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Detail Pages
Spice Island Inn, Portsmouth
Portsmouth
PO1 2JD
Pub Type
Flame Grill (Greene King)Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about Spice Island Inn
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.
On 13th August 2022
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Steve of N21 left this review about Spice Island Inn
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.
On 30th October 2021
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2111 recommendations about 1992 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Moby Duck left this review about Spice Island Inn
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.
On 2nd March 2016
- rating: 5
[User has posted 1872 recommendations about 1845 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about Spice Island Inn
Formerly owned by Fullers (Gales) but now a GK pub, this atmospheric, friendly town pub has superb views of the harbour entrance and is a wonderful place to spnd an afternoon drinking decent beer and watching the boats go past without the inconvenience of getting wet and windblown. It's also very convenient for both the IOW ferry and Gunwharf shopping outlet, if either of those (pardon the expression) 'float your boat'. There is a large water-front bar with a shabby carpet and comfortable seats, they purvey reasonable food from an imaginative menu at reasonable prices and the beer is very well kept, if a little restricted for choice. There also appears to be another large bar to the rear, but this was closed when we visited. Outside, there is a large terrace with seating which enables a slightly wetter, windier view of the harbour – probably fine when the weather allows. Free WIFI is available and the pub is dog-friendly. The only irritation was the muzak – in the 5 years since Micheal Wright's view below, this hasn't changed. There were three ales on during this latest visit: I had Timothy Taylor's Golden Best which was in excellent condition. Well worth seeking out and a good choice for inclusion in a crawl.
On 28th April 2014
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3286 recommendations about 3251 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
I L left this review about Spice Island Inn
Great looking pub outside. inside it has been opened up a bit and is mainly set up as a restaurant. Nothing inspiring on the hand pumps and despite the two bar menu working hard there just wasn't enough staff to deal with quite a few people who had been waiting before me and as I could see it being a long wait I left and went to a pub nearby.
On 29th September 2012
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 287 recommendations about 284 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Richard Arwkrite left this review about Spice Island Inn
My visit was later in the year on a blue sky day. The doors and windows wide open we sat outside. Yes the fish and chips were great( they are fried in a proper chip shop next door)The beer was good.Very close proximity to the ferry terminals gives a great view of the shiphandling. Loved every minute of it.
The fancy block paving gives the wheelchair user a rough ride.
On 24th September 2009
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 197 recommendations about 185 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Michael Wright left this review about Spice Island Inn
Lunchtime visit on a cold & sea misty day, unsurprisingly not many in, but warm, comfy and friendly enough
3 draught bitters, Ringwood best, Old Speckled Hen & Greene King IPA, I had the Ringwood, twice as it was so tasty
Food available, fairly extensive and fairly reasonable priced menu, given the location and likely touristy customer base that is, restaurant upstairs with views across Portsmouth Harbour
I had Fish & Chips, which was on offer at 5.95, it was huge, had to leave some of it, which is not my style at all, my only minor quibble is the mushy peas arrived in a small gravy boat, which I reckon is poncey, but there you are
Only drawback was the muzak, a tad too intrusive in a near empty pub. Otherwise 4 stars
On 11th February 2009
- rating: 8
[User has posted 526 recommendations about 382 pubs]