The Best Pubs in Portsmouth
Portsmouth’s pub scene is as dynamic as its island setting. From historic waterside inns that have watched naval carriers glide past for centuries to modern brewpubs crafting hyper local ales on site, the city offers everything from lively sports bars with massive screens to cozy, dog friendly locals. As the only English city not on the mainland, its maritime spirit infuses every pint, Sunday roast, and live music night, whether you’re cheering on your team or soaking up harbour views from an outdoor patio. Discover the best pubs in Portsmouth and raise a glass to its unique character.


1. Scarlet Tap
80-82 Palmerston Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3PT, UK
Head to Scarlet Tap for the ultimate sports fan’s paradise, where every match is a full-blown event on massive HD screens. Their craft beer selection is top-notch, and the cocktail menu is just as impressive—perfect for a lively group outing. The outdoor seating is a brilliant bonus for sunny days, and with live music adding to the buzz, it’s the ideal spot to cheer on your team or celebrate a bottomless brunch.
Photo by Tim Sheerman-Chase — CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. Brewhouse & Kitchen - Southsea
51 Southsea Terrace, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3AU, UK
Head straight to Brewhouse & Kitchen in Southsea for award winning craft beer brewed right on site, making every pint as fresh as it gets. Their menu is packed with crowd pleasers like the signature Beer Can Chicken and legendary Sunday roasts, all perfect for sharing with your dog friendly group on the outdoor patio. With a full bar of wine, cocktails, and hyper local ales plus buzzing quiz nights and rugby screenings, this brewpub is your new go to for any occasion.
Photo by N Chadwick — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. King Street Tavern
70 King St, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 4EH, UK
For a proper town pub that nails the classics, King Street Tavern is an absolute gem. Their award winning Sunday roast is a must try, and the menu pairs perfectly with a great selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. With live music, a dog friendly policy, and outdoor seating, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxed group gathering any day of the week.
Photo by N Chadwick — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. Ship Anson
10 The Hard, Portsea, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UK
Step into the Ship Anson, a proud maritime pub by the harbour where history and hearty hospitality meet. This is a proper local, serving up perfectly poured real ale, wine, and cocktails in a setting that feels like it’s been welcoming sailors and strangers for centuries. With Sky Sports and TNT Sports blasting on every screen, it’s the ultimate spot to gather your crew for the big match, while the dog friendly policy and dedicated group seating make every visit feel like a homecoming.
Photo by Stephen McKay — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


5. The Dockyard Pub Portsmouth
13-19 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2RY, UK
Make your way to The Dockyard Pub, where the energy is electric and every visit feels like a celebration. This vibrant spot is a paradise for sports fans, with every major match from the Premier League to Formula 1 playing on screens throughout, and a cracking menu of craft beers, wines, and cocktails to keep the good times flowing. The outdoor beer garden is perfect for groups, while the bottomless brunch and lively events like DJ sets and quiz nights ensure there’s never a dull moment.
Photo by N Chadwick — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. The Still & West, Old Portsmouth
Bath Square, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2JL, UK
Perched right on the water’s edge in Old Portsmouth, The Still & West is a stunning historic pub where you can watch naval carriers and cruise ships glide past while enjoying a perfectly poured pint. Their menu shines with refined pub classics and a brilliant Sunday roast, all beautifully paired with an excellent selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. With outdoor seating, live music, and a warm welcome for both groups and dogs, this spot is an absolute must for soaking up the harbour views and savoring top quality food and drink.
Photo by Andrew Abbott — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. Spice Island
1 Bath Square, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2JL, UK
Welcome to the Spice Island, a historic waterside pub that's been a local treasure since the 1700s. With unbeatable harbour views, a spacious outdoor patio, and a menu packed with delicious pub classics, it’s the perfect spot to gather your group (including your dog) for a relaxed meal or a round of drinks. Whether you're catching live music, soaking up the sun, or toasting with a cocktail, this iconic spot serves up good times with every visit.
Photo by Steve Daniels — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. Brewhouse & Kitchen - Portsmouth
26 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD, UK
For incredible craft beer brewed right on site, Brewhouse & Kitchen is your go to spot for hyper local pints and a menu packed with crowd pleasers like the famous Beer Can Chicken and epic Sunday roasts. With a full bar of wine and cocktails, plus a dog friendly outdoor terrace, it’s a brilliant place to gather your group for lunch, a work session, or a lively evening. Whether you’re catching the rugby, celebrating with friends, or just grabbing a Proper Pint, this brewpub delivers fantastic food and freshly brewed beer every time.
Photo by N Chadwick — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


9. O'Neill's Southsea
Albert Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 2SX, UK
O'Neill's Southsea is your go to for cracking pub food, ice cold pints, and seriously generous service that makes you feel like a regular from the first visit. The menu is packed with beautifully presented dishes that taste every bit as good as they look, and the team will bend over backwards to make sure you leave happy. With live music, plenty of screens for the big match, and a dog friendly outdoor terrace, it’s the perfect spot for a lively group catch up or a relaxed pint after work.
Photo by N Chadwick — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. Farmhouse
Burrfields Rd, Portsmouth PO3 5HH, UK
Craic on down to The Farmhouse, your wallet friendly local where the pints are perfectly chilled and the big screens are always showing the next big match. With a full bar of beer, wine, and cocktails, plus a buzzing Wacky Warehouse play area for the little ones, it’s the ideal spot for a group catch up or a lively afternoon cheering on your team. Grab your mates, secure a table for the footy, and settle in for brilliant value food and a proper good time.
Photo by N Chadwick — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons




