Spice Island (The Point) - Image 1
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Spice Island The Point

4.3
·3k reviews·, United Kingdom

Historic pub with stunning harbour views and delicious English cuisine, perfect for a relaxed meal or drinks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunny afternoons

Best for patio enjoyment

CrowdMedium
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Spice Island (The Point) - Image 1

Spice Island The Point

Best Time

Sunny afternoons

Best for patio enjoyment

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic pub with stunning harbour views and delicious English cuisine, perfect for a relaxed meal or drinks.

4.3
(3k reviews)

"Absolutely perfect venue. Would highly recommend."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Ahead for Busy Times

Tables can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Booking ensures you get a spot without a long wait.

🍽️ Order at the Bar

Be prepared to queue at the bar to order food and drinks, even if you have a table.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Harbourfront Patio

Harbourfront Patio

Outdoor seating area

Soak in picturesque harbour views from the expansive patio. Ideal for sunny days and people-watching.

Historic Interior

Historic Interior

Pub interior

Discover a cozy, traditional pub atmosphere with stained wood and wainscoting, reminiscent of classic British pubs.

Delicious Daily Specials

Delicious Daily Specials

Food menu

Indulge in highly-rated English cuisine, from hearty pies to unique hashes. Daily specials offer exciting culinary adventures.

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Planning Your Visit

Harbour Views & Historic Charm

Experience the charm of this historic pub with stunning harbour views. Perfect for a relaxed meal or drinks, especially on a sunny day. Consider booking a table if visiting during peak times to avoid queues.

Prime Location for Exploration

Situated in Old Portsmouth, this pub is a great stop after exploring the promenade walls and nearby fortifications. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and people-watching opportunities.

Best Times

When
Sunny afternoons
Why
Best for patio enjoyment
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Less crowded, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Spice Island and the Still & West in Old Portsmouth

🎯 Book Ahead for Busy Times

Tables can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Booking ensures you get a spot without a long wait. Reddit

🍽️ Order at the Bar

Be prepared to queue at the bar to order food and drinks, even if you have a table. Reddit

reddit.com

Where are the coziest pubs in Portsmouth?

reddit.com

What to see in Portsmouth

☀️ Enjoy the Outdoor Seating

The patio offers fantastic views and is perfect for a sunny day. Grab a spot early! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Old Portsmouth

Combine your visit with a walk along the promenade walls and see the nearby fortifications. Reddit

reddit.com

Best pubs, bars and restaurants for this weather?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Ahead for Busy Times

Tables can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Booking ensures you get a spot without a long wait. Reddit

🍽️ Order at the Bar

Be prepared to queue at the bar to order food and drinks, even if you have a table. Reddit

☀️ Enjoy the Outdoor Seating

The patio offers fantastic views and is perfect for a sunny day. Grab a spot early! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Old Portsmouth

Combine your visit with a walk along the promenade walls and see the nearby fortifications. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

This historic pub is lauded for its stunning harbour views, particularly from its expansive patio, and its delicious, well-prepared English cuisine. Visitors appreciate the cozy, traditional interior and friendly service, making it a highly recommended spot for both dining and drinks. However, be prepared for potential queues at the bar during busy periods.

"We hired an upstairs section for my daughter's 21st birthday drinks. The area was really beautiful, with amazing views from 2 sides of the room. The hire was free, we had approx 25 guests, plenty of seating. Food ordered from the varied menu was delicious and arrived quickly. Staff were very friendly. Absolutely perfect venue. Would highly recommend."

Natalie White

"I ordered Duck Hash …. 😱😱😱OMG incredible experience! And same for my husband with steak & Ale pie. English cuisine is largely underrated (word of a French woman who loves good food)."

Rachel Era

"It was extremely busy but we had booked a table so sat down straight away. The only downside was having to queue at the bar to get drinks and order our food. The food arrived a lot sooner than I thought it would as it was so busy and it was delicious. Would definitely visit here again."

Lesley Perrin

What People Like

Amazing harbour views
Delicious food
Historic pub atmosphere

What People Dislike

Queues at the bar

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take a train from London to Portsmouth. From the train station, it's a short taxi or bus ride to Old Portsmouth, where the pub is located. Reddit

Parking in Old Portsmouth can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transport or a taxi if possible. There are some pay-and-display car parks nearby. Reddit

If you are already in Portsmouth, it's a pleasant walk along the promenade walls to reach the pub, especially if you're exploring Old Portsmouth. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You don't need tickets to enter the pub, but booking a table is highly recommended, especially for evenings and weekends, to avoid long queues. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open throughout the day and into the evening. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date times. Reddit

No, there is no entry fee to visit Spice Island The Point. You only pay for food and drinks. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

It's a historic pub with a cozy, traditional interior featuring stained wood and wainscoting. The outdoor patio offers great harbour views and a lively atmosphere. Reddit

Yes, it boasts a large patio with excellent views of the harbour, making it a popular spot on sunny days. Reddit

Yes, an upstairs section can be hired for events, offering beautiful views and ample seating. Hire was reported as free for a 21st birthday party. Reddit

Information on dog-friendliness is not explicitly mentioned in reviews, but traditional pubs often welcome well-behaved dogs, especially in outdoor areas. It's best to call ahead to confirm. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

They serve a varied menu of English cuisine, with daily specials. Popular dishes include Duck Hash and Steak & Ale Pie, which have received rave reviews. Reddit

Yes, options like Halloumi are available and well-received. It's advisable to check the current menu for the full range of vegetarian and vegan choices. Reddit

Reviews consistently praise the food quality, describing it as delicious and incredible. The English cuisine is highlighted as a strong point. Reddit

Despite being busy, food often arrives sooner than expected. The service is generally prompt. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The harbour views from the patio and upstairs hire area are stunning. The historic interior also offers great shots, capturing the pub's traditional charm. Reddit

Given its harbour location, it's likely a great spot for sunset photos, especially from the patio. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Spice Island The Point can be a great spot for families, especially on a sunny day when the kids can enjoy the outdoor patio. The varied food menu offers options that are likely to appeal to younger palates, and the lively atmosphere can be engaging. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone. Reddit

While specific child-friendly amenities aren't detailed, the pub's location near the harbour and promenade walls offers opportunities for pre or post-meal exploration that kids often enjoy. It's a good place to refuel after a day of sightseeing in Old Portsmouth. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While not explicitly a budget establishment, Spice Island The Point offers good value, especially considering its prime location and food quality. Ordering from the main menu, particularly the daily specials, can be more economical than opting for a private hire. Reddit

To save money, consider visiting during off-peak hours when you might find more affordable drink specials. Sharing appetizers like the Salt and Pepper Squid or Halloumi can also be a cost-effective way to sample the menu. Reddit

💑 Couples

For a romantic outing, consider booking a table on the patio during sunset for stunning harbour views, or opt for a cozy corner inside during cooler months. The historic ambiance and delicious food create a wonderful setting for a date. Reddit

If you're celebrating a special occasion, inquire about hiring the upstairs section, which offers privacy and spectacular views, making it an ideal spot for an intimate celebration. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Experiencing the Historic Ambiance

Spice Island The Point is more than just a pub; it's a step back in time. The interior is celebrated for its stained wood and wainscoting, creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere that many visitors seek out. This traditional charm is a significant draw, especially for those looking for a classic British pub experience. The pub's location in Old Portsmouth further enhances this historical feel, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the area's rich maritime heritage. Reddit

Many reviewers highlight the cozy pub feel as a major plus, particularly mentioning the desire for a fireplace and sea views, which this establishment seems to embody. It's a place where you can imagine sailors and locals gathering for centuries. The combination of the historic setting and the lively harbour activity outside creates a unique and memorable environment. Reddit

Culinary Delights with a View

The food at Spice Island The Point receives consistent praise, with many visitors describing their meals as delicious and incredible. The menu features a variety of English cuisine, with daily specials that offer exciting culinary choices. Standout dishes mentioned include the Duck Hash and the Steak & Ale Pie, indicating a commitment to hearty, well-prepared fare. Reddit

Even when the pub is extremely busy, the food is reported to arrive much sooner than anticipated, a testament to efficient kitchen operations. The Halloumi and Salt and Pepper Squid are also highlighted as particularly tasty options. This focus on quality food, served promptly, makes it a great dining destination, especially when paired with the pub's scenic location. Reddit

The Allure of the Harbourfront Location

One of the most significant draws of Spice Island The Point is its prime location overlooking the harbour. The expansive patio provides an ideal setting to enjoy the views, whether for a leisurely lunch, a casual drink, or simply to soak in the atmosphere. This outdoor space is particularly appealing on sunny days, offering a perfect spot for people-watching and enjoying the maritime scenery. Reddit

The pub's position in Old Portsmouth also makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the area. Visitors can easily combine a visit to the pub with walks along the promenade walls or explorations of nearby old tower fortifications. This strategic placement ensures that the pub is not just a dining destination but also a central point within a historically rich and scenic area. Reddit

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