Spice Island

You're standing on Bath Square, one of Portsmouth's oldest corners, and the Spice Island is doing what it's done for centuries—serving up honest pints and proper pub grub to anyone who walks through the door. It's the kind of place where you'll find naval history seeping from the walls and locals nursing their usual at the bar, mixing happily with tourists who've wandered down from The Hard. The real draw is the waterfront location; there's something special about nursing a drink while watching the Isle of Wight shimmer across the water, especially on one of those rare golden Portsmouth evenings. Greene King's done right by this one—it feels lived-in rather than corporate, with enough character to remind you why old pubs matter.