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From Dinosaurs to Belgian Bites: A Day Drinking in Southsea
I spent the day exploring Southsea’s beer scene, starting at Staggeringly Good, where the dino theme and lively vibe set the tone. Makemake was next, tucked among brewing kit with its creative small-batch beers. The Brewers Tap felt like a real community hub, while the Sir Loin of Beef gave me that classic, historic pub feel. At HUIS, I paired Belgian-inspired bites with a pint, then ducked into the cosy Hole in the Wall. I finished at Farfarout, a snug little bar with a laid-back charm. Southsea’s mix of breweries and pubs made for a fun, flavourful crawl.
Southsea, down on the southern coast of England, started life as a quiet seaside spot near Portsmouth. Its name comes from Southsea Castle, built by Henry VIII in the 16th century to defend against French invasion. By the Victorian era, it had grown into a popular holiday resort, with piers, gardens, and fancy seafront houses. The seafront played a role in both World Wars, with troops setting off from nearby Portsmouth. Today, Southsea mixes historic charm with a laid-back feel—think independent cafés, the Common for festivals, and the shingle beach where locals and visitors soak up the sea air.
A day out with Portsmouth Foodguide (James), staggeringlywood (Matt) and thecraftybrewbelle (Ree)
Staggeringly Good
We started out at Staggeringly Good. This started in 2015 in Southsea, Portsmouth, when three friends turned a garage project into something much bigger. Obsessed with dinosaurs and doing things their own way, they built a brand that’s instantly recognisable, playful, and a bit rebellious. What began as a small local venture quickly grew into a space buzzing with creativity, community, and live events. Known for trying new ideas and never taking themselves too seriously, they’ve earned a reputation for fun and originality.
The Staggeringly Good taproom is relaxed and full of personality. Inside, it’s all exposed brick, murals, and dinosaur touches, with big tables that make it easy to hang out with friends or get chatting to someone new. There’s often live music or events, giving the place a lively buzz without losing its laid-back feel. Step outside and you’ll find a roomy yard that doubles as a beer garden, with food trucks rolling in and people spilling out to enjoy the atmosphere. Whether you’re inside or out, it’s a spot that feels fun, friendly, and made for good times.
Due to the football match on a smaller beer choice than normal but a choice of 6 were on today, alongside ciders and a range of cans. I went with their “Totally Underappreciated In My Time”. A delicious, hoppy golden ale.
MakeMake
A short walk brings us next to Makemake. This launched in Portsmouth in 2019, set up by Marc Renouf with a vision of making fun, creative beers for the local community. The name, taken from a Rapa Nui god and dwarf planet, reflects the brewery’s cosmic, slightly tongue-in-cheek personality. From the start, Marc kept things small-batch and experimental, with hazy IPAs, fruited sours, and plenty of one-off brews that drew attention well beyond Portsmouth.
The Makemake taproom sits right inside the brewery, so when you’re drinking, you’re surrounded by the stainless steel tanks where the beer’s actually made. It’s got that raw, industrial look—bare brick, concrete floors, and high ceilings—but softened with artwork and playful touches that tie into Makemake’s cosmic branding. The bar itself is simple but striking, with a rotating line-up of fresh pours straight from the source. Long benches and open tables make it a sociable space.
Was great to meet Marc, and a fantastic line up of beers to choose from on the bar. Even managed to sample a can of their new “Earth to Proxima”. A super juicy, hazy and thirst quenching New England IPA. Delicious! I also tried their “Spaceshake: Banana”. This was amazing, thick, fruity and really something else.
The Brewers Tap
Another short walk brings us next to The Brewers Tap in Southsea. This is the taproom of The Southsea Brewing Company, a small independent brewery with roots inside Southsea Castle. The brewery started life in an old ammunition store built into Henry VIII’s 16th-century defences, where founders Dave and Lorna set up a tiny kit and began experimenting with recipes. As word spread and demand grew, they outgrew the castle and moved to a bigger site nearby in 2023, giving them space to brew more and grow. The Brewers Tap now serves as their base in the community, keeping that link between Portsmouth, its history, and its beer alive.
Inside feels instantly welcoming. It’s a proper community spot where locals, families, and even dogs pile in for a relaxed drink. The décor has a fun, recycled edge, with quirky details like lighting made from old demijohns and a big board showing what’s on. There are board games stacked in the corner, tubs of LEGO to keep kids entertained, and plenty of space to sit back and chat.
On the bar a great line up of one cask beer and 10 keg lines to choose from, including 2 from their own brewery. I went with their own “Casemate”. A fantastic American IPA, easy drinking and hopped with Citra, Simcoe, Mosaic and Amarillo.
Sir Loin of Beef
Onto our next stop and where we met up with Ree. The Sir Loin of Beef which is a long-standing Portsmouth pub in Eastney. It began life in the 19th century as the Cambridge Arms. Its current name derives from the old tale of King James I “knighting” a cut of beef, hence “Sir Loin.” Though the pub has Victorian origins, its frontage has since been modernised, losing much of its original decorative style. Over generations it has served sailors, students, and locals, becoming well-known for its cask ales, hearty food, and live music. Today, it blends historical roots with a contemporary look, continuing as a vibrant local freehouse.
Inside the feel is homely and unpretentious. Wooden floors and sturdy tables give it a classic pub look, while mismatched chairs and cosy corners add character. The walls are lined with framed photos, quirky artwork, and little touches that hint at its long history. Warm lighting softens the space, creating a glow that makes even a busy evening feel comfortable. There’s a lived-in charm to it — not polished or overly styled, but welcoming and full of personality. It’s the sort of interior that feels familiar, like a proper local that’s been well loved.
A great line up here of 6 cask ales alongside a number of keg options. I decided to go with a cask beer from Rivington Brewing Co. “Finally Found” was a refreshing, hoppy and tasty Pale Ale hopped with Meridian and Citra hops.
The Merchant House
The Merchant House on Highland Road, Southsea, sits in a modest Victorian-style terrace typical of Portsmouth. Long before craft beer arrived, it was the Ice Bar, a local spot, until 2018 when it was transformed with bright blue paint, stripped-back décor, and a focus on quality beer. There’s no grand architectural tale—no listed-building prestige—just a solid community corner reinvented for modern tastes. Its location hints at history though: Highland Road once had a railway stop, Albert Road Bridge Halt, part of the short-lived Southsea Railway (1904–1914).
Step inside The Merchant House and it’s got that laid-back, modern vibe straight away. The old dark Ice Bar look is long gone—now it’s all bright walls, exposed brick and a clean, simple style that feels fresh without trying too hard. There’s a mix of tables and bar stools, so you can tuck into a corner with mates or just perch on your own and soak up the buzz.
On the bar a fantastic mix of cask and keg beers to choose from in a range of different styles and regularly changing. I went with a new sour beer from Vault City Brewing, “Cereal Spooner-Blueberry Cinnamon Cereal Milk”. A great sour mix of blueberries and cinnamon. Creamy and milky.
Sourdough Ted
Next up is Sourdough Ted on Albert Road in Southsea. This is a laid-back spot that mixes great craft beer with seriously good pizza. The place used to be The Cellars, but when that closed, Portsmouth local Tom Emery stepped in. After running lockdown pizza pop-ups in Dorset, he came home and turned the old bar into Ted’s—a relaxed spot with rotating taps and fresh sourdough pizzas baked every evening. It’s got a friendly, no-fuss feel to it.
Inside you’ll find a cosy, stylish bar with a modern edge. An L-shaped counter anchors the room, with polished taps lined neatly against the back wall. The décor is simple but smart—exposed brick, clean lines, and warm lighting that gives the space a relaxed glow. Wooden tables and stools are dotted around, creating a casual, social vibe without feeling crowded. It’s the kind of place that feels welcoming whether you’re stopping in for a quiet drink or catching up with friends.
A line up of 7 keg beers on offer alongside a wide variety of cans in different styles. Here I went with “Soloist El Dorado” from Glasshouse Beer Co. A super juicy and hazy single hopped New England IPA with El Dorado.
The Phoenix
Around the corner to The Phoenix. This has a history tied to the old Phoenix Brewery, which was rebuilt after a fire and taken over by Gibb & Son in 1882. The pub itself was rebuilt the same year, giving it the solid Victorian character it still carries today. Inside, some original features remain, like the mirrored bar back and old dado panelling, little reminders of its long life as a local landmark. Sitting just off Albert Road, near the Kings Theatre, it’s been part of Southsea’s social fabric for well over a century, surviving change while keeping its historic charm alive.
Inside, it’s relaxed and welcoming, the sort of place that’s been part of local life for generations. Out back, though, is where it really shines. The garden is spacious and leafy, with plenty of seating tucked between greenery and sheltered spots that make it feel like a little hideaway. In summer it’s bright and lively, perfect for groups, while in cooler months it’s a cosy outdoor nook. It’s a true Southsea gem with history and heart.
Drinks wise a choice of 3 cask ales on the bar alongside a range of keg beers to choose from. Opted with a favourite of mine, “Pupa” from Vibrant Forest Brewery. A fantastic New England IPA, full of flavour, very easy drinking and delicious.
HUIS
Next up was HUIS. This meaning “house” in Flemish, opened in 2015 on Elm Grove in Southsea. From the start, it set itself apart with a retro 1960s living-room feel and a focus on Belgian culture. At first it balanced being both a bar and a restaurant, but the food soon became the main attraction, with chefs trained in Belgium bringing classic dishes to Portsmouth. Over time, HUIS built a reputation as a cosy local spot, blending quirky décor with hearty European cooking. It quickly became a favourite in the community, adding a fresh twist to the city’s growing independent dining scene.
Step into HUIS and it feels like a retro Belgian living room with a Portsmouth twist. Soft pendant lamps cast a golden glow over wooden tables, while muted tones and textured walls keep it cosy. Vintage prints and quirky ornaments nod to Flemish style without being over the top, giving the place a homely, lived-in charm. It’s stylish but relaxed, a mix of mid-century cool and continental warmth. The whole vibe is more “come round to ours for the evening” than “night out,” which is why people settle in, eat, chat, and often stay far longer than they planned.
A huge drinks menu in here with lots on draught alongside a wide variety of cans and bottles showcasing the best of Belgian Beers. Went with something different here, “Früli Strawberry Beer” from Delirium – Huyghe Brewery. A super fruity Belgian white beer, blended with fruit juice.
The Hole in the Wall
Along to The Hole in the Wall on Great Southsea Street. This has been a bit of everything over the years. Back in the early 1900s it was home to Dittman & Malpas Ltd, then fast forward to the ’90s and it popped up as Western’s, run by Malcolm and Sheila Western. After a little break it reopened in ’98 as The Hole in the Wall, and that name stuck. Jonathan and Kerry McKerracher took over in 2012, turning it into the cosy, award-winning free house locals love today—think rotating real ales, friendly vibes, and even a quirky little sweet shop.
Step inside and it feels like a proper old-school pub. Low ceilings, wooden beams, and ceilings plastered with beer pump clips and quirky memorabilia give it a cosy, lived-in feel. There’s a snug vibe where locals chat easily with newcomers, and the atmosphere is more “friendly local” than polished gastropub.
On the bar a great variety of 6 cask ales, one served straight from the barrel alongside 4 keg beers and other options. A cask ale from Bowman Ales, “Quiver”. A fantastic malty English Bitter. Full of flavour and a lovely aroma.
Meat & Barrel
Next up is Meat & Barrel. This is a popular independent restaurant and bar located on Palmerston Road, Southsea. It opened in 2014, transforming a former retail space into a rustic, industrial-style venue focused on gourmet burgers, craft beers, and cocktails. The concept was inspired by the growing craft beer and “dirty burger” movement, aiming to bring a relaxed but vibrant dining spot to Portsmouth. Over the years, it became known for its stacked burgers, loaded fries, and wide range of beers from local and international breweries.
The inside is laid-back and welcoming, with a mix of rustic and industrial touches. Think exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and metal fittings that give it a cool but unpretentious feel. There’s plenty of space, with long benches for groups and smaller tables for couples or friends grabbing a bite. The open layout gives it a lively but relaxed energy, and the warm lighting adds to the cosy atmosphere.
On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales alongside a great selection of keg beers offering a variety of different styles and strengths. “Boosh” from Yonder Brewing in here. A fantastic super hazy and super juicy New England IPA, double dry hopped and hopped with Idaho 7, Talus & Citra.
Croxtons
Just down the road was Croxton’s. This opened in 2018 in a building long familiar to Southsea locals as a shop and later the Palmerston Road Post Office. Following its closure, the space was repurposed into a new independent venue, its name chosen to honour Croxton Town, the early 19th-century neighbourhood created by Thomas Croxton that laid the foundations for Southsea.
Walk inside and it feels instantly relaxed and welcoming. The space mixes rustic touches with a modern edge – wooden floors and panels give it warmth, while bold murals and little splashes of colour keep it lively. There’s a mix of comfy padded chairs and simple tables, so you can sit back for a while or just pop in for something quick. Plants, soft lighting and a bit of artwork dotted around add to the laid-back look.
On the bar a selection of craft beers varying in style to choose from, alongside other options. I went with one of their house beers “Tropical Shant”. A tasty and refreshing tropical pale ale.
Farfarout
Last call of the day was to Farfarout. This landed on Palmerston Road in 2025, but the building it calls home has seen plenty of Southsea life before that. Once just another shopfront along the busy stretch, it’s now been reworked into a snug little bar from Makemake. / @makemakebeer that feels like it’s always been there. The mix of old-school pub touches and fresh design gives it that lived-in character, as if it’s carrying stories from the street’s past into a new chapter.
Venture inside and it instantly feels relaxed and welcoming, with retro pub memorabilia, vintage signs and white tongue-and-groove walls giving it that mix of old-school charm and modern cosiness. It’s a small space, just six tables, which makes it feel like a hidden local hangout rather than a bustling venue. The food keeps things simple but brilliant: huge 16-inch sourdough pizzas (or “pies,” as they call them) with four classics always on the go and a fun monthly special, all made with dough fermented for 50 hours so they’re big, tasty, and surprisingly light. Made by Beam Pizza.
Beer wise a line up of 6 keg beers ranging in styles, along with further choices of cans in the fridge. I went with “Space Soda: Peach & Blackcurrant” from Makemake. A sour Peach and Blackcurrant beer, really tasty and tart.
Micropub Adventures 