Live Sports — Pubs in Portsmouth
Discover live sports pubs in Portsmouth. Browse our directory to find the perfect pub.
Found 84 live sports pubs in Portsmouth
Baffins Inn
127 Tangier Road, Portsmouth PO3 6PD
This large Art Deco style community local was built in 1937 for Portsea's Brickwood's brewery and faces the picturesque Baffins Pond. Now owned by Suffolk brewer Greene King, the pub is split into three main areas. The main entrance leads to a central bar area which is flanked by a dining area to the right and a second drinking area to the left which gives access to a covered patio. It also has a pool table, jukebox and dart board as well as gaming machines and television, on which sporting events are shown. The pub is lit by a number of small, ornate chandeliers. A sunday quiz is hosted and there is a patio area at the front of the pub, overlooking Baffins Pond and a covered smoking area on the west side of the building.
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.
Jolly Taxpayer
2 Eastbourne Road, Portsmouth PO3 6LN
An A E Cogswell designed pub dating from 1914, the Jolly Taxpayer reopened in 1929 following extensive alterations by architect J Walmisley. Hidden away in a residential area and therefore making it one of Portsmouth's least-known pubs, this former Brickwood's house is very much a locals' local. Now a genuine free house, the pub still retains its original public bar and smaller lounge, both of which are wood panelled throughout. Remarkably, the pub's original 'bottle and jug' off-sales counter is still intact, complete with separate entrance, where people young and old still pop in for drinks, tobacco and even sweets! The large public bar is carpeted and traditionally furnished and contains no less than three dart boards - one of the front of house and two to the rear, where a pool table can also be found. Two large brick open fires face one another from either ends of the room. A large television is mounted on the chimney breast at the front of the bar, on which Sky Sports events are shown. The walls are decorated with autographed, framed, football shirts. The comfortable lounge bar is accessed via a separate entrance and is pleasantly furnished with a mixture of banquettes, traditional tables and chairs and bar stools. A piano can also be found here. A beer garden is located at the rear of the pub.
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.
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.
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.
Eastfield
124 Prince Albert Road, Portsmouth PO4 9HT
The Eastfield has one of Portsmouth's most ornate pub exteriors, designed by prolific pub architect A E Cogswell and constructed in 1906 for Portsmouth United Breweries. Now Grade II listed, the pub still retains its two distinct bars - a public bar at the front of house and a comfortable, wood panelled lounge bar at the rear (accessed via the side door from Eastfield Road). A separate pool room is located off the lounge bar. The pub also sports a sizeable beer garden. The carpeted public bar includes darts, pool, large television and (sometimes loud) jukebox. Good value Sunday roast dinners are served and a meat raffle is held at 5pm on Sundays. Filled rolls are offered on weekdays.
Eastney Tavern
100 Cromwell Road, Portsmouth PO4 9PN
A large wooden bar greets you as you walk in. Floor space is cleverly split into three areas, to the right seating and space to watch Sky and BT Sport, to the left a cosy restaurant area and an open seating area. Then the rear is a secluded patio garden. This Victorian pub occupies a prominent corner plot at the junction of Cromwell Road and St George's Road and is a two minute walk to the seafront. The pub was once owned by Portsmouth United Breweries. Tuesday night is quiz night with booking recommended as are for roasts on a sunday. LocAle is supported with Fallen Acorn and Goddards Brewery, plus two hand pulls are for Sharps Brewery The pub is well appointed and features two interesting, large stone fireplaces, positioned back-to-back in the left-hand seatings areas. Beyond these can be found an attractive raised area with wood panelled walls and an unusual display shelf, housing a collection of ceramic bottles, books and a vintage sewing machine. Also here is a pair of seating booths, divided by wooden screens inset with stained glass. Note too the stained glass shield in the external window.
Fort Cumberland Arms
125 Eastney Road, Portsmouth PO4 9JB
Located at a busy traffic junction, the Fort Cumberland Arms was built for the Longs Brewery in the 1920s. The Longs name is still in evidence on the four front windows and these are now extremely rare examples. Now consisting of a u-shaped bar room, the pub is carpeted, traditionally furnished and has a dart board, jukebox and television. A large number of cheques and certificates are displayed on the wall opposite the bar counter, reflecting the pub's charity fundraising achievements. A small collection of beer mugs sit on high shelving. There is also a separate family room/pool room, accessed through a door opposite the bar counter, which is completely isolated from the rest of the pub. A beer garden can be found at the rear.
Three Marines
110 Highland Road, Portsmouth PO4 9NQ
Renamed in 1958 in recognition of the nearby Royal Marines barracks, this corner house is traditionally furnished and attracts an exclusively local clientele. The bar counter features an attractive pot-shelf - and this extends into the former lounge bar at the rear of the pub, which nowadays is used as a games room. Darts and pool is played and Sky Sports is shown. A small courtyard garden is located at the rear. A meat raffle is drawn at 5pm on Sundays.
Electric Arms
192 Fratton Road, Portsmouth PO1 5HD
Dating from 1924, the Electric Arms was designed by A E Cogswell for the Young Brewery and is located on Fratton's busy shopping street. In late 2014 the pub underwent an impressive refit at much expense. The attention to detail is second to none, resulting in a striking recreation of a traditional tavern interior. Unsurprisingly, the bar is furnished traditionally, with the flooring being a mix of laminate and tiles. A large television hangs on the wall opposite the bar counter and there is a very large collection of old photographs to peruse. To the rear is a separate seating area (once the lounge bar) with a coal effect fire.
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.
Graham Arms
51 George Street, Portsmouth PO1 5QY
Constructed in 1900 and designed by A E Cogswell, the Graham Arms was originally owned by the Gibb's Brewery and eventually became part of the huge Whitbread estate as a consequence of that company's buy-out of Portsmouth's Brickwood's Brewery in 1971. In 1991 the pub was sold to Wadworth of Devizes, and is now one of a very small number of pubs that the Wiltshire brewer still operates in Portsmouth. The Graham consists of a large, single U-shaped bar room with a central servery. To the left of the entrance the pub has the feel of a public bar, with a television (on which Sky Sports is shown), dart board and a jukebox. The right-hand area is more homely and features a fireplace with an attractive, decorative surround. There is a collection of model galleons displayed on high shelves around the room. Ceramic bottles, tankards and old beer bottles are also on show - with some interesting examples from Whitbread and Greene King included. A lawned beer garden can be found to the rear of the house. The pub is approximately ten minutes' walk to Portsmouth FC, so is always busy on match days. Summer barbecues, discos and regular quiz nights are held. Sunday roast dinners are served.
John Jacques
78-82 Fratton Road, Portsmouth PO1 5BZ
Wetherspoon pub built on the site of the former Portsea Island Mutual Co-operative Society (PIMCO), and named after PIMCO's former chief executive - who became Lord John Jacques of Portsea Island. Convenient for Fratton Road & Bridge Centre shops and the railway station. A good choice of guest real ales is available at all times, as is at least one real cider. Modern-art paintings adorn the walls, along with framed historical photographs.
Newcome Arms
189 Newcome Road, Portsmouth PO1 5DT
This large Victorian corner pub is very much a traditional local, tucked away in the densely populated backstreets of Fratton. The Newcome is known for being home to some of the most fervent Portsmouth FC fans, and the former chairman could sometimes be found here enjoying a pre-match drink with the fans. The interior has consisted of one large, roughly L-shaped, bar for many years now. The pub is carpeted throughout and comfortably furnished with a mix of traditional tables and chairs, banquettes and upholstered bar stools. The original open fire is sometimes brought to life during the colder months. Decor includes of a curious mixture of framed floral prints, horse brasses, bed warmers and, as one would expect, plenty of Portsmouth FC memorabilia. A patio beer garden can be found to the rear.
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.
Old Customs House
Vernon Building, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth PO1 3TY
Proclaiming itself the only traditional pub in the Gunwharf Quays retail complex this Grade II-listed building retains the layout of the former naval offices of HMS Vernon. There is a heated rear patio area and seating at the front which is ideal for people watching during the summer. The pub is open all day for food, including breakfast, and a number of the food dishes include local ales in their recipes.
Coach & Horses
London Road, Portsmouth PO2 9SE
One of Portsmouth's most well-known buildings, the Coach & Horses stands at a major traffic junction, at the apex of two main roads. The imposing structure that is the present pub was built to a striking design by A E Cogswell in 1933 and replaced an earlier pub of the same name. Built in Scottish Baronial style, the building features a hexagonal tower at its northwest corner and a crenellated parapet runs along the full length of the walls. The pub's interior consists of one very large, roughly U-shaped, bar room with numerous seating areas, with the rear given over to pub games such as darts and pool. A large wall-mounted television is affixed to the chimney breast and shows BT Sports. Here is one of a number of original fireplaces to be found around the pub. Furnishings are a mix of high tables and chairs, comfortable upholstered benches and more traditional seating, with the floor divided into carpeted, tiled and laminated areas. A raised deck is located in the area below the pub's tower. A separate restaurant area makes up the eastern side of the pub. Wall decoration varies from pop art to prints of old Portsmouth. An ATM is located at the end of the bar counter (withdrawal charges apply) and there are plenty of gaming machines to play. The pub offers free pool on Monday evenings, a Thursday quiz and poker on Sundays. Outside is a decked area for al fresco drinking and there is plenty of car parking.
Toby Carvery
Copnor Road, Portsmouth PO3 5HS
Opened in 1992 on the site of Portsea Island's last working farm, this pub/diner and adjacent Travelodge is a popular eaterie for both locals and visitors to the area. The main bar is situated in an impressive space reminiscent of a tythe barn, with a riot of timber work forming the substantial roof space. Among the timbers are some particularly old examples, presumably rescued from elsewhere. The floorspace is split level and furnished traditionally. Framed black and white photographs of bygone Portsmouth hang on the walls around the raised deck. Piped music is played and subtitled television news is shown. Quiz and gambling machines are available and there is an ATM located towards the end of the bar counter (withdrawal charges apply). Drinks prices are very reasonable, as is the extensive menu, available all day, with customers able to dine in the main bar or opt to use the separate restaurant. There is an outside patio area and large car park.
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.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel
2 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD
Wetherspoons pub in Guildhall Square. Near to Commercial Road and Portsmouth & Southsea train station.
Mars
Church Path North, Portsmouth PO1 4DG
The Mars is an unlikely survivor amidst the inner city housing estates of central Portsmouth. A stones thrown from the main shopping centre, the pub remains a neatly-kept street corner local, albeit one that sadly offers no cask ale.
Park Tavern
18 Edinburgh Road, Portsmouth PO1 1DE
The interior of this old naval pub has changed little over the years. The single bar room has a scrubbed floor and there is a raised seating area at the front of house. Shelves, on which drinks can be placed, run along the walls opposite the pub's island bar. A heavy bronze rail with decorative brackets in the shape of elephants' heads encircles the edge of the bar counter. An attractive, intricately-carved bar-back is surmounted by a number of barrels, from which a unique lighting system is attached by metal rods to illuminate the servery. Cast iron pillars support the ceiling of the bar room. To the rear of the pub is a dart board and a pool table, separated from the bar area by a balustrade. A jukebox is attached to the left-hand wall and a television (used to show sporting events) is suspended from the ceiling. Karaoke and discos are regularly held.
Goat
334 Commercial Road, Portsmouth PO1 4BT
Refurbished to serve the new student accommodation next to the pub. It is understood that it is only open to students on production of a Student Union membership card
Royal Standard
Edinburgh Road, Portsmouth PO1 1DE
This tiny cornerhouse is a fine example of the kind of pub that once proliferated in this part of Portsmouth. A stones-throw from HM Naval Base and the city centre, the pub has become known worldwide due to its naval connections and is a frequent meeting place for members of the Type 42 Association (the body dedicated to all those who have served on a Royal Navy Type 42 destroyer). The bar is traditionally furnished and has much maritime memorabilia displayed on its walls, including a collection of Royal Navy ships' badges. Nowadays, clientele is mostly drawn from the local area, though it is not uncommon to find yourself rubbing shoulders with former navy personnel from far and wide!
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.
Artillery Arms
Hester Road, Portsmouth PO4 8HB
Superb traditional split-level community pub serving six well kept ales from Hampshire and Sussex, all clearly displayed and described on a large blackboard, complete with tasting notes. A large enclosed garden with several events throughout the summer. Supports both darts and pool teams, and several other traditional pub games are played. Slightly out of the way, but only 5 minutes walk from Fratton Park, it can get very busy on match days but is welcoming to away supporters.
Meon
Meon Road, Portsmouth PO4 8NN
This attractive corner house was built in 1930 for Portsmouth United Breweries and, until 2009, sported an ornate, original United Breweries tiled fascia. Sadly, present owner Admiral Taverns saw fit to paint over this, resulting in a rather bland frontage. The pub enjoys a mainly local clientele and is always busy when Portsmouth FC are playing home matches. The single U-shaped bar room is bare-boarded and furnished with a mixture of traditional tables and chairs and upholstered bench seating. Two original fireplaces can be found on either side of the room. A series of ornate stained-glass panels depicting scenes of the Meon valley are set into the woodwork of the pot-shelf above the bar counter. There are also four very rare United Ales windows on the southern and eastern elevations of the pub. The Meon is a very sport-orientated pub, with darts, pool and golf all played. A number of televisions are prominently located around the bar to show sports events. There is an impressively large collection of sporting trophies displayed adjacent to the dart board. The pub has a jukebox and there is a small stage for live performances. A meat raffle is held at weekends.
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
Clarence
118 London Road, Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO2 0LZ
This prominent pub in North End's shopping district was rebuilt in 1937 to a design by A E Cogswell. Until 2005, the interior consisted of two separate bars, with a central servery. It has since been opened up into what is now an overly-large single room. The interior is comfortably furnished with a part-carpeted, part-boarded bar area and a mixture of banquette seating, traditional tables and chairs plus high tables with stools. A raised deck overlooks London Road, at the front of the pub, and is separated from the main floorspace by an attractive, metal balustrade. At the rear of the pub is a raised games area, complete with two dart boards, a pool table, gaming machines and a jukebox. Dancefloor lighting is also installed in this area, for use when DJs perform (Friday evenings). Sky Sports is shown throughout the pub. A covered patio seating area is located at the rear of the building, together with a sizeable car park.
Fountain Inn
163 London Road, Portsmouth PO2 9AA
Built in 1895 to replace an earlier pub of the same name, the Fountain is a typically grand Cogswell design and was originally part of the Pike Spicer Brewery's estate. Now a Grade II listed building, it consists of a single, large U-shaped room, with impressive chandeliers hung from the ceiling and an attractive original bar-back. The interior is festooned with televisions, including an enormous, multi-panelled screen almost filling one wall of the rear bar area. A collection of football shirts is displayed on the bar-back and the walls are decorated with high-quality black and white images of professional sportsmen in action. There is a covered courtyard where smokers can shelter during inclement weather and there is a separate function room beyond this, which may be hired for private events.
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.
Sir John Baker
80 London Road, Portsmouth PO2 0LN
Situated in a busy high street and named after a local dignitary, this Wetherspoons pub has a large single bar with a family area at the rear (children welcome until 9.30pm). There are five guest hand-pumps, usually offering at least one beer from local breweries in Hampshire, W. Sussex & IOW, plus an occasional American Craft Beer. Meals are served until 11pm. Up to two Real Ciders are available. Well served by buses.
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.
Dragon
St. George`s Road, Portsmouth PO1 2EH
This large Victorian building sports a large public bar and separate oriental restaurant, housed in the former lounge bar. Close to Gunwharf Quays and the Isle of Wight car ferry terminal.
Ship Anson
10 The Hard, Portsmouth PO1 3DT
Once consisting of two separate pubs until being knocked into one by former owner Whitbread in the 1980s, the Ship Anson is a popular pub and draws its custom from both locals and visitors alike. The large, single bar room is divided into distinct areas and features much dark wood. The Ship Anson is very close to the tourist attractions within the Historic Dockyard, as well as Gunwharf Quays. Well-priced food is served all day. The changing beer range sometimes features a beer from a microbrewery.