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Requested be closed with reason - Other: Closed, no signs of life 07/05/2016. Pub website says closed for good.

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El Nico, Portsmouth

54 High Street
Portsmouth
PO1 2LU

Correct details

Served areas

Old Portsmouth, Spice Island

Reviews of El Nico (Average Rating: 6 of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

E TA left this review about El Nico

Previously Monks, this historic high street pub is going through a new phase as a tapas bar run by real Hispanic people. It is dog-hostile, there is free WiFi, and Spanish pop music pollutes the airwaves. It was, however, a pleasant surprise to find friendly staff, a welcoming atmosphere and some decent beer here. The tapas were a little on the pricey side, but the beer was cheaper than some other nearby pubs. Three ales on, I had a pint of Flack’s Hedge Hop, well kept and very refreshing, while a porter whose name I failed to record was also in very good condition. I actually quite like it here and will certainly return, possibly for one of their theme nights.

On 24^th April 2015 - rating: 6
[User has posted 3516 recommendations about 3480 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Michael Wright left this review about Monks

Visited on a sunny Saturday lunchtime of a Bank Holiday weekend, I was the only customer, which may be indicative, or not. Maybe in the evenings all the rich folk from the surrounding flats flock in to drink wine and chat, there is plenty of seating to accommodate them.

One very long bar, plus upstairs area. The decor, as previous post states, is very ornate, with a tiled patterned floor, I am no judge of styles, but I think it tries to be around turn of the 1900s, with a splosh of art nouveau you will either love it or hate it

5 hand pulls on my visit, I opted for Thwaites Lancaster as it was one I have never tried, not having had it before I cannot say for sure, but my pint had a mild touch of Sarson's about it to my taste buds, but I admit this may be unfair as it was my first ever pint of this brew. It cost £3 for a pint BTW

It does not serve food, which may not be a good idea given it's location , I may have ordered food, and during my visit a group 4 people came in asking about food, and walked out without spending a penny when informed there was none. I can only guess that the owners, having obviously spent thousands on the decor have done the sums and can make a living with an empty bar on a sunny Saturday lunchtime of a Bank Holiday weekend in a busy tourist spot, opposite a lovely cathedral in Old Portsmouth

Warning, the toilets are upstairs, so if stairs present a problem for you, avoid Monks

Would I go back? Probably not, to my mind there are better in the area. Could be handy if attending a Church service, such as a wedding, in the Anglican cathedral opposite

On 30^th August 2010 - rating: 4
[User has posted 526 recommendations about 382 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Bryan Moffat left this review about Monks

Monks - as it is now called - is one of the most beautiful and lavishly decorated pubs I have ever been into. Atmosphere is very warm and inviting. There are always 6 real ales kept in perfect condition and the staff are very approachable and friendly.

On 9^th May 2010 - rating: 8
[User has posted 1 recommendations about 1 pubs]

View more reviews of El Nico (4)

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