Portsmouth Pub Listings O-P

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

The Oakwood	190 Northern Parade, Hilsea, PO2 9LU
023 9266 0745
This pre-war pub opened its doors in 1936 to service the inhabitants of the Hilsea residential district. Owned for many years by Whitbread, the Oakwood is now owned by Punch Taverns. The original two bars have since been knocked into one and the pub gained new licencees in February 2007, which should give it a promising future.
Left-hand photograph 13th July 2008	Right-hand photograph 30th September 2006 Far right-hand photograph 11th February 1990
Pub Operator: Punch Taverns
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00 'til 00:30; Sun 12:00 'til 23:00; Bank Holiday extensions

The Old Canal Inn	2 Shirley Avenue, Milton, PO4 8HF
023 9282 5750
Dating from 1930, this imposing pre-war pub stands in a residential district of Milton. The ground floor is clad with attractive green glazed tiling and it wears the livery of original owners Portsmouth United Breweries, as well as sporting a number of United etched windows. Named after the abandoned Portsmouth and Arundel canal that ran close by, the pub now has one bar (plus a separate room) and is used almost exclusively by local folk. Three real ales are on offer, including products from local microbreweries. Sadly, the attractiveness of the building no longer extends to the inn sign, which now looks very forlorn, having been much weathered over the years.
Left-hand photograph 13th July 2008	Near right-hand photograph 4th February 2007 Far right-hand photograph July 1990
Pub Operator: Meon Valley Taverners
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 10:00 'til 00:30; Fri Sat 10:00 'til 01:30; Sun 12:00 'til 23:59: Bank Holiday extensions

The Old Customs House	Vernon Building, Gunwharf Quays, Portsea, PO1 3TY
023 9283 2333	www.theoldcustomshouse.com
Housed within the former HMS Vernon customs building, this grade II listed pub was opened by former Horndean brewers Gales in 2005. It is now part of London brewer Fuller Smith & Turner's estate. Despite the claim on the exterior that the pub is 'traditional', the interior is in fact more reminiscent of a wine bar, with comfortable sofas and low tables. Items of modern art and naval prints adorn the walls. There is a terrace at the front of the pub for al fresco drinking. A selection of good quality ales is on offer, though both food and drink is rather expensive, as tends to be the norm in this part of town.
Left-hand photograph 13th July 2008	Right-hand photograph 3rd January 2005
Pub Operator: Fuller Smith & Turner
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 07:00 'til 03:00; Sun 07:00 'til 02:00; Bank Holiday extensions

The Old House At Home	104 Locksway Road, Milton, PO4 8JR
023 9273 2606	www.theoldhouseathomepub.co.uk
Situated in what is popularly known as Milton village, this large popular local has a sizeable public bar at the front, which can get noisy, and a quieter lounge at the rear. Live folk and blues is often performed. Good quality real ales are on offer. A Whitbread pub for many years, it is now owned by a small independent operator.
Left-hand photograph 18th March 2008	Near right-hand photograph 4th February 2007 Far right-hand photograph 11th May 1989
Pub Operator: Genuinns Ltd
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon Tue Wed Thu Sun 09:00 'til 00:30; Fri Sat 09:00 'til 01:30; Bank Holiday extensions

The Old Oyster House	291 Locksway Road, Milton, PO4 8LH
023 9282 7456
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. A former Portsmouth United Breweries pub, it was latterly owned by Whitbread. Nowadays the pub is well-known locally for its high quality ales and real cider. The outside terrace is handy during the warmer weather.
Left-hand photograph 15th October 2007	Near right-hand photograph 4th February 2007 Far right-hand photograph 11th May 1989
Pub Operator: unknown
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon Tue Wed Thu Sun 08:00 'til 00:30; Fri Sat 08:00 'til 01:00; Bank Holiday extensions

The Old Vic	104 St Paul's Road, Southsea, PO5 4AQ
023 9229 7013	www.oldvicportsmouth.co.uk
Built in 1900 in half-timbered brewers tudor style, the Old Vic was originally known as the Borough Arms. The original interior was sadly ripped out in 1978 and the pub later became a restaurant. In the late 1980s it reopened as the Old Vic public house and became a popular and comfortable place in which to enjoy a drink. Unfortunately the Brickwoods façia was removed (remnants can be seen in the top left-hand photo), although four original tiled panels still remain below the ground floor windows (see bottom left-hand photo). The pub is popular with the gay community.
Top left-hand photograph 11th May 1989 Bottom left-hand photograph 22nd July 2007	Right-hand photograph 19th September 2004
Pub Operator: unknown	Grade II Listed
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00 'til 02:30; Sun 12:00 'til 01:00

The One-Eyed Dog	179-185 Elm Grove, Southsea, PO5 1LU
023 9282 7188
Originally opened in the mid 1990s as the Green Goose, this popular student bar took the name of another of the owner's establishments on Portland Road, Southsea, thus becoming the One-Eyed Dog. With a spartan, all wood interior and basic furnishings, the bar offers cheap drinks promotions to attract its clientele.
Photographed 19th September 2004	see also The Green Goose
Pub Operator: Wine Vaults (Portsmouth) Ltd
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 11:00 'til 01:00; Fri Sat 11:00 'til 02:00; Sun 12:00 'til 23:59

The Osborne	68 Osborne Road, Southsea, PO5 3LU
023 9282 4394
A pub by this name has existed on this site since at least the mid 19th century. The interior received a major facelift in the mid 1990s, providing the customer with a comfortable, large single bar room. The pub has a good mixture of clientele, from daytime shoppers and businessmen to night-time clubbers. The house has had a number of licencees in recent times and the latest is known to be local disc jockey Steve Kingsley, who has plans to relaunch the pub to cater for a young clientele, including the provision of a dancefloor. The pub may well lose its historic name in favour of being called Kingsley's, which itself is a great shame and nothing more than a modern fad.
Left-hand photograph 26th May 2008	Near right-hand photograph 11th May 1989 Far right-hand photograph 6th August 2005
Pub Operator: Enterprise Inns
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00 'til 23:30; Sun 12:00 'til 22:50

Owens	81 Palmerston Road, Southsea, PO5 3PP
023 9282 2592
This premises was originally a shop until converted to a public house by the name of the Palmerston in 1948. In 1981 it was renamed Owens, in tribute to Thomas Ellis Owen, who was responsible for much of the planning and design of 19th century Southsea. Popular with the younger customer, especially during weekend evenings. Pool and sports TV is the general rule here.
Left-hand photograph 13th July 2008	Near right-hand photograph 11th May 1989 Far right-hand photograph 6th August 2005
Pub Operator: Orchid Pubs (Thames) Ltd
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon Tue Wed Sun 09:00 'til 01:00; Thu Fri Sat 09:00 'til 02:00; Bank Holiday extensions

The Painters Arms	18 Lake Road, Landport, PO1 4HA
023 9282 6056
Built at the turn of the 20th century for Brickwoods Brewery, the pub replaced another of the same name that was demolished close by. Consisting of a single bar room, the Painters received a face lift in the early 1990s and had a patio area added to allow outside drinking. The pub was taken over by the former licencee of the Connaught Arms at the start of the 21st century, resulting in the addition of a quality guest ale. NOTE: This pub is presently (September 2008) closed and is due to reopen in October.
Left-hand photograph 13th July 2008	Near right-hand photograph 18th February 1990 Far right-hand photograph 15th July 2007
Pub Operator: Enterprise Inns
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00 'til 23:30; Sun 12:00 'til 22:50

The Park Tavern	18 Edinburgh Road, Landport, PO1 1DE
023 9283 9968
The Park Tavern is one of four pubs that until recently were open for business on Edinburgh Road. Originally the Battle & Breeze, the pub was once owned by Brickwoods before later becoming part of the Burton-based Ind Coope estate. The interior has the feel of a Victorian London pub, with an island bar at the centre. Mostly frequented by local patrons, the pub is also popular with Royal Navy personnel as it is one of the first pubs one comes to after leaving the main gate of HM Naval Base. Food is served during the day and major sporting fixtures are televised.
Left-hand photograph 13th July 2008	Near right-hand photograph 14th August 2005 Far right-hand photograph 18th February 1990
Pub Operator: Spirit Group
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 09:00 'til 02:00; Fri Sat 09:00 'til 03:00; Sun 09:00 'til 01:00; Bank Holiday extensions

The Pelham Arms	78 Chichester Road, North End, PO2 0AH
023 9266 2795
Built in 1887 in brewers tudor style to a design by prolific Portsmouth architect A E Cogswell, the Pelham Arms was originally built as a hotel for the Pike Spicer Brewery. It eventually passed into the hands of former national brewer Whitbread and was given a refurbishment in the 1980s, leaving one large comfortably-furnished L-shaped bar. The pub remains a popular pub with a mainly local clientele.
Left-hand photograph 14th August 1988	Right-hand photograph 15th July 2007
Pub Operator: Punch Taverns
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon Tue Wed 10:30 'til 23:30; Thu Fri Sat 10:30 'til 00:30; Sun 12:00 'til 23:00; Bank Holiday extensions

The Pembroke	20 Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2NR
023 9282 3961
This traditional street corner local is a popular pub with both locals and tourists alike. Originally known as the Blue Posts in the 19th century, the Pembroke has traded as such since 1898. Once part of the Spicer brewery's estate, the house later became part of Brickwood's large portfolio until their takeover by the brewing giant Whitbread in the early 1970s. These days the pub features in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide and offers a pleasant environment in which to enjoy a quiet pint and listen to the occasional jazz or folk bands that perform. The Pembroke remains a good example of a traditional Portsmouth tavern, of the kind that are sadly becoming ever scarcer.
Top left-hand photograph 27th January 2008 Bottom near right-hand photograph 30th September 2006	Top right-hand photograph 11th May 1989 Bottom far right-hand photograph 3rd Januray 2005
Pub Operator: unknown
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00 'til 00:30; Sun 10:00 'til 23:59; Bank Holiday extensions
Visit the Pub Crawls page to read a detailed description of this pub (January 2008)

The Phœnix	13 Duncan Road, Southsea, PO5 2QU
023 9278 1055
Once known as the Brewery Tap, the Phœnix can be found in Southsea's residential back streets, behind the King's Theatre. The pub was once complimented by the Dockmill Brewery, which later became the Phœnix Brewery, surviving until the end of the 19th century when it was closed by Brickwoods. The pub is now a well-used local with a patio courtyard and a single L-shaped bar. A seperate games room is also available. Unusual real ales are served. Live music on Saturday and Sunday nights.
Left-hand photograph 13th July 2008	Near right-hand photograph 30th September 2006 Far right-hand photograph 11th May 1989
Pub Operator: unknown
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon Tue Wed Thu Sun 10:00 'til 00:30; Fri Sat 10:00 'til 01:30; Bank Holiday extensions
visit the Pub Crawls page for a detailed description of this pub (March 2007)

The Phœnix	51 Torrington Road, Hilsea, PO2 0TN
023 9266 0744
This large brick corner house was constructed in 1937 and was originally opened as an hotel. Unlike many pubs across the city, the pub has managed to retain its two distinct bars - a large public bar toward the front of house, with a smaller, wood panelled lounge toward the rear, which also doubles as a function room for private parties. Darts is played in the public bar and the pub is one of only a few in Portsmouth to retain a bar billiards table. A pool table can be found in the lounge. Smokers are able to take advantage of a sizeable patio area to the rear of the house, with large parasols offering shelter from inclement weather. Pavement seating is also available. Three real ales are served - sourced from a mixture of national and large independent brewers.
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 11:00 'til 23:30; Fri Sat 11:00 'til 00:30; Sun 12:00 'til 23:30; Bank Holiday extensions

Porters (Café Verde)	31-35 Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2SE
023 9229 3474
Housed in two adjacent properties in what was once the popular Fistful of Tacos restaurant, Porters is a large wine bar style pub owned by prolific Southsea entrepreneur Mike Hughes. Those familiar with Hughes' other establishments will know what to expect - an abundance of exposed wood, simple furnishings and good value food from a comprehensive menu. A large selection of wines is served. Two real ales are also offered - these being Courage Directors and Hop Back Odyssey during a visit in March 2008. The pub changed its name in June 2008 from Café Verde, with a greater emphasis on drinks.
Photographed 13th July 2008	Pub Operator: Wine Vaults (Portsmouth) Ltd
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 09:00 'til 00:30

The Portland Arms	138 Stamshaw Road, Stamshaw, PO2 8LX
023 9266 0643
The Portland Arms has traded on this site under the same name since the 19th century. A proper local pub, the Portland consists of one long bar room, divided into two distinctive areas. Pool and darts are both played. This is a good example of a community tavern.
Left-hand photograph 13th July 2008	Near right-hand photograph 30th September 2006 Far right-hand photograph 18th February 1990
Pub Operator: Punch Taverns
Licenced Opening Hours: Mon Tue Wed 11:00 'til 23:30; Thu Fri Sat 11:00 'til 00:30; Sun 12:00 'til 23:00; Bank Holiday extensions

The Portland Hotel	38/40 Kent Road, Southsea, PO5 3ET
This large former hotel once boasted a lively public bar, full of music memorabilia and even a red telephone box. It was a regular venue for live bands and had a good atmosphere. Unfortunately the bar gained a poor reputation for drugs use and in 1989 was refurbished and renamed Norma Jean's. Further name changes followed including the One-Eyed Dog, the Dog and most recently, the Havana Café Bar.
Photographed 11th May 1989	Pub Operator: Free House
see also Havana Café Bar	Grade II Listed
Licenced Opening Hours: see Havana Café Bar

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.