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Top 10 Pubs in Portsmouth for Nightlife

Portsmouth is a great place to live. It has the best vibe, a student-friendly atmosphere, and amazing neighborhoods. The best of all are the pubs in Portsmouth. If you are a person who loves nightlife, then there are amazing pubs, clubs, bars, and live music events to set the vibe. Moreover, Portsmouth is a place that has Traditional Taverns to Modern Mixology with heritage homes and sailor stories. Students, professionals, and locals can all dwell right in the ambiance of Portsmouth. Learn more about the top pubs here from our experts.

Know the best pubs in Portsmouth to witness nightlife by gradding experts

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Pubs in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a popular maritime city in England. It has a great pub culture. The pubs in Portsmouth have a naval history, so from traditional taverns to modern craft beers, everything is here. There are amazing spots in the place to make it a great time for you. Whether you are a local looking for a cozy nook, a traveler wanting a cultural experience, or a student who wants to chill with friends, there are great spots with the best drinks and service. Moreover, in most of the Portsmouth pubs, you'll get to experience scary, thrilling, and legendary sea tales and stories from the sailors. Let us now look into 10 pubs that are the best in Portsmouth.

Top 10 Best Pubs in Portsmouth

Have you been planning to move to this Naval city? If yes, then that's great! When you are here, you get to experience the best historical culture with a modern twist. To begin with, you can explore the best pubs in Portsmouth. So, here are a few best options to get you started!

1. Brewhouse & Kitchen

Brewhouse & Kitchen
  • Rating:8/5
  • Location:Guildhall Walk, Central Portsmouth.
  • Price Range: Starts at £12.95
  • Timing: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM but Best During Evenings and Weekends

You know you want to go to this place if on-site crafted beer and hearty meals are what you are looking for. This is one of the best beer and food pubs in Portsmouth. It is popular among students and beer lovers for its in-house brewery. In addition, it has a rustic and modern-industrial wood tone. Moreover, there is a full gastropub menu along with Sunday roasts. You can get everything from In-house brewed beers, ales, wines, and cider. The main attractions here turn out to be beer tasting, a roof-top beer garden, and quiz nights. 

2. The Old Customs House

The Old Customs House
  • Rating:  4.7/5
  • Location: Gunwharf Quays
  • Price Range:  Starts at £8.95
  • Timing: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM but Best on Weekends

This is another popular place in Portsmouth known for being grandeur serving upscale British fare. This place is housed in a former naval office that looks elegant and rich in heritage. This is one such pub Portsmouth is known for among shoppers and tourists. Here, you can try the classic dishes, platters, roasts, and drinks like fuller's ales, wines, and cocktails. In addition, you can experience historic charm and modern comforts with piano music and holiday events. This is also just 4-5 minutes away from the best student accommodation in Portsmouth, Europa Housing and Gunwharf Quays.

3. The Florence Arms

The Florence Arms
  • Rating:  4.6/5
  • Location: Southsea, near the seafront
  • Price Range:  Starts at £7.25
  • Timing: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM but Great for Dinners

Thirdly, the best of all restaurants in Portsmouth for a romantic dinner. This place has a stylish gastropub serving elegant British dishes. It is a renovated townhouse with vintage character a boutique seating. This place is famous among couples for its quiet and relaxed ambiance and vintage chic. In addition, the award-winning Gastro fare and vegetarian and vegan options are all you need. Here, you can find crafted beers, wine, and gin selections. If you want to experience stylish decor and high-quality dining, this place is for you.

4. The Hole in the Wall

The Hole in the Wall
  • Rating:  4.5/5
  • Location: Southsea, near Albert Road
  • Price Range:  Starts at £6.99
  • Timing: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM but Ideal for evenings

This place is famous among locals for its charming and tiny old-school vibe. This is the right place for intimate conversations over a few pints. Moreover, it is one of the smallest and oldest pubs in Southsea, so, it has a traditional and cozy vibe. In addition, you can try real ales, ciders, and rotating guest taps here along with bar snacks, crisps, and light fare. This is one of the Portsmouth pubs that have authenticity and relaxed charm.

5. The Wine Vaults

The Wine Vaults
  • Rating:  4.5/5
  • Location: Albert Road, Southsea
  • Price Range:  Starts at £6.99
  • Timing: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM but Ideal for Evenings

This is a great place with a lively vibe, that offers drinks and live performances. This is a popular option for young professionals and groups as it is a multi-level independent venue with an eclectic interior. It is also among the best food pubs in Portsmouth for the pub classics, sharing plates, and options for vegetarians. If live music, open mic, and sports are your thing, then this three-floor spacious place with a wide drink selection is your go-to. 

6. The King Street Tavern

The King Street Tavern
  • Rating:  4.4/5
  • Location: King Street, Southsea
  • Price Range:  Starts at £8.00
  • Timing: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM but Best on weekends

If a small pub, BBQ, themed foods, and Whiskey, is your thing then this pub is on your list of things to do in Portsmouth. This is a smokehouse-style pub that gives you southern U.S. vibes. This rustic and intimate-styled place is famous among food lovers for its Whiskeys, crafted beers, brisket, ribs, mac and cheese. It is also a place that has great reviews for meat and bourbon. So, if you are into Whiskey tastings or themed food nights, then this is the right pick for you.

7. The Churchillian

The Churchillian
  • Rating:  4.3/5
  • Location: Portsdown Hill
  • Price Range:  Starts at £8.00
  • Timing: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM but Great at Sunset

This is one of the best pubs in Portsmouth with panoramic views and good food. It has the famous viewpoint location that overlooks Portsmouth while the interiors have a traditional country-style vibe. This place is known for its British comfort food and roasts. In addition, the drinks list of classic ales, wines, and ciders is just the best. This place is loved by families for its view, food, and large beer garden. Moreover, sports screens and quizzes are a regular thing too.

8. The Dockyard Pub

The Dockyard Pub
  • Rating:  4.2/5
  • Location: Guildhall Walk
  • Price Range:  Starts at £6.99
  • Timing: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM but Ideal for Weekends

If you are looking for a pub that’s more like the clubs in Portsmouth, then this is it. This is a bright, lively, and modern pub with quirky decor. It attracts young crowds for casual hangouts and student nights with its colorful and upbeat vibe. You can choose from a collection of budget-friendly beers and cocktail jugs. When it's about food, you can have burgers, wings, or loaded snacks. In addition, there are also a variety of activities for a social vibe that are group-friendly such as sports, karaoke, and board games. Thus, this is always on the list of best pubs in Portsmouth.

9. The Greenwich Brewpub

The Greenwich Brewpub
  • Rating:  4.2/5
  • Location: Osborne Road, Southsea
  • Price Range: Starts at £6.99
  • Timing: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM but Best on weekday evenings

This is an Indie microbrewery that offers small-batch brews and rotating taps. If you are looking for a relaxed vibe and house brews with a low-key ambiance, this is it. Moreover, you can have house-brewed ales, experimental beers, and light snacks. This is a popular option among locals for its tap takeovers and is also known as a hidden beer gem for microbrewing on-site.

10. The Liquorist

The Liquorist
  • Rating:  4.1/5
  • Location: Gunwharf Quays
  • Price Range: Starts at £6.99
  • Timing: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM but Best on Weekends

This is one of the best pubs that have a balance of Chic, Glamorous, and trendy vibe. It specializes in cocktails, brunch, pizzas, and sharing platters. This is just 4 minutes from the popular student accommodation in UK, Europa House. It is known as a stylish chain with seasonal menus. This place is a great option for young adults to go on a date night. And, if you are a girl, who is planning a girls' outing, then after you visit the Portsmouth shopping center, try the ladies' night here and you will be in amusement. You can choose from cocktails, wines, and spirits and enjoy the bottomless brunch and other social events.

These are the top pubs Portsmouth is famous for among all. Now, let's take a look at what especially about this place makes it a top pick for all.

Why Portsmouth Is the Best Place for Pub Lovers?

Portsmouth is a popular destination for students, young adults, and professionals who want a vibe. And, here are a few of the many reasons this place is known as the best for pub lovers: 

  • Historic Ambience:Most of the pubs here are housed in historic buildings. Some are even dated to the 17th So, you get a vintage vibe while enjoying your drinks.
  • Seaviews: There is always a way to catch the seaview and breeze here. Sometimes, it's the seafront seating or the rooftop beer garden, but you are near the calming harbor views.
  • Drink Selection: Craft beers, ciders, Whiskey, cocktails, or anything you name it, you have it all in Portsmouth. In-house breweries, rooftop beer gardens, and seasonal drinks are a real thing.
  • Food Lovers: The city’s best is at the pubs in Portsmouth. You can have snacks, burgers, pizzas, platters, roasts, feasts, and amazing vegetarian options all at these places.
  • Vibe and Ambiance: The most important of all is the vibe at these places. You will feel welcome irrespective of whether you are a student, professional, or locality. The year-long events like quizzes, live music, tap takeovers, and themed nights add a cherry to the cake.

These are a few reasons Portsmouth is known as the best place for pub lovers. If you are looking specifically a nightlife, then check out the next section.

What Are the Best Places in Portsmouth for Nightlife?

If you are looking for the best places other than the best pubs in Portsmouth for nightlife, then check out this list and pick what matches your vibe:

Bars

If you are looking for nightlife, then you can enjoy a relaxed vibe and stylish atmosphere at bars. Moreover, you get options from crafted beers to cocktails and gins here. So, here are a few options in bars you can consider: 

  • Gin & Olive - This is on Albert Road, Southsea, and has over 100 gins. It is a great option for intimate, stylish interiors and Tapas plates.
  • The Scarlet Tap - This stop at Palmerston Road, Southsea has a retro, quiet, and fun ambiance. It is also famous for arcade games, neon lights, casual cocktails, and draft beers.
  • The Alchemist - This place at Gunwharf Quays is the go-to for molecular mixology with theatrical drinks. You can expect smoke, dry ice drinks, bubbles, and an elegant food bar here.

Clubs

If you are a party animal who loves dance, then club energy matches you right? Booming music, themed nights, and a lively crowd, are all for a perfect nightlife experience. Here are a few clubs in Portsmouth that you must try: 

  • Popworld Portsmouth - It is at Guildhall Walk and the best pick for cheesy pop anthems and non-stop fun. You can experience 90s music, fancy dress themes, and sometimes crowdy ambiance.
  • Eden Portsmouth - This place at Gunwharf Quays is a stylish club with garden vibes. Here, you can find dance classics, house beats, rooftop and VIP booths.
  • Astoria - It is at the Guildhall Walk and is the largest nightclub in Portsmouth. It has a multi-room venue with regular student nights and big-name DJs with massive dance floor.

Live Music

If you are looking for something more cultural, try indie acts or community events. You can vibe to authentic music, learn about local music heroes, hear new instruments, and find co-music lovers. And, here are some great places for that: 

  • Edge of the Wedge - This is on the Albert road, South sea. It has underground vibes and new artists. This is known for affordable tickets, close-knit audiences, and indie and electronic music.
  • The Barn at Milton Arms - This is on Milton road and is known as a cozy, local music gem. Here, you are up for local bands, acoustic nights, real ale and relaxed sitting.
  • Wedgewood Rooms - This is on Albert Road and is Portsmouth's iconic mid-size music venue. It has touring UK bands, tribute acts, comedy nights, and a variety of events.

These are a few ways you can spend the best nightlife in Portsmouth other than going to the best pubs in the city.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Portsmouth is a great pick for students and young adults who want to experience the best nightlife in the city. This place is popularly known to have the best experiences. You can hop between the top pubs in Portsmouth for a great vibe. Moreover, if you want to check places other than the pubs, then you can check out bars, and clubs or enjoy live music for peaceful evenings. However, if you are looking for more options to spend time at Portsmouth, check out our blogs. We've covered different activities, places, and everything you need to know about Portsmouth.

Helpful Links:

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. How Many Pubs Are There in Portsmouth?

There are around 12 pubs per square mile in Portsmouth and this has the highest density of pubs in UK. 

2. Which Are the Pubs Located in Portsmouth Town Center?

There are around 10 pubs that are located in the Portsmouth Town Center and they are: 

  1. The Barley Mow
  2. The Brewhouse & Kitchen
  3. The Dockyard Pub
  4. The George Hotel
  5. The Guide Dog
  6. The King Street Tavern
  7. The Liquorist
  8. The Old Customs House
  9. The One-Eyed Dog
  10. The Ship Anson

3. Where to Find the Best Pubs in Portsmouth for Lunch?

"The Old Customs House," "Brewhouse & Kitchen" and "The Florence Arms" are the top 3 pubs in Portsmouth that offer great food for a comfortable lunch. 

Yes, there are many popular pubs for nightlife in Portsmouth. The most popular ones are “The Wine Vaults,” “The Dockyard Pub” and “The Liquorist.”

5. What Are the Oldest and Most Historic Pubs in Portsmouth?

Here are the oldest and historic pubs in Portsmouth:

  • The Dolphin was established in 1716 at Old Portsmouth.
  • The Still & West was established in the 1600s at Old Portsmouth
  • The Bridge Tavern was established in the 1730s at Camber Docks, Old Portsmouth

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