The King Street Tavern in Portsmouth

I want to start by saying the portion size and quality of food here was great, service from the front of house staff was good. However, we booked for a table towards the end of service and this did negatively impact the experience. Food came quickly(very quickly) however when the food was delivered to the table I asked for additional gravy (the menu states it’s all about the sides and extras with gravy specifically mentioned as one of them) it took around 15 minutes for the additional Gravy to arrive, for me this significantly negatively impacted my experience at an establishment that we had booked around 6 weeks in advance. I would advise not booking a table for anywhere near the end of service as I heard staff apologising to other tables that they had essentially run out of meat/were extremely low though an earlier table would presumably not have this problem. I would go again but not at 1800 and would instead opt for around mid day.

One of the nicest pubs I have had the pleasure of being in. Very lovely staff and the food is delicious. Everything is very reasonably priced and the atmosphere is very cosy and lovely.

Fun locals pub, that just happens to serve some absolutely killer BBQ food. Delicious stuff.

Before we woke, this place would be called "blokey". The menu is meaty and there isn't a great deal for vegetarians. For the carnivores among us, this is the pub to eat at! This was my second visit and thus far, I've sampled their beef and chicken offerings; both were great! I shall be going back again soon to check their pork.

Always come here after work, one of the best pubs in north west London great atmosphere and decor. Ryan is my favourite bartender always put a smile on my face

Good food and reasonable prices.

We booked King Street Tavern for my partner’s 50th birthday celebrations, and are so glad that we did. Paul was brilliant from the start, getting the booking confirmed early on and sending over menus so we could preorder. We had an absolutely gorgeous meal in KST. All the staff were brilliant, and are a credit to Paul and the team. Simon had a fantastic birthday and I can’t thank you all enough for making everything run so smoothly on the day, with brilliant customer service throughout. Highly recommended if you are looking for the perfect place to hold a celebration meal in Portsmouth! Sarah xx

Large Overcharged on my bill. Which was completely genuine error by bar staff however, It has taken 10 days several phone calls, 1 email to which I never had a reply to. To get my money back. No apology, or offer of a complimentary drink. Absolutely shocking customer service. Was a regular eater there. No more.

I stand by it when I say this is the best place for roast in Southsea. It is a bit more on the expensive side, but it is so worth it. The portions are huge, and the flavour is divine. The staff are accommodating to us and our 2 dogs and the atmosphere was lovely :)

I’d say Barbecue food is something I’m very familiar with, having smoked my own brisket, ribs, pork etc at home on my offset smoker, as well as regularly eating at some of the UK’s best Barbecue spots. I had high expectations for this place but unfortunately the quality of the food just wasn’t great. The brisket didn’t taste smoked at all and was very dry, I’m convinced it was either frozen and re-heated, or days old. We were supposed to have 4 wings on our tray but were given 2 thighs instead, but nobody said anything. The pulled pork was very good and the ladies working were very friendly and welcoming. If you want real authentic Texas style Barbecue try Red Dog Saloon in Southampton, its a little more expensive but very much worth it.

Just enjoyed a fabulous Sunday roast. I must say the best roast dinner I have had for a very long time. Me and my wife ordered the Sunday 3 meat roast , called The Govenor!....OMG amazing. Meat melted in your mouth, fresh vegetables that had flavours...(not boiled to death). Roast potatoes crispy yet fluffy. And the gravy was amazing..full depth of proper gravy.. So pleased we visited. Now I understand why it's always fully booked. Yet not overcrowded, still calm and relaxing atmosphere. Decor is a real English Pub...100%recommend.

Waited with anticipation for weeks to get a booking for Sunday lunch. Waited 45 mins to get the freshly cooked and hot roast dinner - fair enough. Positives - hot, huge portions, tasty gravy, good veg. Sadly - Chicken was very dry, l left over half of it, the roasts more like boiled, red cabbage too salty and Yorkshire over cooked. Pub was freezing cold. No one checked on our food til after it was too late and they were eventually clearing our plates - she walked off whilst I was trying to give her feedback that she asked for?! Indifferent staff. Such a shame. Was looking forward to it. Cancelled our March booking.

We loved the Sunday roast. A great local pub!

Cosy pub, with a good selection of draught and bottled beers. The current menu is fairly limited (to be expanded according to the staff) to grills and roasts, but the food was tasty, and filling, with vegetarian options too.

Food was 10/10, definitely get the ribs in your order somewhere to get that rib meat, so good. Would love to see some more alcohol free beer options, one in draught would be a good draw.

Wonderful food and good selection of beer

Superb Sunday lunch and great service. Be sure to book though as very popular.

Absolutely amazing food if you like BBQ/smokehouse food this is the place to go. We had a tray of all the meats and they were all phenomenal. Staff are lovely and attentive. Drinks are bit expensive but not too bad. Would definitely go again!

Great friendly staff and the food is amazing.

Great food and welcoming staff will definitely come again

It was our first time here and we really loved it!! The food was excellent and the pub was lovely with a great atmosphere! The staff were friendly, Ellie especially was great and very helpful! We will definitely be coming back!

Had a Sunday roast ,food was excellent,decent size portions and well priced Definitely need to book though as very busy.

The best Sunday roast in town! Staff are brilliant especially Ellie, she is so welcoming and attentive. Love coming here. Highly recommend!

Great place for bbq food, staff friendly and helpful, dog friendly

The BBQ smoked meats are the best around. The brisket, ribs, turkey and sausages are lovely. Homemade sides are also nice. Onion rings are crispy and tasty. Nice pub, good service and selection of drinks. Will return and recommend to friends and family! ⭐

Outstanding BBQ in an authentic Portsmouth pub and fantastic service. Worth going out of your way for.

I've been to this spot several times for their amazing meat platters, both in a group and alone with my partner and it never disappoints! The food is great and the service is so friendly that I feel truly at home the moment I step into this Tavern! Ellie is often the smiley face you see behind the bar and serving the tables, she always goes above and beyond to make sure we are all left satisfied! Thank you Ellie and those behind the scenes who cook up a storm!!

Booked in for one of their notorious roasts, I have to say it my 40 years, this has to be one of the best roasts out I have had! Stay are super friendly and polite too!

Food was amazing. We had ribs, beef brisket, burnt ends, and buffalo chicken thighs. It was all very good but the ribs really stood out. Service from Ellie was fantastic.

Love this place The food especially Sunday lunch is fab The staff are exceptional

Brilliant roast dinner. Pork and crackling possibly best I've tasted. Looking forward to going on a bbq night here soon

Would be better with baby changing facilities but still great

Food was cold and nothing special. We chose the platter for two and it was expensive for the portion sizes.

Amazing Roast Dinner, really tasty hot food, great sized portion and really friendly staff. Will definitely be back. The gravy was really tasty as well and you get extra gravy for free. Very good prices

Amazing place, lovely food and good service.

Great pub full of character, only had drinks and nibbles but it was a brilliant afternoon

Banging meal as usual in Pompey’s only proper bbq joint! Top service by Holly and Ellie and we’ll be back again soon for more burnt ends and copious amounts of other meats and Scott’s Bars beers!

Food ok vegetables were overdone, meat was good, service was OK they were busy doesn't take cash and atmosphere wasn't the best.

Myself and my partner regularly tour the UK in our campervan and we have been everywhere looking for the perfect roast dinner. Yesterday we went to this lovely pub in our hometown as we had family down. We all had the governors roast (the big bad boy with everything on it) which was like having a perfect Christmas dinner. Everything was perfectly cooked, all the vegetables and meat were delicious and you could easily drink a pint of their superb gravy. They even give you a tub to takeaway your leftovers which I will be enjoying again today for my lunch. Excellent front of house service from Ellie. We will most definitely will be bringing our mates here for our regular roast meeting. I should have taken photos before I started demolishing it!

A real must, best meal in such a long time. Thank you chef Dan , slow and low cooked meal beyond words. Don’t over look this treasure in Southsea and Book Book Book !!!! You will not be disappointed

Great venue, lovely atmosphere, and well looked after by staff at our work event. Thanks guys!

Family finished great south run the roast dinner here which was lovely. Staff were really friendly and food was amazing

Great BBQ food and very friendly & courteous staff. My only complaint is that I couldn’t tip on my card as Management don’t share with staff apparently, and I didn’t have any cash on me (who does thee days?!) but I will definitely be back!

Sunday roast was the best I have in years. Staff were lovely and very welcoming even though they were so busy. Highly recommend. Booked again!

The best Sunday roast ever , can't wait to try the rest if the menu.

Smoked brisket, slaw, fries, great beer, what's not to like!? Awesome place, friendly and cheerful service. Food is all smoked on the premises, they even do a bit of vegetarian. Highly reccomeded

Was treated for a birthday roast...yum! But book in advance.

Visited with family on route to the theatre. Staff were amazing, made us feel really welcome, and were attentive. Food was simply awesome with a good drinks selection and a decent choice of wines. Will definitely be back

Lovely service, delicious food. Just a little noisy with popular destination mixed with background music.

The beef brisket was amazing, the bear tray was great value for money, and the food fantastic overall. A small pleasant tavern, would love to go again

Hands down the best pub Sunday Roast I've had in years. I had pork and beef as I couldn't decide and I'm glad I did. Both meats were perfect, melt in your mouth. Top drawer gravy and they don't charge for extra like most places. The veggies were lovely and portion size bang on. I'm glad I didn't take on the Guvnor as the large was more than enough. Staff were attentive and polite. Excited to return and try the smokehouse menu. Thank you King Street Tavern.

Friendly, excellent service & plenty of good food.

If I could give more stars I would ✨️ First time here tonight and am so glad we were recommend this place , food was amazing , the two lady's running the show were super friendly . The food was great , the atmosphere was a nice friendly vibe. There was also plenty of places to park near by ,, 100% will be coming back here 😀 Thanks for a lush evening Kings tavern 👌

I recently had an amazing time at King Street Tavern with my friends. The two staff members were incredibly attentive, kind, and made us feel like valued guests. The delicious food added to the overall fantastic experience.

A great evening and welcomed by manager Ellie who was passionate about the menu and service. Great food and good value we loved the chilli and the BBQ meats. We were well looked after with great service. Definitely will be back and recommend this cosy and friendly pub.

The food is exemplary here and a real credit and complement to the hard working chefs. Sunday roast is the best. Quality meats, cooked to perfection, hot, fresh and the tastes of each and every mouthful are out of this world. Well done Kings Street Tavern 👏

Lovely drinks, food was lovely and dog friendly

Really lively roast dinner , lovely staff , definitely recommend 👌🏻

We had heard such good things about the roasts, so we booked a table for 2 roast dinners for Sunday evening. We arrived 10 minutes early for our table and ordered our food and drinks. Much lager groups of 4+ people began to arrive, and had their food served to them. After an hour, we were told not to worry and our food would be next out. Much to our surprise, we were told a table next to us who arrived later were being served their food before us. During this wait we weren’t offered any drinks or food to make up for their obvious mistake with our order, so we decided to leave at 6:30pm on a Sunday. Hungry, fed up and very let down. Quite a simple resolution the whole time would have been to offer us any form of drink or some food during the wait to apologise. I haven’t received such terrible customer service before, and hopefully won’t ever again.

Terrible experience, waited over an hour for a roast dinner whilst larger groups were being served. After chasing our food and being told ours was definitely next, we were told the table next to us who had not long sat down would in fact be served before us. No attempts were made to rectify the long wait time with any drink or food whilst we waited for our pre booked roast, we were left searching for somewhere to eat at 6:30pm on a Sunday. Shocking service, really let down.

Lovely pub! Went in to have some dinner and we were welcomed by amazing staff, great customer service and a really tasty bbq feast! Highly recommend and apparently you have to book in advance because the meat is so delicious that it sells out quick!

Lovely selection 9f BBQ meats,good atmosphere and friendly

Ellie what a girl made our night amazing just what the king street needs we will now be regulars with such good staff I’m really happy to be a patron thanks Ellie your doing amazing :)

Visited for a family gathering and as usual the food was top notch, many thanks to Ellie and the crew for great service. Can't wait for the next visit.

Visited the KST on 7th July for a family gathering, what can i say, everything was top notch, many thanks to Ellie and the crew for fantastic service, can't wait for the next visit

Went to the king's street tavern this evening... Had the bear grills sharing platter and Wadsworth's Amarillo golden ale - nether of which disappointed. As we were waiting for our food, a regular shared his love for the place and the staff - having been here a few times previously we agreed wholeheartedly. Ellie and George were brilliant throughout the evening, despite being busy they were attentive and definitely added to the brilliant atmosphere of the place. My husband has just polished off the extensive leftovers at home with a cup of tea and is still exclaimed them to be 'glorious'. The brisket is easily one of the best things I have ever tasted and that coupled with nice beer and a good atmosphere, has ensured that the kings street tavern is the place we head to on a rare kid-free evening.

This evening, I caught up with my mum. She is currently accompanying my Nan for a trip down memory lane in Portsmouth, where my Nan grew up, even though she now lives in Devon. My Nan is just over 90 years old. Up until she was 2, she lived with her parents and her sister, above a pub which her father (aka my Great-Grandad) ran. That pub was called “The Diamond” (as far as my Nan remembers), but is now known as the King Street Tavern. The reason for my review is that my Nan dropped in for dinner tonight (22nd June 2023) for old times sake. My mum was keen to point out that the person behind the bar - Despite being very busy - was more than accommodating of my Nan’s desire to relive times gone by and took a keen interest in her story. She was made to feel more than welcome and “At home” My Nan is a formidable woman with a heart of gold. She may appear frail now because of her age, but she has been a pillar of strength to our family over many years. So to hear of such a kind hearted gesture by a member of staff there was very heart warming. Maybe one day I’ll be able to visit in person. But for now, a big thank you to the team for helping someone who had given so much to society, a bit of a throw back to her mischievous childhood, which was nearly 90 years ago!

What a brilliant pub great food, lovely staff what more can you ask for, will return.

DO NOT GO HERE ON A SUNDAY!! We were told this was the best Sunday roast in town, so I booked us in while family was visiting from America. We came at our reservation time, 4:15, and there was no table ready. They had us wait outside, a half hour later we went in to check on the table and they didn’t seem to even remember they told us to wait. Other people had walked in and been given a table our size while we waited. They sat us on the patio, and took our orders. Then we waited, and waited, with two hungry children. We went to check on the food multiple times and nothing was coming. Finally an hour and a half after taking our order, 2 hours after our reservation, we walked out because the kids (and frankly the adults too) were too hungry and upset, and they had sat us in what was basically a small smoking patio. A manager never spoke to us or apologised, even though we asked to speak to one. It was a horrible experience attempting to show some Americans the “best Sunday roast in town.” Don’t waste your time. Even if the food is good, the people running this place have no respect or appreciation for their customers and don’t deserve your money.

What a find! Really friendly Wadworth pub, four cask ales, plenty of good lagers, seven ciders, and absolutely fantastic barbecue food! I loved it! I was made to feel very welcome by staff and regulars alike.

The best Sunday roast in Portsmouth

This place doesn't miss. Governors roast this weekend was epic, lots of veg well cooked and lots of meat also well cooked. Really great flavours throughout. I have also had smokehouse food and just been for drinks always a nice set of staff too! Keep it up!

Cracking roast , will be back 👍

Good service and very delicious food.

Had the governor's roast which has all three of their meats as well as a few sides. From best to worst: The beef was quite nice The vegetables and cauliflower cheese were tasty The yorkies were leaning on the too crisp The pork belly and pigs in blankets were pretty burnt. Sorry for the terrible picture but it's hard to take photos of dark things in dark lighting. For what it's worth, there is gravy on the plate and the meats are darker than that. Very disappointing. Not sure how the cook did not notice that the pastry on the pigs in blanket had charred. I don't like wasting food but I really couldn't. I Food took quite a while to come out l. Service was friendly. They did ask about the food during the meal and I brought up the burnt food. Perhaps I phrased it too politely because nothing came of it. They also asked how my food was during payment and I didn't feel like complaining then.

Always a fantastic time had at King Street Tavern. Portsmouth’s only genuine smokehouse 🤤 I’ve even been told that the vegetarian/vegan options are good, but let’s face it… I’m here for the meat!

Spotted this gem of an old pub as I walked to go to a nearby record shop and had to have a pint. The tiling is exquisite of pubs from a time gone by so it's nice to support old local pubs. The door was open but I was told they didn't open for another 15 minutes, they wouldn't let me sit and wait so i had to wait outide. The interior was nice and still quite traditional with the wooden panels and brown paint. There was a selection of 4 ales and 5 mainstream lagers. Barmaid could have been friendlier and more welcoming/enthusiastic but she did put my phone on to charge which was nice. The free WiFi didn't even reach my table in front of the bar and there was very little mobile phone signal. She later explained with it being a listed street their was no under street wifi cables so they're reliant on a satellite. I'd definitely like to go back, perhaps in the evening when it would be livelier.

Had a Sunday roast called the governor. And I can honestly say it was one of the best roast I have ever had

Booked a group meal for Saturday night. There were a few problems initially but the staff were amazing and sorted everything out. Was an absolutely fantastic evening. Food was delicious, more than we could all eat and we took some home. Ales were very nice as well. 100% recommend if you like great food and ales with a lovely atmosphere!

Second time I've had bad service and running out of meats. Had our booking an hr later then we had booked for and one member of staff wasn't that interested in sorting it out. Thank God for the one member of staff (dark hair and Guinness top, didn't get her name) she tried her hardest to sort it. Then she had to come over to tell us there were only certain meats (bless her as she felt so bad for us) however we could have all the meat on the most expensive meat platter !!! Funny that , have deffinalty been put off going back again

Visited here for a birthday party. Great space, friendly staff. But best was the incredible food. They are very proud of the buffets they serve and they have every right to be. It was the most delicious food and none of the processed junk you usually see on a buffet. Top drawer chunks of smoked meats, tender chicken. 100% reccomend if you love great food.

Best meal out we've had in ages. Amazing food, great pub we will be back... When we can get a reservation!

Had 3 guvnor roasts and a small roast, was really good prices as well as drinks. The reason I give 4* is because the cauliflower cheese was bland and watery and the service was a little slow. If they upped the cauli cheese, be a solid 5*. I would recommend if in the area.

Lovely little find in the back streets of Portsmouth. Very busy when we got there so we couldn't try the food but it looked awesome. Very friendly staff. Really want to go back and try the BBQ food 😁

Love this place. Brilliantly cooked food, great choice, huge portion sizes. What’s not to like?!

We hired the King Street Tavern on the afternoon of Saturday, 1st April, for a surprise party for my Sister’s 60th Birthday. Paul was brilliant in helping with the arrangements and did everything he could to accommodate our requirements. The hot buffet was amazing, everyone enjoyed the very tasty food (compliments to the Chef). The Bar Staff were lovely and very helpful. I would definitely recommend the King Street Tavern for any special celebration.

OMG, Lives up to the name, "Best Roast in Portsmouth!" X2

Great food. Friendly staff. What else do you need from a pub.

Dreadful. I was really looking forward to this. Ordered our food, 1 hour later nothing has arrived and only 2 plates of food had left the kitchen. When we enquired, we were told that there was no chef and the owe we was cooking. Some people had been waiting for 2 hours. Why do that? Just be honest and cancel food service for the evening.

After Covid 19 most drivers and restaurants have moved backwards in evolution so it was really difficult to find a decent restaurant. Finally we have found it. Food has exceeded my expectations. Portions are really big. Price fair. Costumer service top shelf. Really happy. Would give 6 stars if I could off. Well done guys

We went to King Street Tavern for a roast today and was some of the worst food I’ve ever eaten. There wasn’t a gluten free vegetarian option so I just had a plate of vegetables. I understand these are specific requirements so I was content with this. The waitress didn’t seem to have a grasp of the menu and had to check 3 times what was gluten free. We waited over an hour and 20 minutes for our food and when it final came out the dishes were missing items. my plate of vegetables was completely undercooked and inedible. I ate half a carrot and a potato. I genuinely don’t know how you ruin a roast potato. When the waitress came to clear out plates she didn’t ask if anything was wrong/ everything was okay and just took the full plate of food. She then tried to charge me £15 for it. After my partner raised this with them the waitress then charged us £8. Overall it was just very very disappointing and the service was poor. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

Wow!! What an amazing meal the best I've had in a long time. Very good value for money and the meals are huge!! Definitely recommend. Staff are also kind and service quickly.

Best roast dinner around. Thank you for being such great hosts.

First time we have visited. We had the Sunday roast. We were not disappointed, all home made and great portions. Good service and a nice atmosphere. Would definitely recommend.

I have, on occasion, found the service to be a little slow. Not every time. And I'd still risk it for a brisket.

Great sunday lunch I had the governors meal and highly recommend a visit its best to book as really busy popular pub great experience with friendly staff

Lovely food the staff were nice and friendly, we left extremely stuffed very tasty

Food was good.....meat was delicious service was good a bit of a wait but they were packed. Loos could do with an upgrade but I would recommend and we'll be going back.

The Governor roast dinner is immense! Amazing quality, fantastic food...would thoroughly recommend!

One of the best pubs in the UK. Small but awesome in every way. They have an onsite smokehouse, serving some of the best wings and smoked meats I've ever encountered. Super staff who made us feel welcome, reasonable pricing and a beautiful old building, make this a pub worth visiting.