Venue Snapshot

Name:

The Ship Anson

Location:

The Hard, Portsmouth, PO1 3DT

Visit date:

Friday 28th November 2025

Type (restaurant / café / pub / bar etc.):

Pub

How we booked/found it:

Walk in

Why did we visit:

It looked the more enticing after a visit to the Dockyard.

Website:

https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/hampshire/ship-anson

Getting There

Parking:

Public Car park 2 minutes’ walk away

Ease of finding:

Very easy; Prominent location by The Dockyard entrance.

Accessibility (steps, ramps, loos):

Easily accessible.

Family Friendly:

Yes, very much so.

Dogs Friendly:

Yes. Four-legged family members are welcome at this pub.

First Impressions

Décor & vibe:

An old pub which is steeped in Naval History which is unsurprising as it is located just 1 minute walk from the Dockyard entrance. The walls are adorned with Military Shields from current and retired Naval vessels, submarines and other Military Regiments (SAS, Royal Signals, for example) giving it that unmistakable ‘proper military pub’ character

Atmosphere & crowd:

Friendly & inhabited mainly by a military crowd – Mostly Naval but some Army also.

Welcome on arrival:

Friendly, smiling staff.

What We Ordered

Drink:

Bitter and Lager, but they also have plenty of wine, cocktails and a range of non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails too. For those who are gluten intolerant, you are well catered for here. 

Food:

We didn’t order today, but we’ll return to try the food soon as the menu looked promising with a good range of 3 course options with seasonal dishes and many pub classics (burgers, fish & chips, Sandwiches and sides

Presentation:

In branded pint glasses

Flavour & quality notes:

A good selection of real ales in this Greene King establishment plus a decent range of lagers also on tap

Cost (incl. any service charge):

£4.75 (10% discount applied as a military veteran)

Staff & Service

Friendliness:

Nice friendly crew 

Speed & attentiveness:

The staff coped with a busy crowd of serving and military veterans as well as a smattering of tourists that were here to visit Portsmouth Dockyard for lunch or a relaxing drink or hot beverage. It was chilly outside.

Knowledge & recommendations:

They spotted I had a military veterans badge and by confirming my Veterans ID, they applied a 10% discount.

Staff Roll of Honour:

Not today – All were good.

Facilities & Practicalities

WiFi / Phone Signal:

Yes, widely available. Decent mobile phone coverage also.

Sports / TV:

Sky & TNT Sports are available with a calendar pushing future broadcasts.

Toilets / Disabled:

Clean enough, regularly checked, no nasty lingering odours. A disabled loo is also available.

Seating comfort:

Bar stools and tables aplenty which were all comfortable.

Noise levels:

Nice ambient atmosphere. 

Outdoor space / extras:

Seating area and tables outside as well in a cordoned off patch at the front. A Beer garden, but probably best in the Summer. 

Rating

Value for Money / Overall 

★★★★☆ / ★★★★☆

Why this rating?

Compares very favourably to other pubs in the area but with more character. Friendly vibe, good service and a well‑priced pint, and we just loved the history of this pub.

Insider Tips

Best tables/areas:

At this time of year – Anything inside. 

Must-order items:

NA

What to avoid:

NA

Best times to visit:

Just after the lunch rush – 2pm.

The Verdict

What we loved:

The history, the Military feel, friendliness of all, staff and punters

What we didn’t:

N/A

Would we return (yes/no & why):

Yes. Particularly as military veterans – Big emphasis on respect for current serving and veterans.