The city was named the UK’s booze capital for pubs after data collected by Liberty Games showed Portsmouth had the most pubs per square mile. The city has a total of 12 pubs per square mile – double the number of London. It also beats Liverpool, which has 11 boozers per square mile, and Bristol, which has 10.
READ NOW: Great Portsmouth pubs
One local said: “From stag dos to football weekends away, Pompey is like a pub-lovers playground. The city may now be down to just a few genuine nightclubs but what does that matter when you've got so many boozers on tap? Pardon the pun – or not – up to you.
“Anyone after a crawl could easily stay put in Albert Road, a notorious stretch of pubs from The 5th Hants Volunteer Arms all the way down to One Eyed Dog. Stop off at one of the several curry houses en route and you've got a top Saturday night on your hands."
Here are just a few of the pubs Portsmouth has to offer.
1. The Eastney Tavern, Southsea
Nestled away in Cromwell Road, this pub is a hidden gem and has a lot of food on offer including the British classic. Photo: Google Maps
2. Hole in the Wall, Great Southsea Street, Southsea
Flower Pots Goodens Gold V; 5 changing beers (sourced nationally). A multiple award-winning pub, the Hole is a true free house, with an ever-changing selection of cask beers, an interesting selection of cans to take away and a sweet tuckshop. During lockdown the pub made amazing efforts to provide takeaway beer. Sadly it no longer serves food. Thursday is quiz night. On Friday last admission is one hour before closing. Check the website for current beers and opening times. Photo: Google Maps
3. Apsley House, Auckland Road West, Southsea
Hop Back Summer Lightning; Sharp’s Doom Bar; Timothy Taylor Landlord H Named after the London residence of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, the building is depicted on the pub sign along with a parody of its address. The pub is a short walk from Southsea Common and the shops of Palmerston Road. Inside, the single bar has a U-shaped counter. To the right is a raised seating area. The decor is basic with simple wooden tables and chairs. There is a small patio seating area at the front. Photo: Steve Reid
4. The Barley Mow, Castle Road, Southsea
Fuller’s London Pride; Gale’s HSB; 6 changing beers (sourced nationally) H A large community pub built by A.E. Cogswell, although it is not typical of his designs. The lounge bar retains it's wood panelling and for many years had a mural depicting the Battle of Southsea fixed to the ceiling. This now resides in the City Museum. The smaller public bar is more simply decorated. To the rear is an award-winning patio garden, a real suntrap on warmer days. Games, including bar billiards and shove ha’penny, are available. Photo: Malcolm Wells