Live Music — Pubs in Portsmouth
Discover live music pubs in Portsmouth. Browse our directory to find the perfect pub.
Found 64 live music pubs in Portsmouth
Farmhouse
Burrfields Road, Portsmouth PO3 5HH
Constructed in the 1980s, the Farmhouse is owned by Suffolk brewer Greene King and is now part of its Hungry Horse chain of eateries. The interior is divided into two distinct areas, with the left-hand side of the building designated a family area. Here can be found a large carpeted room, divided into various seating areas and containing a number of booths, with upholstered settles and traditioning tables and chairs. An ATM is available (withdrawal charges apply). Televisions are positioned around the pub and are used to screen Sky Sports events. A second area to the right, accessed via a pair of double doors, is reserved for over eighteens only. Furnishings here are similar to those found elsewhere in the pub and include a number of high tables and chairs. Two pool tables are located to the far right and more gaming machines and televisions are provided. The pub hosts karaoke on Friday evenings. There is a covered patio area at the front of the pub and plenty of car parking is available. The pub is connected at the rear to an Innlodge hotel.
British Queen
18 Queens Road, Portsmouth PO2 7NA
Dating from 1896 this street corner local stands among the densely populated Victorian terraces of Buckland. The pub consists of one main bar room, with a pool and television room to the rear. A separate family room (available for private hire) is accessed via a door at the end of the bar counter in the main room. Furnishings consist of bench seating around the periphery of the main room, plus upholstered chairs. Notable features are the original stained glass upper windows on both the north and west elevations. Live music is hosted at weekends. There is an secluded beer garden for use in warmer weather.
Druids Arms
11 Binsteed Road, Portsmouth PO2 7PH
This Victorian corner pub has retained the same name since opening in the late 19th century. Now a Fuller's house, the Druids now sports an immaculately-kept, bare-boarded, L-shaped public bar, with a dart board, trophy display, gaming machines, jukebox and a large television on which Sky Sports is regularly shown. To the rear is a pleasantly-furnished lounge area, with the walls being decorated with a miscellany of framed prints. The high-backed, wooden settles are a notable feature of the pub and are possibly unique in Portsmouth. The former lounge bar has since been converted into a separate pool room, complete with upholstered perches on the dividing wall. An interesting series of framed artworks depicting aerial views of English football stadia are displayed here. The room has its own small bar servery.
George & Dragon
137 Kingston Road, Portsmouth PO2 7EB
This pub dates from 1925 and was built for Brickwood's Brewery. Its striking half-timbered style with ornate glazed brickwork and mosaic tiling makes it one of the most recognisable buildings on Kingston Road. The interior of the pub has now been knocked into one large, roughly L-shaped, bar room, smartly decorated and divided into three distinct areas. The room in which the bar counter is located has a varnished floor and is furnished mostly with high tables and stools. There is a dart board and games machine to be found here. To the right of the bar counter can be found a comfortable, carpeted lounge, with an original fireplace containing a wood burner. A large mirror hangs on the chimney breast and a flat-panel television is mounted directly above. A large number of small, framed modern art prints adorn the walls, together with a series of larger, black and white photographic artworks. A second dart board is located in the lounge. To the rear of the pub is a games area containing two pool tables. This leads to a secluded west-facing patio garden. Occasional live music is hosted, including open mic sessions on every second Sunday. Sunday roasts served noon-4pm (other meals subject to availability).
Winchester Arms
99 Winchester Road, Portsmouth PO2 7PS
The "Winch" is a proper backstreet local, offering one regular beer and two or three varying guests. Ciders are available during the Summer. Every third Sunday evening of the month is "open-mic" night with music & comedy, and there is live music on the other Sundays, or Saturdays (once a month). A beer festival is held over the spring bank holiday weekend. The garden has a covered smoking shelter. It may stay open until midnight Friday/Saturday if busy.
Harvest Home
106 Copnor Road, Portsmouth PO3 5AN
The Harvest Home has existed on this site since at least the middle of the 19th century and is remarkable in that it has retained the same name throughout its life. Dominated by loyal customers from the surrounding terraced streets, the Harvest Home is a basic community local, with live music or karaoke offered each weekend. Darts is played and there is also a jukebox and gaming machines. BT Sports is shown on television. A meat raffle is held at 4pm on Sundays. The pub has an original fireplace located at one end of the room. A series of black and white prints of Hollywood film stars and American entertainers is displayed above the bar counter (and in the games area) and there is also a small number of brass plaques, appearing to commemorate former regulars who have departed to the great pub in the sky. A heated patio area can be found on the south side of the pub, along with a small car park - and there is an additional small garden at the rear. Cask ale may not always be available - however there is a small choice of bottled ales in the fridge.
Mermaid
222 New Road, Portsmouth PO2 7RW
Designed by A E Cogswell and built in 1900 for the Pike Spicer brewery on what was once Mermaid Field (Mermaid being a corruption of the words mere mead - a water meadow), this pub features an ornate cast-iron canopy over the entrance doors. Inside, the layout of the pub is remarkably unchanged, with a large public bar at the front, and a smaller, more intimate, lounge bar to the rear. Both have recently been given a sympathetic refurbishment, which has thankfully done nothing to compromise the integrity of the pub's interior. The public bar is well appointed, with darts, pool, a jukebox and television on offer. A meat raffle is held each weekend. A number of sporting trophies are displayed around the pub. In the lounge bar stands a bar billiands table as well as a second dart board. Outside is a sizeable, secluded beer garden.
Stag
183 New Road, Portsmouth PO2 7QU
This attractive, landmark cornerhouse was built as an hotel in 1892 to a design by respected pub architect A H Bone. The building features a large carving of a stag at roof level. Now sporting a large, single bar room, in an elongated U-Shape, the interior features some striking glazed tile work in what was once the public bar, as well as in the entrance porch. The house is bare-boarded and features scrubbed tables and traditional seating. At the far end of the bar counter, in the former saloon bar, can be found bar billiards and pool tables. A dart board is located at the front of the pub. A small patio area is located at the rear.
Star & Garter
230 Copnor Road, Portsmouth PO3 5DB
Built in the 1920s for Portsmouth United Breweries, the Star & Garter is a large roadhouse-style pub that is popular with residents from the surrounding area. The pub is furnished to a good standard, with a mix of high and low tables, bar stools and upholstered chairs. A number of seating booths can be found in the right-hand bar area, overlooking Burrfields Road. This area contains an original fireplace with wood burner at the end of the bar counter. There is a pool table in the main bar, together with televisions on which BT and Sky Sports is shown. Gaming machines are located throughout the pub. There is a south-facing patio area and parking is available for around a dozen cars.
Sir Loin Of Beef
152 Highland Road, Portsmouth PO4 9NH
A corner street local pub recently refurbished with extra seating in the old back bar with outside smoking area.
Froddington Arms
55 Fratton Road, Portsmouth PO1 5AB
Named after the old word for Fratton, the Froddington was built on a site previously occupied by pubs including the Plough & Spade and the Swiss Gardens. The pub comprises one large, roughly L-shaped, carpeted bar room, with furnishings being a mix of banquette seating and traditional tables and chairs. Seating booths at the front of the pub are separated by two ornate stained glass panels. The pub has a dart board, pool table and gaming machines. Sky Sports is shown on television. To the rear of the pub is a patio garden.
Shearer Arms
72 Shearer Road, Portsmouth PO1 5LP
Built for the Gibbs Brewery in the 1890s, the Shearer Arms spent many years in the hands of Brickwood's before being acquired by Whitbread in 1971. Now owned by Punch Taverns, a refurbishment in 2006 has resulted in a pleasant single-bar pub which has become popular with the local community. The bar includes a pool table and dart board, plus jukebox, television and gaming machines. A large collection of sports trophies is on display. Furnishings consist of traditional tables and chairs, upholstered pews and bar stools. The walls are half-boarded and are decorated with an assortment of football memorabilia. A large flag of St George is hung on the end wall. The pub's frontage includes some original leadlight, stained-glass top windows. To the rear is a secluded patio garden, with smoking shelter and the pub's former inn sign. The pub hosts live music at weekends and a meat raffle is held at 7:30pm on Fridays.
Trafalgar Arms
254 Fratton Road, Portsmouth PO1 5HH
Built in 1926 for Brickwood's and designed by prolific Portsmouth architect A E Cogwell, this house replaced another of the same name that was owned by the local Jewell Brewery. The interior has changed little in the last few decades. Consisting of a single L-shaped bar room, the front of house has parquet flooring, with the remainder being carpeted. Furnishings consist of traditional tables and chairs and vinyl covered bench seating. A fireplace is the focal point of the raised deck at the front of the pub. The Trafalgar's most notable features are the wonderful bar fittings, with its ornately-carved pillars and an interesting pot-shelf that is suspended by metal rods from the woodwork above. There is a surprisingly large, lawned garden at the rear of the pub.
Golden Hind
384 Copnor Road, Portsmouth PO3 5EN
This large, attractive road house was built in 1929 and was originally called Ye Olde Inne. Once owned by Brickwoods, the pub ended up in the hands of Whitbread and it was under that company's stewardship that the pub was knocked into one huge, single bar, rather than the three rooms it used to have (the Hydro bar once being especially pleasant with its wood panelled walls). Now owned by Greene King, the pub has been transfromed into one of its Flame Grill chain of eateries. The house is divided into a number of distinct areas, with all floorspace being bare boarded, with the exception of the restaurant. The decor consists of various shades of pale green, blue and cream, with all variety of different furnishings, such as leather banquettes, traditional tables and chairs, upholstered armchairs and stools set around upturned hogsheads. A pool table resides on the far right hand side. A fireplace containing a wood burner is located opposite the bar counter. Further around the bar, the furnishings comprise of upholstered bench seats and traditional tables and chairs. The large area towards the rear of house is home to the restaurant, which overlooks a patio garden and car park (with space for up to thirty vehicles). The bar-back is tiled, with signage that includes the words 'craft beer' - this is quite misleading, as the pub stocks no such products which can accurately be referred to as such. An extensive, well-priced menu is available all day (see website). There is a further patio seating at the front of the building, overlooking Copnor Road.
Green Posts
371 London Road, Portsmouth PO2 9HJ
A pub by the name of the Green Post(s) has existed on this site since at least the mid 18th century and stands close to the original Portsmouth city boundary (as marked by the obelisk that stands nearby on the opposite side of London Road). The large, single bar room is divided into distinct areas, with the original part of the building having the feel of a public bar and the extended area comprising the wood-panelled lounge/diner, via which you can access the pub's garden. There are two dart boards, table football and jukebox in the bar, with Sky Sports shown on large, wall-mounted televisions. An ATM is available (withdrawal charges apply). Live music is hosted on the first Friday of the month. Comfortable bench seating and high tables and chairs are located in the 'public' area, with traditional tables and chairs in the extension. Off-road parking is available at the front of the pub.
Phoenix
51 Torrington Road, Portsmouth PO2 0TN
This large brick corner house was constructed in 1937 and was originally opened as a hotel. Unlike many pubs across the city, the pub has managed to retain its two fully separate bar rooms. At the front of the pub is the original public bar - wood panelled and L-shaped, it features Sky Sports, two dart boards, pool and a bar billiards table. A collection of sporting trophies are on display. Cribbage is played, pub quizes hosted and meat raffles drawn each week. Live music is offered on Saturday and Sunday nights. The comfortable furnishings include high-backed vinyl-covered chairs and upholstered benches. At the rear is the lounge bar, accessed via an interconnecting lobby (where an ATM is situated) and similar in appearence to the public bar, with more attractive wood-panelled walls. Another two dart boards can be found here, along with a second bar billiards table. At the rear is a patio beer garden and there is also pavement seating at the front of the building. Gentlemen customers should note the original Royal Doulton urinals in the lavatory.
Fleet
1 King Henry I Street, Portsmouth PO1 2PT
This imposing, street corner pub is housed in what used to be a Royal Navy fire station until being rescued for conversion to a pub in 1997. Originally part of the nationwide Firkin chain of pubs, the Fleet is now popular with a wide section of the community and trades in direct competition with the Wetherspoon-owned Isambard Kingdom Brunel, which stands next door. As well as well-priced food and a choice of cask ales, the pub also stocks a range of bottled 'craft' beers from both the UK and abroad.
Brewhouse & Kitchen
26 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD
Distinctive from the outside with its 'Brewers Tudor' timber-clad grade II-listed facade and hanging baskets you enter to the sight of gleaming copper and possibly brewing aromas; this pub brews its own in a 2.5 barrel plant. Next door is the newly refurbished New Theatre Royal and thirty seconds away is the Portsmouth Guildhall venue. You have the chance to experience one of their brew days where you become the brewer for the day. Take outs are available in mini kegs of their beers. The brewery is in constant use brewing their own ale. Food is available all day and the kitchen is open until 10pm (9pm Sundays). Watch out for the Sunday roast dinners.
Dockyard
13 - 19 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2RY
Sports & student oriented bar with many TV screens and gaming area.
Old House At Home
104 Locksway Road, Portsmouth PO4 8JR
Situated in what is popularly known as Milton village, this large detached pub has a sizeable public bar at the front and a separate lounge to the rear (not generally in use, though may be available for private events). The public is traditionally furnished, sports a bare-boarded floor and includes plenty of standing room for when the pub gets busy. Two dart boards, a pool table, gaming machines and a jukebox can all be found here, as well as a large wall-mounted televisions, on which Sky Sports is shown. An open fire with exposed brick chimney breast is a focal point on the left side of the room. Live bands perform every weekend and a meat raffle is drawn on Sundays. Up to six cask beers are sold (less earlier in the week), with all but Sharp's Doom Bar Bitter being sourced from local brewersThe pub's large beer garden proves especially popular in summer, when outdoor events are hosted, including a popular beer festival (a winter beer festival is also being considered). The children's play equipment keeps the young ones entertained.
Old Oyster House
291 Locksway Road, Portsmouth PO4 8LH
Rebuilt to a design by A E Cogswell in 1930, this pub replaced another of the same name which had existed since the 19th century. The interior remains largely unaltered, with the large L-shaped public bar having herringbone block flooring, an open coal fire and some interesting, upholstered bench seats running around the periphery of the room. A dart board is mounted on the rear wall, above which is a display of trophies won by the pub's teams over the years. A pool table stands on the right side of the room and there is also a jukebox and quiz/gambling machines. Sports events are shown via Sky and BT Sport. A collection of football team pennants adorn the bar-back and there are items of maritime memorabilia hung on the walls. The pub's former lounge bar, to the rear, is now used for dining on Sundays (the only day of the week that the kitchen operates). This small room features an original fireplace and has its own bar servery. Roast dinners and other popular main courses are served. Additionally, the pub hosts a Sunday meat raffle at 2:30pm and there are also weekly snowball and bonus ball draws. The pub has a sizeable patio garden.
Rose In June
102 Milton Road, Portsmouth PO3 6AR
Four of the listed beers always available, plus weekend specials. Being about ten minutes walk from Fratton Park, this two-bar (three for football) pub is popular with football fans. Events include quizzes, pool and darts teams, comedy and curry nights. The extensive garden has a play area and is also used for barbecues and a summer beer festival. Also holds a February winter beer festival. Seven real ciders available (see board).
Shepherds Crook
107 Goldsmith Avenue, Portsmouth PO4 8QZ
This prominent corner house on a busy street still prominently displays the name of its original owners, Portsmouth United Breweries, and was constructed in an unusual terracota design - unique among pubs in Portsmouth. Dating from 1912 and designed by A E Cogswell, the pub caters for an almost exclusively local trade, with football fans visiting on match days. The pub has one large bar room, divided into distinctive areas. The front area is parquet floored, where a pool table can be found - which is free to use at all times. High tables and stools comprising the seating. A large papier-mâché Portsmouth crest is suspended from the ceiling above the entrance porch. An ornate, green-tiled fireplace is a focus point and an original survivor from the pub's days as a United Breweries house. Across from the bar counter can be found a number of comfortable sofas. The walls of the pub are decorated with Portsmouth Football Club memorabilia - this being the closest pub to the team's Fratton Park ground. A dart board can be found towards the rear of the pub, where there is also access to an outside patio area.
Pitch & Vinyl
2 London Road, Portsmouth PO2 0LH
A cocktail lounge bar with large TV screens showing sports and music videos
Antique Bar
19 London Road, Portsmouth PO2 0BQ
Formerly the Lanyard, and before that North End Baptist Church, this pub originally opened its doors in January 2005 following a £500,000 conversion of the disused building, featuring a single, cavernous, bare-boarded bar room within the former nave and a bar counter situated along the right-hand wall. Stairs at the rear of the premises lead to the toilets and galleried area, where tables are arranged around the edges of the parapet. A small 'snug' area can be found at the end of the nave, furnished with comfortable leather armchairs. The back wall features two large recesses which are stocked with chopped timber. Elsewhere, banquette seating runs along the left side of the pub with traditional tables and chairs being complemented by high tables and stools running along the length of the central nave. A number of television screens are positioned on three sides of the room and there is a pool table in one corner. A focal point on the west wall, above the gallery, is an impressively large clock, measuring roughly 4ft in diameter. The pub is fitted out with a lighting system for use when live bands perform at weekends. Good value meals are served throughout the day.
Lord Chichester
182 Chichester Road, Portsmouth PO2 0AX
This imposing Edwardian pub in a residential district was built in a half-timbered design with glazed brickwork for the Brickwoods Brewery. Unusually, it still retains two distinct bars, with a lounge at the side and a public/games bar to the front. Both bars are furnished to a good standard, with comfotable bench seats, traditional tables and chairs and leather upholstered low stools. The pub is carpeted throughout, with the area around the bar counter left bare-boarded. The games bar includes an ornately carved bar-back and the pub retains its original fireplaces. Also retained are some of the original, etched glazing in at least one of the main entrance doors. Two dart boards and a pool table can be found in the games bar, with televisions mounted on the walls of both rooms, showing BT and Sky Sports. Live music is performed on occasion at weekends. A heated patio area is located at the rear of the pub.
Pelham Arms
78 Chichester Road, Portsmouth PO2 0AH
Built in 1887 in brewers tudor style, the Pelham Arms was originally opened as a hotel by the Pike Spicer Brewery. The rambling interior is these days divided into distinct areas. Mainly traditionally furnished, though with the addition of some leather upholstered settles, the pub also includes a small, pleasant family room, with adjoining doors separating it from the main bar room. There is a bookcase in the front bar area and a selection of board games is available to drinkers. At the opposite end of the pub, a pool table and a pair of dart boards can be found. BT and Sky Sports is shown on television and live music is hosted. A quiz is held at 7pm on Wednesdays and karaoke is hosted on the first Saturday of each month. The pub is available to hire for private functions. Home-cooked food is served Tuesdays to Thursdays 5pm-8pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm-7pm and Sundays from 12pm-6pm (when Sunday Roasts are served). The Pelham also has a surprisingly large, lawned beer garden and patio area to the rear.
Brewery Tap
17 London Road, Portsmouth PO2 0BQ
The Tap was given a full refurbishment in the autumn of 2016 and now sports a tasteful decor which includes a large, striking image of Portsmouth's famous landmarks adorning the length of the right-hand wall. Floors are predominantly bare-boarded except for a small area beneath the dart board. Furnishings consist of a mix of banquette seating, bar stools and benches set around tables of varying size and height. A series of framed prints is displayed on the walls and there are etched mirrors affixed to the supporting columns in the centre of the room. Three televisions show Sky and BT Sports. The Tap hosts live music on occasion and food is served throughout the day.
Thatchers
95 London Road, Portsmouth PO2 0BN
A pub by the name of the Thatched House existed on this site for around 150 years. Originally a two bar local, in 2002 the house received a major refit, including a new frontage and new name, Thatcher's. This is a good example of how a comprehensive refurbishment can modernise a pub without destroying its previous appeal or character. Now effectively a single open-plan area, the pub is still separated into three distinct areas, with a floorboarded room at the front of house and a large, comfortable lounge at the rear, which in turn is divided into an upholstered seating area opposite the bar counter and a raised, traditionally furnished, area in the rear extension, which may be used by both drinkers and diners. A patio garden runs down the right side of the pub. A choice of up to six cask conditioned ales sourced from both local microbreweries and national producers is offered. Live entertainment is now hosted on weekend evenings and there is an open mic night on Mondays. A pub quiz is held on the second Wednesday of the month and a meat raffle is drawn on Fridays. The pub is decorated with old metal advertisements and photographs of entertainers, including a collection of Laurel and Hardy memorabilia at the very rear of the pub, by the fish tank. A statue of Elvis Presley stands in the front bar.
Bridge Tavern
54 East Street, Portsmouth PO1 2JJ
Situated in the heart of the Camber docks, this is the only surviving pub in East Street. Surrounded by fishing boats it is not surprising that fish features heavily on the menu. The single downstairs bar is welcoming and divided into several areas. The outside seating gives one the chance to enjoy the sea air and the bustle of a small fishing port.
Duke Of Buckingham
119 High Street, Portsmouth PO1 2HW
This pub stands on what was once the site of the Green Dragon in the 18th and 19th centuries, before later becoming the Cambridge Tavern in the 1850s. The pub was renamed the Duke of Buckingham in the 1920s. The pub's interior consists of a large L-shaped main bar room, with a small snug to the rear. The main room has varnished floorboards around the bar counter and two carpeted raised areas, bounded by balustrades, to the front and right side. A series of timber and exposed brick pillars run down the centre of the room. A number of non-load bearing beams cross the ceiling - one of which displays a large laminated Brickwood's Brewery advertising sign. Furnishings consist of traditional tables and chairs, pews and other miscellany. The snug contains comfortable armchairs and sofas. The raised area at the front of the pub is laid out for dining. A television is positioned above the bar counter, showing rolling news, and piped music is played throughout the pub. Collections of old books and ceramic sherry casks sit upon shelves dotted around the bar and the walls are decorated with large images of maritime Portsmouth.
Pembroke
20 Pembroke Road, Portsmouth PO1 2NR
Dating back to 1711, and under this name since 1900, this single-room bar reflects the street corner aspect with an L-shaped bar decorated with naval memorabilia. A rare place to find a good pint of Bass makes it worth seeking out. Both the city's Anglican cathedral and the Garrison Church (the oldest in the country) are a short walk away. It is home to a darts team and hosts live music at weekends and occasionally during the week.
Still & West Country House
2 Bath Square, Portsmouth PO1 2JL
Situated on the edge of Portsmouth Harbour, this is an excellent place to watch the comings and goings of both cross channel ferries and warships heading to or from the Naval Base.
Wellington
High Street, Portsmouth PO1 2LY
Recently modernised with an emphasis on food. Quiz & themed nights and available for private functions.
Admiral Drake
8 Kingston Crescent, Portsmouth PO2 8DH
Dating from 1936, the Admiral Drake now stands isolated - dwarfed by the Rudmore flyover. The U-shaped bar room is bare boarded and furnished with a mix of traditional tables and chairs as well as high tables and bar stools. There is a performance area for live bands to the right as you enter. A pool table and jukebox can be found here - and there is a dart board at the rear of the pub. Various sporting events are shown on television. In winter a real log fire is a welcome sight opposite the bar counter throughout the colder months. The pub sells three or four well-kept cask ales, sourced from breweries both large and small, with guest beers, always at least one Locale, including offerings that are unusual for the local area. Traditional Cider is sometimes served on handpump. Food, including sandwiches, paninis, burgers and main meals, with prices being very reasonable indeed. The pub is a popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts and live music fans. Outside events are held during the summer in the pub's large car park. A patio area is provided year-round. Only 2 minutes from the International ferryport.
Apsley House
13 Auckland Road West, Portsmouth PO5 3NY
Back street pub just off Southsea sea front with one big bar catering for a varying clientele which can be busy at weekends. A patio drinking area outside the front of the pub is very popular in the summer months. The pub has darts and pool and three real ales.
Auckland Arms
Netley Road, Portsmouth PO5 3NB
Originally a small single bar pub, it has subsequently expanded into the neighbouring property. The bar, however, retains its old character. The original front on Netley Road retains its tiled front and Long's Bewery name. The Auckland Road entrance has a patio seating area and the door leads to an upstairs snug type room.
Barley Mow
39 Castle Road, Portsmouth PO5 3DE
This friendly two bar community pub offers a selection of eight ales including a mild, stout or porter. There is an impressive array of events including live music, meat raffles, quizzes, pool, darts, and golf teams, bar billiards, shove halfpenny and chess league, all listed on the pub's website. Dominoes and a number of other games are also available. The garden is a real gem, with some hidden treasures, and has won awards in its own right. Children are welcome until 8pm.
Deco
128 Elm Grove, Portsmouth PO5 1LR
This pub originally traded as the Elms and was constructed in 1936 to a design by A E Cogswell, replacing an earlier tavern of the same name that had existed since at least the mid 19th century. An art deco theme prevails here, with vinyl upholstered seating and varnished tables with chrome legs. Various framed retro posters of American images are displayed on the wall beyond the far end of the bar counter. The pub operates discount schemes for students & Royal Navy personnel. DJs perform at weekends.
Duke Of Devonshire
119 Albert Road, Portsmouth PO5 2SQ
Despite its small frontage, this is a fairly spacious pub. It has been tastefully modernised but still retains many of its old features including the fireplace and comfortable banquette seating. Most of the floor is bare boarded and the bar counter is more open than before. A small area to the rear has been named 'Mollie's Corner' in honour of the previous long-serving landlady, Mollie Powell, who in 2015 celebrated 50 years in the trade. This area also features a large number of photographs of the pub in former days. There is a small enclosed patio garden at the rear.
Eldon Arms
11-17 Eldon Street, Portsmouth PO5 4BS
A traditional tiled exterior belies an expansive interior, as the building encompasses the neighbouring cottage. Traditional pub games available including pool, bar billiards, darts, dominoes and crib; along with a selection of board games. Real ales include local guests. A community based, student-friendly pub with a mixed clientele. Food is served, with a carvery on Sunday.
Fawcett Inn
176 Fawcett Road, Portsmouth PO4 0DP
Designed by A H Bone and built in 1886 for the Brickwoods Brewery, the Fawcett Inn occupies a prominent position on a busy street corner. With its half-timbered 'brewers tudor' style and witch's hat tower, it has an imposing presence. The pub now sports one large, curved bar room, having been knocked through in the days of Whitbread. It is frequented mostly by local customers. The pub is boarded throughout and furnishings are mostly traditional, plus a small number of armchairs on a raised deck in the corner of the pub, which is transformed into a stage when live music is hosted. The pub is decorated with framed images of past Portsmouth and football memorabilia. A large patio courtyard is located at the rear of the pub, completed with barbecue for use in the summer months.
Fifth Hants Volunteer Arms
74 Albert Road, Portsmouth PO5 2SL
A two bar street corner local which is where the local CAMRA branch was founded. The public bar has bare wooden floorboards and now hosts regular live music. The smaller lounge is carpeted and holds memorabilia commemorating the pub's name.
Florence Arms
20 Florence Road, Portsmouth PO5 2NE
The Florence Arms was constructed in 1924 to replace an earlier pub of the same name. In 2013 the traditional public and lounge bars were knocked through, with just an open archway now separating these two areas. Part of the former function room now serves as a dining area. Furnishings are now a mix of high-backed wooden armchairs, banquettes, bar stools and old leather easy chairs. A pool table stands in the former public bar and a television is mounted upon the wall, on which sporting events such as Six Nations rugby is shown. Piped music is played and there is a selection of tourist information literature available at the bar counter. Live entertainment is hosted on Saturday nights. The pub's operator offers accommodation at a small number of nearby boutique hotels (see website).
Fox
11 - 13 Victoria Road South, Portsmouth PO5 2SP
The interior is typical of the bar's sister pubs in Southsea, with bare floorboards, reclaimed fittings and a 'distressed' look. The walls are half-boarded and there is a seating area tucked away on a raised deck beyond the bar counter. The second, left-hand room contains a mixture of furnishings, with heavy, scrubbed tables, leather couches and upholstered settees. A pool table stands at the front of the room. The original fireplace contains a rustic-looking wood burner. Each room has a flat-panel television on which sport is shown and a projector screen is lowered for major events such as the Six Nations rugby union tournament. A stage, complete with a sizeable PA system, is pressed into use when live music is hosted.
Golden Eagle
1 Delamere Road, Portsmouth PO4 0JA
A surprisingly large 2 bar street corner local, this pub is a popular music venue with live entertainment at weekends. The bars are somewhat unusual in that the public bar is carpeted and the lounge has bare boards and a pool table.
O'Neills
Albert Road, Portsmouth PO5 2SX
Originally Southsea Police Station, this premises was converted in 1996 by Allied Breweries into the Fuzz & Firkin brewpub. In 2001 the pub was refurbished and reopened as the Goose At The V & A, changing its name to the Victoria & Albert in 2013. What we have now is a large, well appointed, single bar pub, carpeted throughout and furnished with a mixture of traditional tables and chairs, banquettes and upholstered armchairs. A raised area in the rear corner of the pub contains a series of back-to-back booths. Two ornate chandeliers hang in the central bar area and the walls display a collection of framed prints of Portsmouth past. Outside is a patio garden overlooking the junction of Victoria and Albert Roads.
Honest Politician
47 Elm Grove, Portsmouth PO5 1JF
Opened in 2004 in two former retail premises, this large pub is a popular venue for students. The decor is basic, with much bare wood evident throughout. The rear of the pub houses a dedicated games area, where pool tables, pinball and table football can be found. DJs perform at weekends and occasional live music is hosted.
Jolly Sailor
54 Clarence Parade, Portsmouth PO5 2EU
A pleasant sea front bar with a lively weekend music scene. Two levels of outdoor seating, one wheelchair accessible. Bar is up a flight of stairs.
King Street Tavern
70 King Street, Portsmouth PO5 4EH
This lovely, Grade II listed Victorian street corner tavern is a perfect example of traditional pub architecture. Known as the Diamond for 150 years, the ornate frontage is courtesy of Portsmouth pub architect A E Cogswell, who was commissioned in the late 1880s by Brickwood's Brewery. In 2006 the pub was renamed the King Street Tavern by present owner Wadworth. The walls are wood panelled and the bar is softly lit. The walls are now decorated with images of Americana and portraits of US musicians from the world of blues and rock & roll. Furnishings are a mixture of traditional tables and chairs, plus upholstered bar stools and high tables. Up to eight cask ales are sold - six of which come from the Wadworth range, plus two guests from independent breweries, sourced nationally. A selection of 'craft' keg beers is dispensed from taps on the wall behind the bar. Live jazz is performed at 14:00 on Sundays. A patio garden stands on the south side of the pub.