Smoke and Mirrors

Walk into Smoke and Mirrors and you'll immediately clock the effort: dark wood, intimate booths, and a bar that actually knows what it's doing. You're in Old Portsmouth's beating heart here, surrounded by the sort of neighbourhood where locals outnumber tourists, which tells you everything. The menu reads like someone's genuinely thought about flavours rather than just throwing things on a plate, and the drinks list isn't some gimmicky Instagram grab—these are cocktails made with actual technique. Whether you're after a proper night out with mates or somewhere that doesn't feel like you're compromising on quality, this place delivers.