The Still & West, Portsmouth

Saturday October lunchtime visit, off season so no problems with getting served or seating. This pub has not really changed over 40 years, same views of course, much same interior, an iconic pub for all the right reasons Now a Fullers [ex Gales], so only Fullers offerings available, but they are well kept and tasty The prices, for beer & food, in common with the area, are above average, £3.20 for a pint of HSB for instance,, but that is tourism for you As you enter it a sort of sprawling reversed L shape, with the vertical leg having views over the harbour entrance. The outside area is good for gawking, but be aware that at high tide, with wind & sea spray, your pint may be saltier than you want, sit nearer the road to avoid To second Roger, worth a visit for views alone. Parking is minimal, you may have to park near Cathedral & walk, cobble stones in keeping with historic theme, so wheelchairs may have a bumpy ride. Irregular buses stop nearby

Like most harbour side pubs, the Still & West claims to be the haunt of many a smuggler and press gang over its 200 year existence. These days it is rather stuck out in the middle of nowhere and not very accessible from the town. Its main asset is its commanding views across the waters to the Isle of Wight one way and the Spinnaker Tower the other. The outside seating is ideal on a warm evening to idle away a few hours watching the ferries pass by but in winter perhaps not such a good idea. The interior is quite rambling although there are a few screened off areas for a relatively intimate pint even though it all comes over as being extensively refurbished and contrived. Unsurprisingly the theme is generally nautical with boat pictures, knots, navy shields and seafaring murals on the ceiling. A decent range of Fullers beers: HSB, ESB, Pride and a seasonal offering (Winter Warmer on my visit). The piped music was a bit bland and, interestingly, I did not notice any TV's. The restaurant upstairs seems to specialise in fish and chips and whilst I can't comment as we did not eat here, I would imagine a nice window seat here would enhance any dining experience. I have not been here in the summer when I suspect it would be heaving and the “we welcome well behaved children” sign is usually a reason to avoid but this is a pub that is worth visiting, even if only for the views.