Where Should I Watch the Football in Portsmouth?

Hi everyone! I'm Claire Munro, a recent Digital Marketing graduate from the University of Portsmouth. After spending the best three years of my life in this amazing city, I've made it my mission to help you make the most of your time both in Portsmouth and in London (where I now live!). When I'm not working or writing about my student life, you can find me shopping or hanging out with my friends.

Fancy watching the football properly? Whether you want to watch a South Coast derby, a Prem game or the 2026 World Cup, you’re never short on places to go in Portsmouth – the city has around 12 pubs per square mile (according to the Express), so it’s safe to say that we’re spoilt for choice. Here’s the lowdown on the best pubs for students to watch the footy in Portsmouth:

1. The Dockyard ⚓

Starting off with my personal favourite – The Dockyard, found on Guildhall Walk, is the perfect pub for any student. A few steps away from student accommodation and a short walk from Somerstown and Southsea, it is so easy to get to and from.

The Dockyard is incredibly popular amongst students, so booking a table for you and your friends is the way to go. How about booking the table a bit earlier? Enjoy some of the top pub grub in Portsmouth before the match, as students get all burgers and pizzas for £6 each! You just can’t turn down an offer like that!

“I can’t see the screen” – said no one ever in The Dockyard! There are more screens in there than I could count. Whether you’re sitting inside or outside, you will never be too far from the game.

Talking about outside, did I mention the (self-proclaimed) best beer garden in Portsmouth? Perfect for a warm summer evening, and with the heaters surrounding the benches and a roof overhead, it’s perfect for those autumn and winter matches too.

Having watched Arsenal in both the quarter and semi-final of the Champions League in The Dockyard this year, I can tell you that this pub is the perfect place to both celebrate and cry with your friends and strangers!

2. Honest Politician ⚖️

Moving over to a pub on Elm Grove now, The Honest Politician has everything you could want in a sports bar. Hate to sit still before kick off? Go work off some of those nerves by showing off your pool skills or challenge a friend to a game of darts. And don’t worry about missing out on the action – The Honest Politician has loads of pool tables and not one, but two dart boards ready for you and your mates.

Another impressively popular pub means another perfect atmosphere for watching the footy. While the area to watch the football in The Honest Politician is slightly smaller than The Dockyard, the big screen and the activities available make it totally worth the visit.

Open the latest out of all the pubs listed, on Friday and Saturday the celebrations (or commiserations) can continue well past full-time – until 2am on the weekend to be exact.

3. O’Neills 🪉

Looking for another spot to watch the game? O’Neills has got you covered. This Irish pub is located on Albert Road, which is a very lively and pub-centric street.

The perfect pub garden makes it the ideal location for watching football in the summer. Just picture yourself watching the 2026 World Cup here, sun shining overhead and an ice cold beverage in your hand, living the dream. I watched England v Netherlands in the Euros last year, and I can tell you, the atmosphere was insane – absolute limbs.

What drinks can you get at O’Neills though? With such an impressive bar, I think the question is what CAN’T you get? Are you a Guinness guy? A Corona connoisseur? A Peroni… person? (Can you tell I struggled with that?). None of those tickle your fancy? Grab a mojito before kick off, treat yourself to a Tropical Breeze at half time, or sip on a soft drink while Arsenal win the Premier League (a girl can dream). What I’m trying to say is, there’s a lot to choose from, whatever your preferences.

Finally some notable mentions!

🍻 The Scarlet Tap – Palmerston Rd | Craft beers | Great atmosphere
🍻 The Fleet – King Henry I St | Plenty of Screens | A spacious beer garden
🍻 The Festing – Festing Rd | Greene King Pub | Great atmosphere

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Whilst you’re out having fun in your new uni city, remember that UniHomes promotes responsible drinking, and any alcohol products featured within this article are for ages 18+.

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