Similar to its older sister in Petersfield, The Dolphin in Portsmouth has a lot to offer. Whether you’re grabbing a quick drink, lunch, dinner, Sunday roast or settling in to watch a match with some sharers, this pub has you covered. It’s a stylish place, with dark grey-blue walls and plenty of natural light thanks to the numerous skylights.
To drink, you’ll find plenty of spirits to choose from, as well as “classy, sassy or bad-assy” cocktails like Long Island iced tea, woo woo and sex on the beach. Spritzes are also available, ideal for summer months, with options including watermelon, Aperol, blackcurrant or passionfruit.
Start off your meal here with one of the tasty small plates such as cheesy button mushroom bruschetta, grilled chicken and chorizo skewers or a prawn and calamari duo with lemon mayo. The wings are a must here, with options including classic sticky BBQ, maple and bourbon or super spicy Carolina reaper and black garlic with spring onion. If you’re in the mood for sharing, there is a great selection of nachos, as well as the blowout classic combo, featuring southern fried chicken, chicken wings, Cumberland sausages, ultimate chunky chips, garlic bread, beer-battered onion rings, topped nachos and a selection of dips.
For your main, you’ll once again find plenty of choice. The pie of the day might be beef or chicken, but there’s also a seafood pie packed with salmon, smoked haddock, king prawns, creamy leeks served with mash and peas. Other pub classics are on offer here, such as breaded scampi, fish and chips, sausages and mash, all-day breakfast and even a chicken tikka masala. From the grill, meanwhile, there are steaks such as ribeye or rump as well as a gammon steak and mixed grill. Finish with a sticky toffee rum sponge, Eton mess sundae or cheese plate for a decadent end to the meal.