The Florence Arms in Portsmouth

Overpriced average food in a freezing cold pub.

CULINARY OASIS.. DELICATE FLAVOURS WITH DECADENT DESSERT TO FOLLOW WITH CHILLED WINES

Really lovely pub serving great beer and tasty food! We got the early bird deal which made it even better! Would definitely go again!

Really excellent Sunday Roast! Staff were friendly, efficient and accommodating! Highly recommend 👌

We went there with friends for my partner birthday Cold plates for roast dinner cold food vegetarian was cold Pasta meal sauce watery Roast chicken just warm

Lovely backstreet gastro pub. Stopped for a drink on the way back to our accommodation nearby. Staff were lovely, even though we turned up just before last orders. Definitely recommend a visit here. We'll be back. Thanks for the water too, lovely gesture. Carol and Martin

This gastro pub was outstanding. From the pre-arrival phone call to the attention, service and food on the day, the waitress Jodie, the manager, everything was perfect! How you coped so smoothly with my food allergies was exceptional. We came down to Southsea for the Great South Run. The event was cancelled due to awful weather, your pub meal was the jewel in the crown from the weekend - thank you! We hope to return next October 🤞

We were at the Florence for my husband’s 81 birthday we were looking forward to our visit as we heard so many reviews Decor was lovely Food pasta meals & roast chicken were hot & fine nut roast cold I mean cold Roast pork barley warm HOT PATES so why put warm food on a cold plate !! Beats me

A lovely set-back pub away from the bustle of the seafront, really beautifully renovated and clean, and plenty of food and drink options. Our host was by himself but managed to cater for a few table covers capably, and our food and drink got to us in good time, and was excellent. Reasonably priced and well worth anytime time, for a quieter (non-sports) pub experience in the area.

At 1st glance, you think this place will have old world charm but alas, it’s sadly been remodeled to look cheap and uninspiring despite attempting to appear modern. The burrata came out swiftly and presented a lovely display of savory mozzarella and homemade bread. Now this is where it goes south, 3 tables surrounding us get their meals 1st even though we were the 1st to arrive and another table gets our fish and chips order! We were there for 30 minutes while the other (lovely) guests were there for a mere 10 minutes. In NYC, you would certainly at the very least get an apology and perhaps something comped. NOTHING. No apology or anything. SERVICE WAS SUB PAR AND THE MANAGEMENT RUDE. The fish and chips was “mid” as the children would articulate. There are better options via a 5-10 minute to town. Be kind to your guests especially the international ones who write reviews!

As always fresh and cooked upon ordering. The portions are generous. Friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere. Dog friendly too. We come here twice a year before we take the ferry to Spain but disappointed at the desert menu as they have removed this. I hope it is back by April 2025.

Excellent beef Sunday roast. I also enjoyed the background music. We will be coming back

Very disappointed with the roast overall, potatoes were hard and just about lukewarm, the overall roast was just about edible heat wise, food tasted all precooked. £20 for a small lukewarm roast hmm we won't be going back in a rush. Much better places for a lot less. Gastro ??? That short for bring your credit card .

Absolutely love The Florence Arms. Over Victorious Festival weekend, friends and myself always try to go for Sunday lunch. We went yesterday and it did not disappoint. Food was great and were the drinks. Great decor and good atmosphere plus the staff were very helpful. Both food and drink were also great value. Highly recommended - looking forward to 2025 already!

Amazing food and good service provided. 5 stars

Great little pub near enough opposite the Florence Gardens Hotel. Nice decor and good service. Full bar. Nice atmosphere. We did not eat here, but the food I saw and the menu looked very good. Would return and recommend.

Staff were lovely and helpful food and drinks were great

Friendly little gastro pub, super dog friendly and great food. We had focaccia which was nice and fresh, burrata on sourdough with tasty balsamic cooked tomatoes, and nicely cooked rib-eyes. The service however was the best thing about it, you have a great team well done!

This pub is located within a nice road just off of Southsea Seafront so is a perfect stop to satisfy your hunger or thirst after a decent walk. We were welcomed by very friendly staff, most helpful in helping us with their menus for the Sunday selection. Funnily enough my partner, nan and I all opted for the same pork roast. The portion size was great, especially the giant Yorkie! The food was fresh and seasonal. After chatting for a while post dinner we felt we could squeeze in a dessert each, rude not to I guess. Again, very tasty and fresh, top marks to the chefs for their part in our meal. The pub also offers a great selection of drinks, a decent wine menu also.

We had our wedding reception here on June the 15th with 39 guests. Everything was absolutely perfect from start to finish. Ronnie the pub manager was totally outstanding! He guided us through the whole process with a smile and nothing was ever to much trouble for him. All our guests on our special day were highly complementary about all the food and service, which we all thought was of a high class standard. The venue looked beautiful on the day and was set out perfectly for what we wanted. We would highly recommend this lovely venue and Ronnie, for a small and intimate wedding or any other celebration.

Pre booked for a lunch after graduation for our son, really nice quiet unhurried lunchtime atmosphere, attentive service and the food was fab, being picky.... heat the plates more! All round nice experience though having booked unseen from 100 miles away

We didn't eat here so I cant comment on the food. Very nice clean place all staff except one were nice & friendly.

Booked a table at the Florence Arms for my wife daughter and myself we were able to bring our dog as we’re on holiday and did not want to leave him alone. The food was fantastic 👏👏and the staff were friendly accommodating and very dog friendly 10 out of 10

went in for afternoon lunch and a drink. food was excellent id highly recommend the mercer burger as it was cooked to the perfect medium rare as a burger should, the food is that nice you wont require condiments while eating there. the staff are very friendly and accommodating and the local customers are a friendly bunch who also make you feel like you've been visiting the pub for many years. first time visiting and will defiantly return in the future. again i tip my hat the the chef for one of if not the best burger i've had he pleasure of eating

We had our wedding reception at the Florence Arms in June and everything from start to finish was absolutely outstanding. During our pre wedding meetings, Ronnie was so patient, especially as we had our baby with us each time, and gave us really thorough advice and information about the venue. The day ran so smoothly because of how organised and attentive Ronnie and the rest of the staff were. Our guests are still raving about the delicious food even now - the menu was served really quickly, with everything being nice and hot and fresh. Everything about the venue was perfect, very clean and well organised. We had a guest who required wheelchair access, as well as 2 babies at the reception and Ronnie helped us come up with a suitable table plan taking all this into account. The staff were just fantastic and so accommodating, particularly for our 7 month old. Nothing was too much to ask. Thank you for making our day so memorable and for being onboard with all of our ideas and many, many decorations! We will definitely be back for a meal soon!

What an unexpected joy The Florence was from a culinary perspective. Nothing too glamorous, but a great selection of amazingly well-cooked food that I wasn't expecting. Will certainly eat there again.

It was ok. Quite good service. Good food. Friendly staff.. I think 12.5% service charge is harsh. Happy to tip service and always do .. also happy to tip generously when service is remarkable .. and .. please, let me choose freely, don't add it to my bill so that I have to choose not to/to adjust the amount.

What a beautiful place! Just been to a wedding breakfast and evening at Florence Arms. Beautiful venue, amazing food and very friendly staff! Highly recommend 🌟

Called in at 12pm on a sunny Sunday in June to see if there were tables free. There were. Staff were excellent - attentive but not pushy. Roast beef was so good - best quality beef we've had in years, really tasty carrots, parsnips and cabbage and gravy spot on. Never been before but will certainly go back again.

Called in at 12pm on a sunny Sunday in June to see if there were tables free. There were. Staff were excellent - attentive but not pushy. Roast beef was so good - best quality beef we've had in years, really tasty carrots, parsnips and cabbage and gravy spot on. Never been before but will certainly go back again.

The Sunday roast was amazing. I had the vegan roast and it was delicious. The staff were friendly and attentive and the food came out quickly. Everything was clean and the style was fancy. Would recommend for a Sunday roast!

Attended a wedding reception it was a lovely location Staff exceptionally helpful Best food I have had a wedding reception was as though we were out for a meal on our own

Went in for a drink before going to a wedding party, lovely staff nice place

Popped in for cheeky one wiv the bird... Nice lil spot

Quiet for a Saturday evening, but food was delicious, reasonably priced, but menu esp sweets very limited.

We had a booking of 4 for 6:45pm. When we arrived the bartender wasn’t very interested in acknowledging us at first. She seated us, we ordered food and drinks. The food was lovely and we would highly recommend it. However she brought us red wine instead of white and did not correct this (no big deal), but when she brought us our food she was confused as to who ordered what and gave us the wrong plates, and in the confusion spoke pretty rudely to us. The server (a young man) was very friendly and polite, however the young woman bartender who seated us and brought our food was quite unfriendly and hostile whilst speaking to us? So likely won’t return.

Great venue! Clean, spacious and the service and food both match - excellent 👌

A nice pub for dinner on a wet Monday night. The waiters were attentive and professional.

The roast was a pile of soggy food which seemed to have been partially warmed up and a Yorkshire pud dumped on top. Probably won't return until it changes hands.

What a wonderful find! We had a fabulous Sunday lunch at The Florence Arms, less than a mile from Southsea sea front. Food was delicious and the service was excellent. Our waiter was really engaging and so much fun. We are not local to the area but will be sure to find an excuse to visit again soon.

Very pleasant lunch, guy who served was very accommodating. Food was well presented and warm. Would go again when in the area.

What a lovely little find down a residential street. Spotless and modern with a lovely ambience. Food was delicious, best fish, chips and mushy peas I’ve ever had! Bit pricey but worth it. My husband had the Milanese chicken but you had to pay extra if you wanted any vegetables with it which was a bit odd! Customer service needs some attention however as we had to ask for everything but overall it was good and would go there again.

This place is brilliant! Absolutely you need to visit! Delicious meal, perfect beer and cocktails! Service super friendly, especially Ronnie

The food was absolutely incredible, and what great service. Would highly recommend the fish and chips, nailed an absolute classic. Shout out to Ronnie, thank you for a great night!

Lovely friendly staff and great food.

Ordered the Fish & Chips. The mushy peas were good. The remainder of the meal was a crime against British cuisine. The slimiest, soggiest, sorry excuse for fish I’ve ever been served. Disgusting.

Outstanding apple crumble! The wait staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful.

Had a roast dinner here today, in a word Superb. Beautiful dinner in pleasant surroundings, meal arrived quickly and as ordered. Roast beef was perfectly cooked, my wife had the Pork Loin which again was perfect and the roast potatoes are great too. The home made Yorkshire pudding was probably the best you will find. There is a good choose of meats and a vegetarian nut roast option. We will be back again very soon, five stars from me. Thank you

Picked at random from a Google search, turned out to be an absolute gem. A lovely warm welcome, attentive and friendly service, delicious food and excellent wine.

Excellent roast at a reasonable price.

Sunday afternoon for a roast dinner, 4 in our party. After ordering, we are advised there was no cauliflower cheese left. Not a issue, as we can have extra, but only stuffing, which only 2 liked. I asked if I could have some extra meat instead, to get a look of disgust from the waiter. No reply he just walked off. Meal comes out, and was only a ok roast pork, with a whole 2" strip of crackling. Don't think it was really worth the £19 price tag. Had a lot better for less. Not much to really recommend there.

WOW our first visit for a Sunday Roast and the vegan and veggie roasts were AMAZING. The quality, quantity and taste were second to none. I had a fabulous alcohol free raspberry gin and there was also a selection of alcohol free beers. The photo shows the veggie option nearest...normally has a huge Yorkshire pudding but we were late in the day so lucky there was anything left at all. Nothing was too much trouble for the lovelies who served us...a credit to the Establishment. Thoroughly recommend a visit here for a roast :)

Excellent food, service and ambience - covered most bases on the dinner menu, no complaints at all. Need to check out the brunch options nextte

Cracking roast dinner and Staropramen on tap. What more can you ask for.

Very enjoyable Sunday afternoon, that was mostly down to the company. Nice tasting roast dinner. Not really warm enough when placed on the table, which was a shame. Might of been down to how late our booking was. Shouldn't be excuses though. It's not hard to serve hot food. Plates could of been warmed. I could of said something but I don't like my food warmed up in a microwave, I like it given to me hot. Couldn't fault the service and not quite value for money. I've had better roast dinners locally for less money. The sweet was a ridiculous price for what it was. Wouldn't take much for everything to be as excellent as the young waiter but unfortunately I won't be going back or even recommending family and friends. Not that it will concern them any. Over 120 covers on Sunday so I shouldn't think they will be making any changes soon.

We went to the Florence Arms for a family dinner and our boys ordered the Chicken Lollipops. When they arrived they were red and uncooked in the middle and luke warm. The rest of the food was average. We will not be going back.

Such amazing food at service at the Florence Arms. We were so impressed, can’t wait to go back to try the Sunday lunch. Such good value for money and lovely atmosphere in the pub too!

Let me start by saying I’ve eaten at this restaurant before, and the food has always been an acceptable standard last night it was different two the party one of which was myself chose the duck breast, which was served in a very unusual way, soggy chewy duck skin served on the bottom of the dish got the distinct impression they were trying to hide something and I think I was right the duck was very overcooked and the skin was a little bit slimy chewy and nothing like I was expecting, now for the cheesy mash, but you couldn’t taste the cheese. It was overpowering with what tasted like a large amount of raw garlic, the saving grace was the mash covered up the taste of the skin. I do hope they sort it out because in my opinion that food should never have been served. The other person had the potbelly which was very nice.

I made a reservation for a party of eight for a roast dinner, but due to the late hour (after 4pm), they had run out. However, the staff, understanding my disappointment, kindly arranged roasts for some of us. The staff demonstrated exceptional hospitality, and the overall atmosphere was pleasantly relaxed. In the future, I plan to make earlier reservations to ensure availability for their delicious roasts. The quality of the food is commendable, and I highly recommend the experience.

Returning customers we always stop here pre embarking on ferry. Dog friendly ++++. Food fresh and tasty. Staff very attentive and food delicious

Excellent food Excellent service staff very friendly and also dog friendly so will return with family. Thank you for being a lovely venue to visit .

Thanks to Ronnie and the team for a wonderful Christmas lunch. The restaurant and bar looked beautiful, food brilliant, service impeccable. I have visited The Florence many times over the years and they never disappoint. Well done all. See you in 2024!

A large selection of draft beer, including cold Guinness 👍, relaxed atmosphere, friendly service. I recommend.

A very unexpected find, tucked down a quiet side road - we booked off the back of positive reviews whilst looking for somewhere near Portsmouth Harbour Station to meet a friend who'd come over from the Isle of Wight and we weren't disappointed. The place was lovely, the food was great and the service was excellent. Recommended.

Quickly seated and served drinks and main courses - which were delicious HOWEVER ~ was given menu to order desserts and 40 minutes later we were still waiting for someone to take our order for desserts and more drinks, so we went to the bar paid and left, the bar staff didn’t even ask if everything was ok with our meal Very disappointing and spoiled our evening

The Florence Arms is a corner pub in a quiet, residential area of Southsea on the edge of busy Portsmouth. The typical Victorian street layout has given us so many street-corner shops and pubs across the UK. Sadly, most of the pubs have gone but this is a rare survivor. This layout and names such as Florence (Nightingale?), Palmerston and Cavendish, prominent people of that era, hint at their construction date. However, the blood-red tiled exterior of the Florence is very similar to the London tube stations designed by Leslie Green in the years immediately preceding WWI; so Edwardian, rather than earlier. The traditional 3 room, Saloon Bar, Public Bar, Snug, layout has gone in favour of a modern, light open plan. A pity for traditionalists but more suitable for present-day restaurant service. Our group met here around the big round table for dinner each evening of our stay at Stattons Hotel along the road. After a day spent visiting the historical attractions of Portsmouth and Gosport, this was a good spot to take the weight off our feet, have a drink, chat and eat in a calm atmosphere. I don’t know why “Gastro-Pub”, as there is no Heston Blumenthal snail porridge and fancy prices about the place. The menu is typical British and prices per head no more than I would expect to pay at our local Pizza Express. I can vouch for the steak pie; plenty of meat and soft, buttery crust. The sausage and mash, fish and chips and chicken pie all went down well with our group; the apple crumble, more apple than crumble. The service was prompt and cheerful and we were impressed by the willingness of the staff to listen to the dietary problems of one of the group and suggest and adapt a dish to suit. Value for money: Yes Would we go back: Certainly Recommend: Definitely

Fantastic food, will definitely return.

Great hotel. I travel alot alone and i was really nice small 1person room where was all you need to make your visit comfortable

I have visited The Florence Arms previously and was looking forward to returning yesterday for a works Xmas meal. I had rung in advance as I am a bit of a fussy eater, and the lady that dealt with me on the phone saw nothing as a problem. She was helpful and polite and there were no issues at all. Sadly I was unable to make the meal last night due to illness. My husband still attended and said the food was lovely and the hospitality great. The reason for this review though is to let everyone know how accommodating this venue is. They offered to box my main meal and dessert and then gave it to my husband to bring home for me to eat the following day. I did not expect it at all and it was such a nice surprise. I emailed this afternoon to thank the staff and they came straight back wishing me well and hoping I felt better soon. I will be returning to The Florence Arms when I am better. If you do have dietary requirements I can assure you that if you phone in advance they will do all they can to accommodate you.

Had a great meal there with a big bunch of friends and the Florence Arms looked after us very well. Decent amount of chips with the vegan burger too. Thoroughly enjoyed

I remember it from over 35 years ago. It is an amazing place.

Found this little hidden gem after taking a wrong turning! Walked in to a very welcoming atmosphere and the staff greeted us, we only wanted a drink and was given a table with no problem at all. Saw the Sunday food menu and decided we will go back one day for a roast to try the food.

Very good accommodated my gluten Allergy good staff!

Just a few pints, nice pub though

Disappointed with the presentation of the meals, no garnish present, so for example the burgers @£16.95 were delivered as a burger and chips on a plate and looked very poorly presented, having said that the flavour and quality was good. Fish and chips, fish was covered in a delicious batter but the fish was small and only frozen petis pois served which was disappointing at least a choice of mushy minted peas would be better. Chips were average. Lastly I am not happy with dogs on the next table or in the part of the restaurant we are sitting in. I feel that this type of profiteering should be banned or dog only restaurants licensed not mixed with humans for hygiene reasons and safety reasons!

I have absolutely no memory of being here but I'm sure it was fine

Having had a fabulous meal at the Florence Arms on a previous visit to Portsmouth about three years ago, we returned with high hopes....and were sadly disappointed. The calamari was minimal in quantity, luke-warm, mostly batter and obviously fresh out of the freezer, the Thai lemongrass coconut curry thin, watery and tasteless, the burnt Basque cheesecake unimpressive. Plenty of alternative places to eat in Southsea. We won't be returning.

It's not the first time we have been here, but this certainly will not be the last! We have always enjoyed the food here and found the service to be superb, having returned after a recent refurbishment and menu change, we can confirm everything somehow has improved on what was already excellent. The new interior is warm and super inviting. We all had starters and mains. Here is a selection of some of them. What I didn't get a picture of is the steak my wife and mum had. This was one of the finest pieces of steak I've ever tasted and cooked to perfection! This all made sense as whilst we were eating a local butcher delivery arrived and the owner confirmed they are using locally sourced meat and produce. Get yourself along and try this place out.

We are stopping ing the hotel who owns this gastro pub… the hotel is amazing value for money but the recently decorated Florence arms is really nice, great food, great drinks selection ! Great value for money….! Look out for TIMO who served us very professional, very pleasant ! A credit to the business!!!

We didn't eat here, but intend to on our next visit. A lovely pub, beautifully decorated, lovely setting & fab staff. A great asset being just feet away from our accommodation. Loved it ❤

Amazing food and great service!

Came as a group of 7, 5 adults 2 kids, lovely atmosphere, very friendly staff, food very nice. Not much in options for kids Sunday lunch, but still happy. The gravy was lovely! Would recommend x averaging around £18 a meal , drinks extra.

Delicious lunch, relaxed atmosphere and great service. Definitely recommend.

Went for a drink and a game of cards with friends all good 👍

We have been here previously. This time the food was just ok one dish had to be returned to the kitchen to be finished. At 7:30 on a Friday they had no fish and chips and no pies which I found quite unusual. The place was very clean, the service was a bit all over the place. Hopefully they can get it back to where it was for our next visit.

We visited here for our anniversary meal as we were staying at the Somerset house hotel (also excellent). From booking ( very polite, friendly and helpful, through to our meal we couldn’t fault it. Service was impeccable and the food excellent. Drink prices were also reasonable.

Looking brilliant with the new makeover service was 100 per cent food was lovely will certainly be going there again

I haven't been here for years and always loved this pub. It's changed dramatically but is still great and now has a real pub/restaurant feel so you can go and relax with a beer, or dress up and go for dinner, or as I did, go for a relaxing glass of wine and end up having a delicious salmon dish whilst you're there! The second night I went with friends for a birthday and they loved it too. My friend isn't too well so I had to change the time of the booking, choose a particular table that was convenient for a wheelchair etc etc. The team were fab and the service was spot on. They were kind, helpful, flexible and very forgiving that I had left the night before without paying my bill! I must make a special mention to Zoe who was amazing! She was patient and had faith in me turning up on night 2 to pay my bill. She looked after my friend with kindness and she is a wonderful asset to the Florence. Food and atmosphere 5*. Service 5*+++ Thank you guys, look forward to seeing you next time x

Excellent Sunday roast in pleasant surroundings and attentive service.

Lovely pub, great food, good atmosphere. We went there for our anniversary on a whim... because we'd forgotten it was our anniversary ! We were not disappointed. Lovely grub in a nice... hmm... I guess the decor is a colonial style? Either way... loved it ! We will definitely go again.

We selected this one as it was close to where we were staying and suggested it was dog friendly. The menu was a bit limited but ok. Tge lady serving was good but she was a bit scared of dogs! The place didn't have much...

Recently refurbished gastro pub. Good food and great staff

A delightful pub with a decent selection of Portsmouth Distillery gins.

A great place to stop for a drink

The most tasty lamb patty ever and jerk chicken kebab. Lovely relaxed place nice decor. Staff really make the place, attentive polite and friendly. We will be there again 32/1/2024. What a hidden little gem and dog friendly. Wow amazing

Soulless environment. Staff stiff, unfriendly, unwelcoming and unknowledgeable of the menu. Food looked presentable but lacked taste and temperature (tepid)

Popped in for a bite to eat whilst visiting Southsea beach. Staff very friendly and approachable. It's recently been done up, decor beautiful!! Very calming and seats were comfortable. At first glance thought it quite expensive for the meals but to be fair the food was absolutely delicious! Well worth the money charged and plenty on the plates. Highly recommend, hidden gem a minute walk from seafront!

Fantastic Sunday lunch. Everything cooked to perfection. Better than Hawksmoor in Mcr. Just sad that we don't live closer !

Great bar, was obviously a pub, but now renovated and a real gem. Good beer, wine and everything else. Barmaid from Sheffield is a hoot. Will return

Good choice for excellent service and good pub food. Dropped in for an impromptu lunch on day trip to the coast. Had lunch for 6 and everyone enjoyed it. Adjusted the menu to deal with some fussy little people - so all good. Would recommend.