PORTSMOUTH PUB CRAWL

Portsmouth is a historic port city on the sunny south coast of England. The sea has played an integral role in the city’s history, and much of Portsmouth is located on an island. The island, which many people from Portsmouth call home, is called Portsea Island, and it also serves as a key hub for the Royal Navy.

For centuries, the dockyard has been a crucial base for ships of the British Empire. Today, His Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth (HMNB Portsmouth) remains an active naval base while also preserving the city’s rich maritime heritage. It is home to the National Museum of the Royal Navy and the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where visitors can explore the Mary Rose, HMS Warrior, and HMS Victory, which is Lord Nelson’s legendary flagship.

The base has long been nicknamed "Pompey", a name shared with the city’s football club, Portsmouth F.C. The club, which was founded in 1898, plays an integral part in the city’s culture and history.

Portsmouth's past is filled with fascinating stories, from its crucial role in the Second World War to the construction of the iconic Spinnaker Tower. Entire books could be written about the city’s heritage, but if you have been waiting for the part about the pubs, do not worry! Just like its history, Portsmouth boasts a rich and vibrant pub scene.

We hope that you enjoy the FREE pub crawl and let us know what you think via our social media channels.

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THE PUBS

The Spice Island Inn

The pub crawl begins at a traditional English pub. This large establishment prominently displays its name on the exterior. Inside, a distinctive blue bar, something you do not see often, adds unique character to the space. A cosy fireplace enhances the warm and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place to start the pub crawl and get into the right frame of mind.

The Still & West

The Still & West has a brightly coloured building and, like the Spice Island Inn, is a spacious pub. In addition, it also has a large outside terrace by the water, where you can relax with your favourite drink. As military vessels pass through to the harbour, they are just a few inches away, creating a truly unique experience.

The Bridge Tavern

The pub is easily recognisable due to the building's bright colour. A large banner featuring an image of a bridge hangs outside. In England, it is common to find pubs with peculiar names and banners that depict their names. This tradition dates back to a time when most people could not read, so pubs were identified by the pictures displayed outside.

The Dolphin Pub & Kitchen

After all those drinks in the previous pubs, you might have worked up an appetite. That is why the next stop on the list is The Dolphin. This pub boasts an extensive menu with a wide variety of dishes to choose from. It has a traditional exterior, and its main colour theme, blue and white, pays homage both to the sea and to the local football club, Portsmouth F.C.

The Pembroke

The Pembroke is as traditional as pubs come. From the carpeted floor to the wooden bar, which features black pillars supporting a beam with stained glass displaying the pub’s name, every detail exudes classic charm. All in all, it is a great boozer to round off the pub crawl.