Spice Island Inn, Portsmouth

A much tarted-up tourist pub in a key location, well actually two pubs as the Coal Exchange was subsumed by the other as can be seen by the signage inside. Pleasant enough, especially the upstairs dining section and the outdoor tables both enjoying harbour views. Beers from the Greene King range, plus a guest which usually seems to be TT Landlord.

I missed visiting this one the last time I was in Portsmouth old town so back a couple of weeks ago I put that right when we popped in for the last beer of a Friday evening. Spacious opened out interior as referred to below, but a key selling point is obviously the outside drinking area that gives you a very good view of the Spinnaker and of the Isle of Wight ferries, as they come into dock next door at frequent intervals. All three hand pumps in operation and alongside the usual Green King IPA and Abbott was fortunately for us a decent Timothy Taylor Landlord.

Large open-plan Greene King pub with panoramic views, only two beers on, GK IPA and Abbot. OK for the tourist but not for me.

Official site of Spice Island Inn - www.spiceisland-portsmouth.co.uk

Official site of Spice Island Inn - www.spiceisland-portsmouth.co.uk