern craft beers to cask classics. Outdoor seating in the garden is available and can be booked in advance.
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4. The Merchant House
9-11 Highland Road, Southsea, Hampshire, PO4 9DA
The Merchant House is a brilliant spot where excellent craft beer and real ale take center stage, poured by a fantastic team. While the food menu is available, the real draw here is the lively energy that spills out into the outdoor seating area. You’ll find a welcoming crowd ready to get involved, making it a proper local gem for a relaxed pint.
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5. The Rose in June
102 Milton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 6AR
The Rose in June is a family friendly local pub in the heart of the community. It offers a great selection of well kept real ales and ciders, with fun quiz nights on Thursdays. The pub has outdoor seating and a beer garden, which can get very busy with kids at weekends. Friendly customers and staff help make this a welcoming spot for a drink.
Photo by Basher Eyre — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. Florence Arms
18-20 Florence Road, Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 2NE
This is a brilliant community pub where the warmth of the staff and the buzz of conversation make you feel right at home. The food is seriously satisfying, with generous, perfectly cooked roasts and pasta dishes that have earned glowing recommendations. While the selection of real ales has reportedly changed, the friendly spirit, great value, and lively mix of music and books keep it a local treasure. Be sure to book ahead for a table, as this welcoming spot is clearly a firm favorite.
Photo by Basher Eyre — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. The Spice Island Inn
1 Bath Square, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2JL
This Greene King pub is a welcoming local where the staff are friendly and the food is highly praised. Guests rave about the great ale battered fish and chips, calling it the best in town, and the Sunday roast is described as delicious with melt in your mouth tender pork. With scenic views, outdoor seating, and a sunny weather vibe, it is a place where every visit feels exactly what you needed. Whether for a big match, a pub quiz, or just an excuse not to cook, this is where the magic happens.
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8. Leopold Tavern
154 Albert Rd, Southsea, Hampshire, PO4 0JT
The Leopold Tavern is a true gem, bursting with friendly energy and a brilliant selection of beers, ales, and ciders that will thrill any drink lover. The staff are incredibly welcoming, often letting you sample something new if you're undecided, and the value for money is hard to beat. Step into the garden to find a delightful surprise: a real Tardis, adding a playful, quirky touch to your visit. This pub draws a wonderfully mixed crowd, making every trip feel lively and inclusive. It’s simply a fantastic place to settle in with a pint and some Jalapeno crisps.
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9. The Vaults, Southsea
41-47 Albert Rd, Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 2SF
The Vaults is a lively pub on Albert Road set in the heart of Southsea's bohemian district, featuring four bars spread over three floors. It offers a fabulous range of cask real ale and craft lager paired with a diner style pub menu, making it a great spot for dinner and drinks with friends. The pub also has outside seating, a garden, and step free access.
Photo by Robin Webster — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. Sir Loin Of Beef
152 Highland Road, Southsea, Hampshire, PO4 9NH
This pub is a brilliant mash up of a Mediterranean cafe vibe and a proper local boozer, packed with fascinating submarine memorabilia that gives it a unique character. The real ales are top notch, and the Thursday quiz nights are a fantastic way to spend an evening with friends. It is a genuinely welcoming spot where the relaxed, sun soaked feel meets hearty British pub tradition.
Photo by Tim Sheerman-Chase — CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons




