The Bridge Tavern in Portsmouth

I am not only a local guide as well as a long-standing resident of Old Portsmouth, but I am also a supportive local of this once atmospheric pub. For over 30 years, my husband and I have loved OUR pub until the CURRENT landlord decided it was in HIS best interest to barr my husband and I from this, not HIS, FULLERS PUBLIC house... (emphasis on PUBLIC) ... Whoops-a-daisy! I wonder what Fullers would say about the treatment of my husband and I? Guess I'll have to go and ask? To be continued... ... asking... ... to be continued...

Turns out I made an error when booking and got the wrong day. After arriving and the place was nearly empty, we were made very unwelcome by what I assume was the manager/ Landlady. If that’s how she treats first time customers who were there for an impromptu lunch, then she deserves for us to leave and spend our money elsewhere. I personally felt very embarrassed as it was the first time we had been introduced to one of our guests and We only booked last minute on recommendation from a friend. Good job we were not secret diners.

STILL BARRED! - My husband and I still don't understand why we we're barred for life by the CURRENT landlord .... To be continued...

Great pub, great food, right where fishing boats moor up.

Nice pub, surprised to find it surrounded by such large modern buildings, tucked away on the quayside. We had the roast beef and roast chicken. Service was quick, food was plentiful and delicious, staff were friendly and polite.

A lovely place right on the dockside.

Stopped for Sunday lunch here. The meat and gravy were super. The roast potatoes were not good. They are too large and as a consequence, they were neither fluffy of crispy. Good roast potatoes should be pretty easy for a professional chef. The vegetable's were fairly basic but seemed to be over cooked. It is not possible to order a single portion of cauliflower cheese. Which makes the meal costly if only one of you wants it. We would return as this is a very nice pub. We would just not order a roast again.

I visited The Bridge Tavern on a lovely autumn afternoon to catch up with some of my cycling mates. There is a carpark near that you have to pay for and is not too far if you are not so good on your feet. Outside the pub are many tables you can sit at and enjoy the sun should it be out. We chose to sit inside to have our lunch, there were five of us and we found a table to accommodate us. There was a nice selection of pub grub available. The bar staff allowed us to run a tab without the need to register a payment card, that might be because we are too old to do a runner 😊 The food came in reasonable time. The five of us had fish and chips and there were no complaints by anyone. The bar and waiting staff were pleasant and helped make the visit to The Bridge Tavern a good experience. I would happily return. Some of my reviews may seem unforgiving but I come from a time when everything was not “Awesome” and “near enough was not good enough”. So, if I say something is “Excellent” that is because it is somewhere better than most others… and well worth considering visiting. I hope this review was of help, please consider following my travels & reviews in the autumn of my life.

Always a Portsmouth favourite (once I had found an easy way to get there about 15 x years ago). Close to, but very different to the nearby Still and West and seems more of a “Locals” pub than the latter. Haven’t dined in here for a few years now, but regularly come in for some excellent Fullers/Gales beers. Pleasantly surprised to find London Porter available at the excellent price of £5:40. Most other Fullers pubs I visit (and I visit a lot) have this on at over £6:00 if they have it at all. Great pub and look forward to my next visit.

Nice out of the way place for drinks and food. Very friendly.

Phantastik food. Breaded white baide and fresh scallops

Great staff. Great food. Tremendous value for money. Can't go wrong here. Monday Madness (or whatever they call it) is exceptionally good value for money with great food.

Lovely old Portsmouth pub, right next to the harbour on spice island, lots of history. Didn't eat there but the Food looked very nice.

This lovely pub was our local for 30 Years… We had a great community there… So, here’s the beginning of the story… My husband and I were recently barred for LIFE by the current landlord! … whoops-a-daisy! … CHASED OUT IN FACT!!! WE did nothing, I assure you not a single thing wrong! … and after supporting this pub in MANY, MANY progressive ways throughout the years, we sit here and wonder why on earth WE were so spontaneously and rudely turfed out of OUR pub! To be continued…

I had a Brisket burger and it wasn't fresh. The burger was definitely reheated. Large group of rowdy guys just topped it off! They didn't have our booking, but the next day I got a call asking if I was coming tonight!

Visited on Monday when there was a special on the food, which was lovely and the Bridge had a nice selection of beers. Staff were friendly too.

Poor pint of London Pride. If they can't sell a decent pint, what else is missing?

The sticky ribs were large in portion size. The bones came out easily but the meat was so tough I couldn’t cut it with my knife! I ate very little of it and took the rest home to put out for the fox. I had to sign a disclaimer that I wouldn’t complain if I had a stomach upset! The other meals were ok.

overpriced for microwave-quality food that gave 2/3 of us food poisoning. excellent and friendly service though and a beautiful location. will probably only return for drinks.

Very busy sunny evening on a Tuesday only 2 bar staff. Plenty of glasses to wash up left on bar. Missed my wine with meal and one didn't know how to change a barrel. Food good quality cooked well and delivered in a reasonable time considering how busy it was. Great place for a drink and food on a sunny evening

There were five of us and we got a table without a reservation. 3 x burgers were really bad, the patties were cold and very hard. 1 x 6 Oz fillet steak was ok, but unfortunately cold. Only the mussels were good. A real shame as it was our last evening in Portsmouth. I definitely advise against the burgers!! --------- There were five of us and we got a table without a reservation. 3 x burgers were really bad, the patties were cold and very hard. 1 x 6 Oz fillet steak was ok, but unfortunately cold. Only the mussels were good. A real shame as it was our last evening in Portsmouth. I definitely advise against the burgers!!

Drinks a little pricey but good for the location! Good choice of beers.

Booked a table for 2 an hour before arriving. Upon arrival, they didn't have a clue about my booking at first. I ordered fish (turbot), with veg & potatoes. Got a part of the fish with 80% bone, & hardly any flesh. The veg was over-boiled & looked as though it was from a frozen packet (the carrots were not cut by hand), The potatoes were the only things I could eat but generally it was a very poor effort, while charging me £30 for that plate. The service was unfriendly & unhelpful when I requested dairy-free dessert. Really poor effort. It was my first time there. I don't live in Portsmouth, but if I visit the city again, I will avoid The Bridge Tavern.

The Bridge Tavern has over the last two visits been rather disappointing. Last time the fish was served uncooked. Today's visit was due to us attending Shakespeare Garden Event (which was amazing). It was busy… On ordering our drinks my Pepsi arrived flat, queuing once again the other half ordered a lime and soda. Now you would think that was an easy drink to get right…. I am afraid not, I was unable to taste any lime but hey the soda was fizzy! The meals we ordered were not great. The kitchen was obviously overwhelmed so much so that they shut the kitchen at 7pm until the following day!. I feel the cook/chef is more of a microwave/oven technician who has a particular penchant for the use or should I say overuse of pepper. The braised cabbage was inedible, the presentation poor and the choice of accompanying vegetables for each dish rather bizarre to say the least. At no stage did a member of staff come to do a meal check. Our food would have been cold had we waited to get a member of staff's attention to highlight the issues. This is all rather sad as I really like The Bridge. After this visit however, we have decided it is our last visit for food. Due to our experiences, I can no longer recommend The Bridge

Had lunch, and all three meals were very good, tasty, and large portions. The staff were very friendly is a definitely return place

Sunny Wednesday morning. Walked from South Parade Pier to Old Portsmouth. Arrived at 11.30 am and thought about a pint of HSB. The Bridge beer is always good so I made my way there. 11.35 am all doors locked!!! Very disappointing. Went round the corner to The Still. Lots of people there and the tills were ringing. A lesson they could learn.

Great food and good service, very friendly place

Went for lunch. We had been before, a couple of years ago and the food was great but this time it was terrible!! The bar staff were a bit standoffish to start with. Being told to wait “I will see to you in a moment” - almost left then and wished I had!! I ordered the daily special Sea Bass with garlic crust. It was a small piece of tasteless fish covered in sawdust!! The vegetables were overcooked and dry. No seasoning, no butter or sauce. A bland dry dish. Another had the homemade Lasagne which was undercooked pasta sheets with cream of tomato soup. A sloppy mess and where’s the meat! Such a shame. There are many better options nearby.

Why did you let a couple with a dog sit right near us. Horrible experience because it did nothing but run round our legs and owners did nothing. Why is this tolerated, seems standard now. Guess I’ll just give up going out.

Totally dissatisfied no taste ordered tbone steak got a plate full of fat with no bone my wife ordered scallops absolutely disgusting tastes of nothing but grit will never return chef needs reminding he's a chef so Cook like one zero Stars as far as I'm concerned

Food very good , location lovely choice of beer good. The only negative comment is and this is only ment as constructive criticism my wife used the wc as you do and noticed the state of the toilet brush by the loo need I say more , a soke in bleach after every use would cure this not what you want to see while dinning out

Love this pub. If you are lucky enough to get a table you can sit outside and watch the fishing boats come back and the IOW come and go. Service is always great and the food is superb, with a good selection of both food and beer

Booked a table for lunch on Sunday 2nd june. We were given a lovely table by the window over looking the harbour part. As normal the staff were all very good, very efficient and certainly contributed to our experience. My wife had Lobster, I had enormous fish and chips and a few beers to go with it. Everytime I come here I always leave wanting to book again soon (which we will with friends). Good all round atmosphere , delicious food everytime and a warm welcome that keeps you wanting to come back for more. A real mainstay now of our eating out expereriences and highly recommended to anybody who fancies it. Parking closeby too. Yet another 10/10 visit

Absolutely awful food. We had two pies one with mash and the mash looked and tasted like it was slopped out of the bin. We also ordered a burger which its beef patty as well as tasting awful, could break a window. It’s a shame but if you can’t perform over a lunch time we won’t be coming back

Extremely poor customer service bar lady blonde clearly did not want to work today, could not have been any less helpful if she tried she was unengaging unhelpful dismissive and had a constant smirk across her face ( you can't miss her only blonde there). We often go for lunch with friends and family through year but not any more we won't . I work in a hotel and have often recommended this establishment but I will no more the service was truly BAD. I did speak to manager briefly before I left to say how bad this woman had been ( I think they are grandmother and granddaughter) as she was not listening to a word I said, she even had the audacity to say " CUSTOMERS COME IN TO SEE THIS WOMAN'S FACE" WELL I'LL LEAVE THAT HANGING OUT THERE. If that is the case three customers were in there!!!!!!!!!!! Anyway we went to a very very welcoming restaurant for a lovely lunch another pub near by and you know what it was packed with like minded people enjoying a lovely day . Avoid THE BRIDGE I suggest unless you like rudeness and no good customer service they got it all going on there .

Good food in a lovely harbourside setting. Excellent staff

Great spot that's undeservedly less well used than some other close pubs. Idyllic location looking over a working fishing pott with fun staff and good food and drink. Highly recommended. Ps I rarely give 5 stars - nowhere isever perfect!

Excellent food! Lovely location and nice selection of drink options.

Good food and service. Great location.

Traditional seafront pub. Large selection of beers, average food with affordable prices. Nice atmosphere and friendly service. Better as a pub!

Great Pompey pub. We walk the dog around Old Portsmouth and often stop for a pint at The Bridge Tavern.

Lovely family meal on Easter Sunday

Poor service, ...well, they did not even ask why are we here....or "do we need a table"...let alone "hi or good afternoon"... Unprofessional....

Popped here for a quick (Non alcoholic) drink before heading home! Sat outside watching the boats being washed down before be stacked! Great friendly service & facilities!!

One of the best pubs in Portsmouth!

Just went in for a drink but we'll be back for a meal as the menu looks very invitingly fish orientated

Under new management, food good 3 times cooked chips out of this world Revisited Went for my Birthday lunch with mum . No lovely vegetable curry! Only option Tomato soup. I had lukewarm pasta sauce passed off as homemade soup Serviced lukewarm, with stale bread. My mother had the Gurnard, everything over cooked. Staff we're lovely, I can inly hope that it was the head chefs day off. Because we have always enjoyed going here to eat. Very disappointed

Lovely traditional pub in Old Portsmouth. We only had drinks but next time we visit we will eat there because the menu looked really good.

Can be a bit noisy (refreshingly people talking) but you can usually find a quiet corner. A great traditional pub and thank God no TV's. I've eaten here on a number of occasions for lunch and the food is excellent and the staff very pleasant and attentive.

Excellent pub food in a cosy pub in a beautiful part of Portsmouth.

£4 for a very small portion of chips, felt very ripped off. The service was slow and I had to wait nearly 45 minutes for my food and it was cold when it came appalling service. Would not recommend.

Wonderful food cooked to perfection, had haddock chips and peas and two red mullet potatoes and fresh veg of the day. Washed down with two lovely ciders. Will be returning very soon.

What an absolute treasure!! The fish was amazing, freshly caught and we even got to chat with the fishermen. Really traditional pub, great relaxed atmosphere, reasonably priced drinks, would definitely recommend this place. We will be back!!

Really Nice Pub full of Local Characters one of who made it an extra special evening by projectile vomiting over his colleagues and himself.Felt sorry for the Staff who had to clear up the Mess.Glad to say it didn't put me off of my Beer.Had a great evening and will return again

Lovely dog friendly pub 😊 food was excellent and really friendly staff. We had the lamb cutlets, steak & ale pie and fish chowder. All were very tasty.

Went here for a reunion dinner. The venue catered for 22 with ease. The food was very nice and the service was excellent.

It's 2023 and this pub doesn't have WiFi?? Are you kidding me on! Nice enough place otherwise but nothing special either.

Excellent food, choice of beers. I like ales and pub has good choice as well as lagers, cider, ipa etc Had steak and kidney pudding, generous portion and great quality and a good price. Orderd bottle on wine as well. Nice table looking out of window at dock. All in a all a very nice night, 4 very satisfied customers. Staff also friendly.

Lovely food & service, the staff were very pleasent, really enjoyed our Christmas meal on Saturday

Service is slow and bad mannered

First time I visited and was greatly impressed. Staff very friendly and drink I've never tried before tasted spot on.

Came for a visit an a lovely blonde lady on bar served us on entry very polite an helpful will defo visit again.

Great traditional pub! Nice and cosy on a cold day..Pie's and mash were gorge! 🤤

Good beer and great location, didn't eat but food looked nice. Lovely old pub

Fantastic pub with great staff.

Fabulous food parking a bit difficult but certainly fabulous value for money

Great pub hidden away on the quayside. Friendly staff & great cask ales. Spoilt for choice with the extensive menu, we opted for a light bite. Well cooked, tasty & fresh food. Absolutely delicious 😋

It used to be a great pub. Has changed a lot.

Rare to come across a pub that feels both welcoming for family and still has a good atmosphere. This was one of them with an amazing atmosphere and brilliant food.

Pub is a classic waterside with beer garden. Generous room and well presented. Landlord a legend, staff wonderful, I was visiting UK from Spain and needed fish and chips. I was not disappointed. Absolutely the best fish and chips I can remember. Mother had Lobster Thermidor which was perfectly cooked and presented. Wish I could have fitted in more! Thank you so much.

The truth is that the place is beautiful and the prices are very acceptable, but a roast like the one we ordered should come with the sauce separately for those of us who prefer to enjoy the flavor of the meat and not so much sauce that seems to be thickened with some product. But it is still recommended.

As always, good food .Reasonably priced.

A gorgeous place to visit when the weather is nice. Lots of seats outside.

Awesome food and service! Rare to find proper good pubs nowadays. Would recommend to anyone, our new go to for sure.

I love this place. Gorgeous sitting outside in the sunshine or sitting inside is just as lovely, I've been coming here for years now. It holds good memories for me

Great Fish and Chips, the minty mushy peas were awesome! The fish (Cod as far as I remember) was a bit softer than expected, but this might have been personal expectations. The tartar sauce was great as well.

Great traditional pub with good outside seating (some covered) to enjoy the fabulous harbour side location. Screens for sport inside, good food and well served beer.

This pub reminds me of when I was little and my mum and dad took me for a coke and a packet of crisps. Hopefully will be my local when I move to old Portsmouth from London.

There was no food unfortunately, nice place to sit outside for a drink but expensive

Food and service was great but rhere was no view thanks to the gazebo they had outside.

Unreal, breathtaking, the cakes are divine 😇

A lovely pub to sit and watch the fishing boats come in. Great selection of beers and excellent food. If you want to get to know a bit more about the history of the pub then do have a chat with the landlady who is very knowledgeable.

Great food and beer, highly recommended.

Went to the Shakespeare event. The landlady had everything brilliantly organised and the staff were up to speed . Superb thank you.

I felt like the woman who served me could really do with learning some customer service

It remains an atmospheric and friendly pub in a great location. Still with a local feel, but well managed and well maintained. A great watering hole

Waited 30 min for a dish. Paid 22 for a humble slice of turbot. Will not visit again - Spice island is always better.

Brilliant staff very clean and really friendly.

Very good lovely friendly good quality food

Nice (Fullers) pub away from the tourist area of the harbour front with a good outdoor seating area, didn't have any food but the menu looked good, will go for a meal soon

Was here for a wake great food nice atmosphere.

Such a lovely pub , without doubt the best for food in Southsea. With lovely staff too

Meet the captains for a pint. Relaxing traditional English pub.

Seafood sandwich was lovely, the bar was a little understaffed so there was a bit of a wait to get served. Nice location for a drink and something to eat when the weather is nice.

Our favourite place for Sunday lunch. Excellent cuts of meat served with a great selection of nicely cooked vegetables plus all the trimmings. Very good value. Fine cask ales. Recommended.

Great pub tucked away behind old Portsmouth looking out on the quayside. Perfect in summer with plenty of seating outdoors Inc a new gazebo for people who want some shade. Good selection of drinks for all, nice friendly staff and dog friendly, definitely recommend this great little hideaway.

A good time was had by our family at quiz night.

It is a shame that this experience was such a let down. I cannot fault the staff or the location nor can I fault the choice of soft or alcoholic beverages however, when booked for a special occasion my family were devastated because the venue had been informed over 2 months in advance that all but 2 in the party were vegetarians. Unfortunately it transpired, all veggie options had been discarded due to a breakdown of the freezer that stored the veggie stocks. I sympathise with the venue that this was beyond their control but I fail to understand why the organisers of the 21st Birthday Party were not informed, bearing in mind the breakdown had happened long before our advanced booking. Suffice to say the evening was ruined for my Grandson however, we returned to my house and ordered in takeaway pizza and curry for individuals along with using our own shop bought drinks. In short, the evening was saved, we all enjoyed our food, a family get together and inexpensive liquid refreshments. My Grandson will definitely remember his 21st, the cost was minimal, The BT lost a substantial financial input for a Monday night and in addition have lost several customers for the future. A simple message written or verbal would have avoided all the inconvenience and prevented this review. 😠

Always a warm welcome in this pub. Great location to watch the fishing boats come in and out, on a hot day or summer evening it has plenty of outside drinking and eating space. Fantastic food choice, veggie options too. The desert menu is well worth a try! A must for anyone visiting portsmouth, or as a stop off on a walk around our island city.

Excellent see food and wonderful service in the heart of the beautiful Old Portsmouth. This part of the city would not be so popular without The Bridge Tavern. And its outside area is the best! Simply the best:)