The City of Portsmouth is unique in Great Britain for being the only city located on an island. All the pubs featured in the alphabetical sections of this site are located on Portsea Island. However, the city boundary extends northwards onto the mainland and there are a number of suburban districts here that have their own pubs.
This page focuses on those pubs that can be found in the mainland districts of Portsmouth.
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  Constructed in 1964 in a position commanding unrivalled views across Portsmouth, the Solent and the Isle of Wight (as well as northerly views to the South Downs), the Churchillian has flourished in recent years as a popular pub for both good quality food and drink. Originally owned by Gibbs Mew of Salisbury, the pub is now in the hands of Enterprise Inns and received a forward extension to the bar area in the 1990s to provide a larger seating area. Outside patio seating is also available and many customers enjoy an al fresco drink whilst taking in the scenery. The choice of real ales includes offerings from Fuller's, Shepherd Neame and Portsmouth's Irving & Co brewery. Well worth a visit, though best when the weather is fine.
| Photographs, left to right: 11th March 2007; May 2001 (by Ray Scarfe) |
| Licenced Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 08:00 'til 02:30 |
Pub Operator: Enterprise Inns |
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| The Cross Keys |
38 Birdlip Road, Paulsgrove, PO6 4EE |
| 023 9237 7587 |
  Once one of six pubs that could be found around the sprawling Paulsgrove housing estate, the Cross Keys was opened in 1957 and is now the last remaining public house in the immediate area - the others having mostly been the victims of their deprived location. Frequented by a universally local clientele, the pub was run by Whitbread for many years and is now, somewhat surprisingly, under the ownership of Suffolk brewing giant Greene King.
| Left-hand photograph 11th March 2007 |
Pub Operator: Greene King |
Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon Tue Wed Thu Sun 10:00 'til 00:30;
Fri Sat 10:00 'til 01:30;
Bank Holiday extensions |
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| The First Post |
42A High Street, Cosham, PO6 3AG |
| 023 9221 0331 |
 Opened in 1998, this large pub in Cosham's shopping centre was a welcome addition to the other, somewhat jaded, pubs which could be found nearby at the time. Owned by national operator J D Wetherspoon, the interior is typical of this company's style, offering well-priced food and drink. On the negative side, the pub does suffer from a lack of intimacy, as is often the case with JDW pubs, and elements of the clientele can be rather 'animated' at times. A handy place to kill time before catching a train from Cosham station, located a short walk to the south.
| Photographed 15th July 2007 |
Pub Operator: J D Wetherspoon |
Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon Tue Wed Thu Sun 07:00 'til 01:30;
Fri Sat 07:00 'til 02:00 |
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| The George Inn |
Portsdown Hill Road, Portsdown, Cosham, PO6 1BE |
| 023 9222 1079 |
   This late 18th century building was once two cottages and also contained Old Widley Fire Station, which is still in evidence today on the north side of the building. Now a comfortable and homely pub, the house was listed in 1972 and is very popular with both locals and passers-by. Located at the original crossroads where London Road bisects Portsdown Hill Road, the outside seating areas offer fine views across Portsmouth, Langstone Harbour and the Isle of Wight. The bar is divided into two or three distinct areas and seven well-kept real ales are on offer, including a rotating guest beer, generally from a local brewery. Food is served at lunchtimes. This friendly pub is well worth a visit, especially on a fine summer's evening.
Pub Operator: Enterprise Inns |
Photographs, left to right:
May 2001 (by Ray Scarfe); 11th March 2007
unknown date (by Ray Scarfe) |
| Licenced Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 'til 00:30;
Bank Holiday extensions |
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| The Harbour Lights |
1 Southampton Road, Cosham, PO6 4SA |
| 023 9232 1122 |
 This large roadside Beefeater eaterie was once well known for its novel interior, consisting of a number of separate 'dwellings' in which a group of customers could sit. Now refurbished with a more standard interior, the food is available all day and there is seating for 170 people in the restaurant area. There is also an adjacent Travel Inn. The pub is frequented by a mix of locals and travellers.
| Photographed 11th March 2007 |
Pub Operator: Whitbread |
| Licenced Hours For The Sale Of Alcohol: Mon-Sun 10:00 'til 00:30 |
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| The Harvester |
15 The Boardwalk, Port Solent, PO6 4TP |
| 023 9220 1012 |
   This well known watering hole on Port Solent's Boardwalk is popular with a varied clientele and can always be guaranteed to be busy on a summer's day. Stood facing the marina - home to dozens of impressive yachts and cruisers - the former Mermaid features a multi-level bar area, with plenty of seating and good views, especially from the top deck. There is an outside drinking area and food is served throughout the day. The downside is that since its conversion to a Harvester it is unlikely to now stock any cask ale - of which it once had a good choice.
| Photographs, left to right: 16th January 2011, 26th February 2007, unknown date (by Ray Scarfe) |
Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun 10:00 'til 00:30 |
Pub Operator: Mitchells & Butlers |
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| The Manor House |
43 Court Lane, East Cosham, PO6 2LJ |
| 023 9238 1395 |
  This very large 20th century pub in a residential district between Cosham and Drayton has now been knocked through into one bar area, resulting in a rather cavernous interior. There are seperate areas for eating and drinking and another for pub games. Owned by Whitbread until recent years, the pub has now been snapped up by the ever-encroaching Greene King. The pub is mainly used by local clientele and has a small amount of business trade during the daytime.
Photographs, left to right:
October 2000 (by Ray Scarfe); 11th March 2007 |
Pub Operator: Greene King |
Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon Tue Wed Thu Sun 11:00 'til 00:30;
Fri Sat 11:00 'til 23:59 |
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| The Portsbridge |
Portsmouth Road, Cosham, PO6 2SJ |
| 023 9237 6653 |
  This large brewers tudor style single-bar pub close to Portsbridge roundabout has a modern interior and is used mainly by younger customers, many of whom study at local Highbury College. The bar is seperated into two main areas and features Sky Sports on television. There is an outside drinking area at the front of the pub. Owned by Whitbread for many years, the pub has recently been sold to East Anglian major Greene King. The pub almost became home to a small brewery in 1984, when Whitbread gave backing to a revival of the Cosham Steam Brewery, but sadly the plans never came to fruition.
Left-hand photograph 15th July 2007
Right-hand photograph October 2000 (by Ray Scarfe) |
Pub Operator: Greene King |
Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon Tue Wed Thu Sun 11:00 'til 23:40;
Fri Sat 11:00 'til 0040;
Bank Holiday extensions |
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| The Red Lion |
London Road, Cosham, PO6 3EE |
| 023 9238 2041 |
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The Red Lion is a large half-timbered hotel facing Spur Road, at the northern extremity of Cosham High Street. The single bar area is comfortably furnished and caters for locals and visitors alike. There is an outside drinking area and a seperate restaurant. The hotel has sixteen bedrooms and parking is available on site. An ATM is sited in the bar area.
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Pub Operator:
Orchid Pubs (Thames) Ltd |
Photographs, left to right:
11th March 2007; October 2000 (by Ray Scarfe); August 2003 (by Ray Scarfe) |
Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun 07:00 'til 00:30;
Bank Holiday extensions |
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This large inter-war building in a residential district of East Cosham was originally constructed as a hotel for Portsmouth United Breweriesin 1937. Later passing to Whitbread, it was bought by Wadworth of Devizes in the early 1990s.
In August 2010 the pub underwent a comprehensive refurbishment and is now a very pleasant, friendly, well run pub, with an enthusiastic licensee. Food is served during the day and three real ales are on offer. A south-facing beer garden offers children's play equipment. B&B accommodation is available at just £30 per night. A highly recommended pub. |
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Photographs, clockwise from top left: 16th May 2011; October 2000 (by Ray Scarfe)
16th May 2011;
11th March 2007 |
Pub Operator:
Wadworth & Co |
| Licenced Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 'til 00:30 |
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| The Sir Alec Rose |
32/33 The Boardwalk, Port Solent, PO6 4TP |
| 023 9231 4800 |
 This large, popular pub on Port Solent's fashionable Boardwalk is typical of J D Wetherspoon's Lloyds No.1 chain. There is a small bar area on the ground floor, with a much larger room on the first floor, where an outside verandah provides good views across the marina and towards Portsdown Hill. Food is served all day. Around four of five real ales are on offer. Piped music and videos are played during the evenings, though the pub tends to be quieter during the daytime.
| Photographed 26th February 2007 |
Pub Operator: J D Wetherspoon |
Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon Tue Wed Thu Sun 07:00 'til 01:30;
Fri-Sat 07:00 'til 03:00 |
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| The Sunshine Inn |
428 Havant Road, Farlington, PO6 1AB |
| 023 9237 6030 |
  The Sunshine Inn is a large pub in a residential area along the main Havant Road, frequented mostly by residents from the surrounding streets. The large single bar is divided into different areas, with a pool table sited toward the front of the bar. Occasional live music is performed. The pub has a large beer garden and patio to the rear, where there is also a downstairs function room.
| Photographs, left to right: 11th March 2007; May 2001 (by Ray Scarfe) |
| Pub Operator: Enterprise Inns |
| Licenced Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 'til 00:30 |
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| The Swan |
40 High Street , Cosham, PO6 3AG |
| 023 9237 9455 |
   Large corner house in Cosham's central shopping area. The pub was originally a typical two-bar local but became rundown in the 1980s. It was refronted and refitted internally during the early 1990s, with a café-style area at the front of the pub, appealing to shoppers, and a games area toward the rear. However, the pub suffered further problems in the late 1990s when J D Wetherspoon opened a large establishment next door, offering food and drink at prices that the Swan was unable to match.
The pub has managed to survive, mainly thanks to a loyal local clientele. The pub operates partly as a cafe throughout the day in an effort to attract passing shoppers who do not wish to purchase alcoholic refreshment.
| Pub Operator:Punch Taverns |
Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon Tue Wed Thu Sun 10:00 'til 00:30
Fri Sat 10:00 'til 02:00 |
Photographs, clockwise from top left:
11th March 2007;
April 1999 (by Ray Scarfe)
unknown date (by Ray Scarfe) |
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| Watermark |
36-38B The Boardwalk, Port Solent, PO6 4TP |
| 023 9237 7422 |
 Originally owned by Gales, this large bar and restaurant was purchased in 2006 by local entrepreneur Andrew Scott (who also owns the Town House in Southsea, which he has recently closed!) The bar offers a comprehensive, good value menu and live piano music is regularly featured. As far as drinks go, the range is standard fayre with sadly no real ales on offer. Overpriced British-brewed lagers are the staple, plus the worst variety of Guinness - Extra Cold (and therefore extra tasteless). A perfectly good place for a meal, but if you are a decerning drinker you may wish to go elsewhere. Dinner dances are held on Friday and Saturday nights.
| Photographed 26th February 2007 |
Pub Operator: Ascott Leisure |
Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon Tue Wed Thu Sun 07:00 'til 02:00;
Fri Sat 07:00 'til 03:00 |
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| Please note that the Licenced Opening Hours stated are the hours for which each premises has a licence to open its doors to the public. The hours for sale of alcoholic liquor may well be shorter than the Licenced opening hours. Some pubs may choose to open for shorter hours than their licence allows. Therefore it is always adviseable to check ahead to ensure that the premises shall be open at the time of your planned visit. |
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