Best bars in Portsmouth

A great range of real ales and a menu that mixes homemade classics, with daily fish specials (we’re by the sea, after all), plus vegetarian options and lunchtime sandwiches. The fish’n’chips, made from haddock in their own beer batter, is a good choice. The only surviving pub on Old Portsmouth’s once packed East Street, The Bridge has retained its traditional pub feel in what’s a clear case of the strongest survive.

Light, airy, light wood tables and floor, their reputation for quality nosh has earned them a Good Food 2014 Guide recommendation. And now one from us. It’s not a huge menu, but it ticks the right boxes with a variety of meats and fish. Another big selling point is the wine selection, as upstairs is Camber Wines, Abarbistro’s very own in-house, independent wine retailer and wholesaler, so if something takes your fancy, you can take a bottle home with you. They also host wine tasting sessions.

Smart looking gastro boozer situated in the older part of the town, The Still and West has an excellent menu and decent selection of ales. London Pride and award-winning ESB are amongst the ales on tap, with seasonal beers and proper cider also available. The food side leans towards locally sourced with the classic fish’n’chips meal as well as well as red snapper, haddock, and sea bass. With outside decking and great views over the Portsmouth harbour, it's a fine port of call.

This red-brick pub has a big terrace garden and plasma screens for following live sporting events. It's close to Portsmouth’s historic dockyards and has good transport nearby, with Portsmouth and Southsea rail link just a few minutes away. The pub overlooks the Guildhall Clock Tower and has a restaurant and outside seating area.