These pages feature details and photographs of all Portsmouth's public houses that are currently open for business.
Some pubs may also be listed with additional information on one or more of the following pages:
Pub Architecture, Pub Crawls, Pub Reviews, Best Ale Houses
CLICK ON A PHOTOGRAPH TO SEE THE FULL SIZE IMAGE
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| The Market House Tavern |
472 Mile End Road, Mile End, PO2 7BX |
| 023 9283 7339 |
www.themarkethousetavern.co.uk |
  This Grade II listed building stands on a busy dual-carriageway and has retained its name for well over 150 years. Originally part of the Pike Spicer Brewery's estate, the pub later transferred to Brickwoods and is now run by private operators Pubfolio. Now isolated and dwarfed by the horrendous blocks of flats that overlook Mile End Road, the pub stood on
a street corner until the early 1970s, on what was once Commercial Road (see bottom right-hand photograph).
  The Market House Tavern enjoyed somewhat of a Renaissance in the 1990s after being allowed to become rundown and neglected by previous owners Whitbread. Bed & breakfast accommodation is available, though this would not be recommended except to those on a very limited budget.
The single bar room is now a mix of traditional tables and chairs and leather armchairs. A pool table can be found to the rear. Despite another refurbishment in the spring of 2007, the interior is somewhat lacking in intimacy and could well do with additional decoration to make the place feel more homely. Its former interior was far more pleasant that the present one. 
 NOTE: on 7th November 2007 the city council gave planning permission to the owners of the pub to convert the bar into a doctors/vets surgery. Therefore expect the pub to close soon for the final time. Judging by a number of planning decisions over the past few years, Portsmouth Council has little wish to preserve the city's pub heritage for future generations, as more and more are closing across town. As at July 2008, the pub was being advertised for sale, either as a licenced premises or the aforementioned surgery.
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Top left-hand photograph 6th August 2005
Centre left-hand photograph 13th July 2008
Bottom left-hand photograph 13th July 2008
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Top right-hand photograph 14th August 1988
Centre right-hand photograph kindly supplied by J B
Bottom right-hand photograph kindly supplied by Neil Deville |
| Pub Operator: Burlinghill Ltd |
Grade II Listed |
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 Marmion Tavern |
20 Marmion Road, Southsea, PO5 2BA |
| 023 9282 1897 |
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    Known as the Lord Napier until 1976, the Marmion Tavern took its name from another pub/hotel that stood nearby on the opposite side of Marmion Road.
Once part of the Brickwoods Brewery estate, the pub was swallowed up by Whitbread in the 1970s. A refit in the 1990s led to a much improved interior and a smarter façade. |
Left-hand photograph 13th July 2008
Near right-hand photograph
15th July 2007 |
Centre right-hand photograph
14th August 2005
Far right-hand photograph
28th April 1991 |
| Pub Operator: Punch Taverns |
Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon Tue Wed 10:00 'til 23:30;
Thu Fri Sat 10:00 'til 00:30; Sun 12:00 'til 23:00;
Bank Holiday extensions |
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| The Mars |
1/3 Church Path North, Landport, PO1 4DG |
| 023 9282 0909 |
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   Originally named the Olive Branch and owned by the King Brewery, the present pub was built for Brickwoods in 1923 to a traditional style by A E Cogswell. The Mars has been an unlikely survivor, tucked away in a rundown neighbourhood and surrounded by post-war council flats - a far cry from how the district once looked. The single bar has an exclusively local clientele. |
| Left-hand photograph 13th July 2008 |
Near right-hand photograph 14th August 2005
Far right-hand photograph 28th April 1991 |
| Pub Operator: unknown |
| Licenced Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 'til 01:30 |
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| Martha's |
227 Commercial Road, Landport, PO1 4BJ |
| 023 9285 2951 |
www.marthas-227.co.uk |
  Trading as the Suffolk Arms until 1948, this pub acquired its unusual name in tribute to former licencee Martha Kingsbury (d. 1914). The pub has had a chequered history and once housed a brothel during the 1930s. Major building works last took place in 1957 and many interior refurbishments have followed. Until the late 1980s the pub was popular with the Royal Navy, but Martha's has since been known primarily as one of Portsmouth's most popular gay bars. Discos are held at weekends and the venue is often busy. However, the premises is not known as the most inviting venue in town and has a somewhat dubious reputation. The pub shall soon be lost when this area is flattened to make way for the Northern Quarter redevelopment scheme. |
| Left-hand photograph 4th February 2007 |
Right-hand photograph 28th April 1991 |
| Pub Operator: Mitchells & Butlers |
Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon Tue Wed Sun 11:00 'til 02:30; Thu Fri Sat 11:00 'til 03:30 |
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| The Mary Rose |
19 St George's Road, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2EH |
  Known as the Gloucester Hotel for many years (as seen in the top right-hand photograph), this pub was built in 1900 to a design by Portsmouth's top Victorian pub architect A E Cogswell. In 1983 it was renamed the Mary Rose in celebration of the raising of Henry VIII's warship from Spithead at that time. The pub received a comprehensive refurbishment in 1984 and featured a single, large bar, which sadly had a rather soulless feel to it.
  Once owned by the local Pike Spicer brewery, it later became a Brickwoods property before ending up with national brewer and pub owner Whitbread. In the spring of 2007 the house was renamed the Dragon Bar & Restaurant - a small chain of Enterprise Inns' houses which consist of public house-style eateries, with an emphasis on oriental food. The bottom right-hand photo shows the inn sign being replaced in April 2007.
The house still welcomes those who only wish to buy a drink. There is an outside terrace and plans are afoot to provide a covered area for smokers. A pool table is available for those who enjoy pub games. |
Top left-hand photograph 11th May 1989
Bottom left -hand photograph 30th September 2006 |
Bottom right-hand photograph 26th April 2007
(courtesy Rob Hall) |
| see also The Dragon |
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| The Meon Valley |
64 Meon Road, Milton, PO4 8NN |
| 023 9282 7259 |
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   This attractive corner house was built in 1930 for Portsmouth United Breweries and sports an impressive original tiled façia. The pub enjoys a mainly local clientele and is always busy when Portsmouth FC are playing their home matches at nearby Fratton Park.
The large single bar is pleasantly furnished and the staff are welcoming. |
| Left-hand photograph 13th July 2008 |
Near right-hand photograph 15th July 2007
Far right-hand photograph 11th May 1989 |
| Pub Operator: Admiral Taverns |
Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon Wed Sun 10:00 'til 00:30; Tue Thu 10:00 'til 01:00; Fri Sat 10:00 'til 01:30; Bank Holiday extensions |
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| The Mermaid |
222 New Road, Copnor, PO2 7RW |
| 023 9282 4397 |
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   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 has an ornate cast-iron canopy over the entrance doors. Retaining its two bars, it is a popular local with a public bar at the front and a lounge to the rear. |
| Left-hand photograph 13th July 2008 |
Near right-hand photograph 14th August 2005
Far right-hand photograph 14th August 1988 |
| Pub Operator: Punch Taverns |
Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu 10:00 'til 00:30;
Fri Sat 10:00 'til 02:00; Sun 12:00 'til 00:00 |
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| The Milton Arms |
174 Milton Road, Milton, PO4 8PR |
| 023 9282 5136 |
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  Historic old Brickwoods pub which was almost demolished in the 1920s. The main bar consists of a long public bar which runs the length of the frontage and there is an old barn at the rear of the property which doubles as a lounge and function room, where live bands sometimes perform.
 Football away fans beware - the pub is known to be very partisan when it comes to Portsmouth FC and the house is therefore not suitable for visiting supporters. |
Top left-hand photograph 13th July 2008
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Top left-hand photograph 15th July 2007
Bottom right-hand photograph 28th April 1991 |
| Pub Operator: unknown |
| Licenced Opening Hours: Mon Tue Wed Thu Sun 08:00 'til 00:30;
Fri Sat 08:00 'til 01:30 |
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| The Mischief |
118 London Road, North End, PO2 0LZ |
| 023 9266 0743 |
www.mischiefpub.co.uk |
  This well known pub at North End junction survived for many years as the Clarence Gardens. After suffering for a spell with troublesome customers in the early 1990s the pub was temporarily deLicenced, but later reopened as part of Whitbread's Town House chain. By 2004 the pub had began losing custom to the newly opened Wetherspoon outlet nearby and it was then that the latest owners decided to refurbish the premises and give it the childish name the Mischief. The pub is now in the hands of Greene King. A perfectly good pub, spoilt by the pointless name change. |
| Left-hand photograph 2nd July 2005 |
Right-hand photograph 14th July 2007 |
| Pub Operator: Greene King |
see also The Clarence Gardens |
| Licenced Opening Hours: Mon Tue Wed Thu Sun 09:00 'til 23:40;
Sat Sun 09:00 'til 00:40 |
| see the Pub Reviews page for a
detailed description (June 2005) |
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| The Mr Pickwick |
142 Milton Road, Milton, PO4 0PN |
| 023 9283 3600 |
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 This Victorian pub has seen much change throughout its lifetime. Originally known as the Cremorne Gardens (and variations of), this name is still evident behind the existing façia. It became the Mr Pickwick during the 1970s, then spent two years as Duke's between 1986 and 1988 - a pub frequented by a young clientele. The Mr Pickwick name returned after a refurbishment in 1989 and has remained ever since. The exterior of the pub conceals the ornate tiling than can be found inside the entrance. The pub was once part of the Longs Brewery estate. |
| Photographed
3rd January 2005 |
Pub Operator: GRS Inns |
| Licenced Opening Hours: Mon Tue Wed Sun 07:00 'til 00:30;
Thu Fri Sat 07:00 'til 01:30 |
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| Monks (Moncks) |
54 High Street, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2LU |
| 023 9281 2040 |
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  This comfortable little pub/wine bar stands opposite St Thomas' Cathedral in Old Portsmouth. The narrow interior is well appionted and there is much bric-a-brac around the room. A small restaurant is housed at the rear. The pub tends to be frequented by a more mature clientele. A real ale is usually on offer. |
| Left-hand photograph 30th September 2006 |
Right-hand photograph 11th May 1989 |
| Pub Operator: Free House (N Fryatt) |
Grade II Listed |
| Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun 09:00 'til 01:00 |
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| The Mother Shipton |
223 Twyford Avenue, Stamshaw, PO2 8NY |
| 023 9266 0453 |
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  Built in 1886 to a design by local pub architect A H Bone, the Mother Shipton stands in a densely populated residential district. The pub was refurbished in 1985 and the carved figurine was replaced in 1999 (see photos). The Mother Shipton has gained a dubious reputation as a less-than-salubrious establishment - even appearing on Sky Television's series Britain's Roughest Pubs. The Webmaster has not yet checked to see if this reputation is still deserved - having last visited in 1987! |
| Left-hand photograph 14th August 1988 |
Right-hand photograph 30th September 2006 |
| Pub Operator: Greene King |
| Licenced Opening Hours: Mon Tue Wed Thu Sun 08:00 'til 00:30;
Fri Sat 08:00 'til 01:15 |
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| The Nell Gwynne |
70 Jessie Road, Southsea, PO4 0EH |
| 023 9283 2751 |
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   Constructed in 1892 for Brickwoods Brewery and designed by A H Bone, the Nell Gwynne features a distinctive 'witches hat' tower - one of a small number of similar constructions built across the city. The pub eventually became part of the Whitbread chain. The interior has been knocked through into one large L-shaped room with comfortable seating. A small boarded dining area can be found toward the rear.
Live music is often hosted on Thursday and Saturday evenings. |
| Left-hand photograph 13th July 2008 |
Near right-hand photograph 11th May 1989
Far right-hand photograph 14th August 2005 |
| Pub Operator: Unknown |
| Licenced Opening Hours: Mon Tue Wed Thu Sun 10:00 'til 23:30;
Fri Sat 10:00 'til 00:30 |
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| The New Roebuck |
76 New Road, Buckland, PO2 7RF |
| 023 9282 3795 |
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   Constructed in 1887 to a design by architect C W Ball, this Victorian corner house was once owned the Pike Spicer Brewery before later becoming part of the vast Brickwoods estate during the 1930s. Unusual for not being designed with two or more bar rooms, the New Roebuck features a single u-shaped drinking area, with a long bar counter stretching down the centre of the pub.
The pub remains a locals' local, with an emphasis on conversation and pub sports. |
| Left-hand photograph 13th July 2008 |
Near right-hand photograph 14th August 1988
Far right-hand photograph 14th August 2005 |
| Pub Operator: Punch Taverns |
Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed 10:00 'til 23:30; Thu
Fri Sat 10:00 'til 01:30; Sun 10:00 'til 23:00;
Bank Holiday extensions |
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| The Newcome Arms |
189 Newcome Road, Fratton, PO1 5DT |
| 023 9281 8384 |
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   This Victorian corner pub is very much a traditional local. Always having retained the same name, the house was originally owned by the Pike Brewery and by the 1990s was part of the vast Whitbread pub estate. 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. |
| Near right-hand photograph 9th July 2007 |
Far right-hand photograph July 1990 |
| Pub Operator: Southern Counties Taverns |
Licenced Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu 10:00 'til 00:30;
Fri Sat 10:00 'til 02:30; Sun 12:00 'til 00:00;
Bank Holiday extensions |
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| The Northcote Hotel |
35 Francis Avenue, Southsea, PO4 0HL |
| 023 9278 9888 |
www.northcotehotel.co.uk |
   Dating from 1896, this late-Victorian inn stands in a residential area to the north of Southsea's busy Albert Road. Once part of the Pike Spicer brewery's estate, it became yet another Whitbread house until it was purchased by the national pubco Enterprise Inns. During a 1990 refurbishment, the internal walls were thankfully rebuilt and we now have a very pleasant, comfortable two bar pub, with an outside patio area. Good quality real ales are also on sale. Be aware that the pub becomes very busy prior to Portsmouth FC home matches due to the pub's relative proximity to Fratton Park. A highly recommended community pub. |
| Left-hand photograph 16th April 2008 |
Near right-hand photograph 14th August 2005
Far right-hand photograph 11th May 1989 |
| Pub Operator: Enterprise Inns |
| Licenced Opening Hours: Mon Tue Wed Thu Sun 10:00 'til 00:30;
Fri Sat 10:00 'til 01:30 |
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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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