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Leopold Tavern, Southsea

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user reviews of Leopold Tavern, Southsea

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Large and comfortable pub with a good atmosphere. Lots of casks on offer. I liked it and would be happy to visit again, especially as its on the very attractive and hip Albert Road. There's a feel and atmosphere of Brighton about this part of Portsmouth.
SilkTork - 24 Jan 2016 23:10
Another visit to Southsea necessitated another visit to the Leopold. I just love this place - friendly staff, friendly customers and so many real ales and ciders plus bottled craft beers. Surely something for everyone! Aim to be back in Southsea soon and I know where I'll be going for a pint!
ecksact - 18 Mar 2015 00:04
I have visited this place in the vibrant Albert Road, the pub has won many awards for its real ale and cider. Has bouncers on a Friday/Saturday night and they are friendly compared to other bouncers in the city. I know Steve the owner and he is a friendly gentleman.
BruceCrabbe - 14 Dec 2014 19:08
So you don't like it lemon(another bogus single post commenter), don't go in everybody else likes it, it's always crowded, and have you ever thought if the staff seem unhappy, it might be how you talk to them, they always seem fine to me
littlecon - 13 May 2014 06:56
So you don't like it lemon(another bogus single post commenter), don't go in everybody else likes it, it's always crowded, and have you ever thought if the staff seem unhappy, it might be how you talk to them, they always seem fine to me
littlecon - 13 May 2014 06:53
Decent drinks but that's about it. Overly pretentious, miserable staff (minus a couple of the younger ones) and an unwelcoming atmosphere.
lemongrass22 - 29 Apr 2014 19:32
Squarely aimed at ale and cider drinkers, does everything it should.
Uncle_Dunkel - 26 Mar 2014 13:50
If you are in Southsea and DON'T visit this pub, then you're missing out! I'm a cider drinker so can't comment on the real ales, but the choice (of both) is incredible! I'm not local to the area, but every time I've visited this pub, I've been made to feel at home. Love it!
ecksact - 16 Jun 2013 03:22
Over promoted & Over rated IMHO

The landlord (the one who actually works there, rather than the owner - Stuart? I think, who makes 'noise') is good as is the beer he presents

No offence intended
Aleiain - 27 May 2013 16:25
Fantastic beer selection in this pub with 10 real ale on draught, a good selection of cider and decent range of bottled ber.

Had a pint of the Portland Porter which was very well kept.

Good knowledgeable bar staff.


beershot - 12 Nov 2012 17:37
"Solid ale"?
cellarbuoy - 16 Oct 2012 17:24
Nice solid ale drinkers pub. Had a nice pint of a brew from Havant.
anonymous - 16 Oct 2012 17:19
An impressive place, not just for the beer on tap, but also for the decent range of bottles that my short-sighted eyes couldn't quite make out all of them from the bar (I do hope they've got a menu) but which looked like more than the usual Newcy Brown and InBevs....
pkrp - 9 Sep 2012 21:00
Nice mixture of clientel. Real cider galore.
WelshOwl - 27 Aug 2012 17:23
A great local pub it clean and the bar staff are always friendly plus there is darkstar APA alway in good order,
keelajane - 5 Jul 2012 22:20
Another visit to this superb pub on saturday afternoon.
Great pint of Darkstar apa and great oakley gobble.
Always a warm welcome and will return soon.

caskforce - 10 Jun 2012 17:08
the beer festival starts today, and runs for 9 days, a good list, I'll be going down, often

littlecon - 20 Apr 2012 17:08
good array of well-kept ales, excellent saturday luchtime meat raffle, and a convivial atmosphere - admittedly i was in the most elevated of company, irrespective the Leopold was a quality experience.
boony - 22 Mar 2012 17:10
Slightly smarter than the other small but excellent drinkers pubs dotted around Southsea. Friendly staff, decent beer range, only let down by average beer quality.
mtaylor40 - 5 Jan 2012 21:11
A decent place on first impressions, good range of ales and attentive staff behind the bar.
Interesting to see the large open area for darts players too, most places would have filled the area with tables for sure.

I wouldn't want to use the middle trap in the gents though, very odd design...
FLO - 5 Dec 2011 11:02
We always head for this pub when we play Pompey. It is a great example of what can be done to a street corner boozer which the Big Boys would probably have closed down years ago. A good selection of beer; clean and tidy interior; rolls available and buses outside. Not too far from the ground and a very pleasant place to meet before (and after) the game. Recommended.
mcroyal - 17 Aug 2011 21:19
Very good pub! Good choice of drinks at decent enough prices served by really good bar staff - that'll do for me!
ecksact - 3 Jun 2011 06:45
Has just been voted local camra pub of the year for the second year running.
alealealeale - 1 May 2011 15:17
Good pint of Oakleaf Hole-Hearted in here, will be back
Reverend - 16 Feb 2011 20:32
Well Caskforce, I don't know that every visitor to this place would regard the fact they don't do food as a negative issue; I know it's become the stock-in-trade of many a licensee in the days when wet sales just aren't enough to cut the financial mustard, but personally I always have a sneaking regard for boozers that stay either food-free - or at least keep the solids to a minimum, in favour of drinkers. Actually in fairness I'm not so sure there weren't bread rolls available on our visit, so even then there may be something to soak up excess if it's really required!
We pitched up on a Saturday morning and already by noon the place was turning over good trade. A rotund and jolly hostess greeted us and we were pulled up two perfectly acceptable pints of ale - the choice was not that broad from memory but certainly what was on was worthwhile; clean and crisp. Again, like so many other pubs nearby this could be viewed as something of a shock, as the local lads do seem to favour the fizz. Still, it seems there's enough mileage in the real stuff for the Leopold and the like to make sure it's on, and in good nick to boot.

Darts is presumably popular - a large space (which incidentally in so many pubs now would be given over to food customers) had been cleared in the side room to accommodate the oche. Nobody playing when we were in but I expect that soon changed after we left.

I know I'm guilty of using this term too much in my reviews, but really, "earthy" is the best adjective to describe this place. No pretence, yet no threat either, sticking to what it does best and receiving local support for their trouble. Nice.

TWG - 14 Feb 2011 17:46
One of the best pubs on our pub crawl. 6 ales and stowford for the wife. Only downside is that they dont do food.
caskforce - 10 Feb 2011 17:49
Great real ale pub with plenty of character. Good selection of pumps. Enjoyed my visit.
anybody - 6 Feb 2011 10:37
Friendly, attractive pub with excellent beer, only slightly let down by the collection of annoying games machines and TV.
baxterfish - 29 Jan 2011 19:27
Went there for the 1st time a few months ago. The real ale is great and I will return.
the_islander - 17 Dec 2010 09:20
Just seems to be getting better and better. Now has 5 draught ciders and 6 ales. Just been voted local camra pub of the year and well deserved. Had a great night on Saturday and will be back again soon.
alealealeale - 26 Aug 2010 20:53
I have always liked this pub and never had a dodgy pint - ale seemed pricey on my last visit and others have told me prices have risen (with popularity?) that aside its still a good quality establishment and deservedly popular.
odbod - 25 Aug 2010 12:52
I went here for the first time on Saturday evening and it was heaving, one of the most busy pubs I have seen in years so congratulations to the staff for that. I was surprised at how contemporary the decor was but while it wasn't to my tastes, it wasn't over the top. Beer was excellent.
NB George East based his book 'A Year Behind Bars' partially on this pub!
Good but perhaps not worth its near legendary reputation.
7/10
SotonAleDrinker - 17 Aug 2010 20:53
Called in recently and had a couple of excellent pints of Brains Rev James. Landlord v. knowledgable and chatty. Quality beer, quality pub.
ropey2 - 8 Jul 2010 21:59
has been voted local camra pub of the year
littlecon - 6 May 2010 09:03
I noticed this one was in the beerintheevening top 20 and thought I'd give it a go on yesterday's visit to Portsmouth. Whilst it wouldn't be anywhere near my top 20 best pubs in the country, it's still worthy of a visit if you're in the Southsea area, especially after a late breakfast in the nearby Mum's Cafe. The exterior has a traditional tiled look. The interior is bright and airy and there are 6 real ales to choose from - Oakleaf Hole Hearted, Irving Tin Fish, Bowman Swift One, Hopback Summer Lightning, St Austell Tribute and Sharps Doom Bar. The guy behind the bar seemed somewhat surprised that the Leopold was one of the best pubs in the country!
blue_scrumpy - 27 Sep 2009 17:13
First time I'be been in this pub for a few years and my it has changed. Excellent choice of 6 different real ales on sale today, all of which were well kept. Note to self to not leave it so long before going back.
Splodge68 - 25 Sep 2009 00:51
Excellent selection of beers - Doombar was particularily good - nice staff and good atmosphere.
barbra49 - 14 Aug 2009 13:17
The best place to visit in Albert Road if you want a decent pint of ale and the footy. Good landlord and the place my locals go to sample ale and footy. Apparently well recomended.
THEALMIGHTYLALA - 13 Aug 2009 04:31
Was busy when I visited with a mixed crowd of drinkers which appeals to me. A good choice of ales & friendly locals. I noticed a lot of racing fans sat towards the back of the pub following there bets. Good atmosphere all round.
realalechav - 2 Jun 2009 22:23
Bowman Swift One & Nutz (I wrote down Mutz, but now realise it is a chestnut beer), Hopback Summer Lightning, Goddards Fuggle DeeDum, Oakleaf Holehearted & Pompey Royal. Quite busy Sat eve toward end of Wal-Eng rugby and the bar was a little clogged, meaning waiting for a drink while trying not to stand in eyeline for the tv, and this manc was conscious of many scouse accents at my end of the bar, but they were fine. Beyond the horseshoe end of the bar is a large characterless darts area, and to the rear a lounge bar leather sofa style. Not pubby enough for my liking, but good beer choice and, if you arrive in town early, & thirsty, they open at 10:00 Sat.
trainman - 17 Feb 2009 16:08
Good pub good ale and friendly staff and customers.
one of the best in albert road
alealealeale - 6 Jan 2009 17:37
what are you on about joncrel?, nowhere to lock your bike up, apart from the racks opposite outside tesco, there's even a zebra crossing for you short sighted people, the pub itself is one of the best on albert road with tip top beer
littlecon - 24 Dec 2008 10:22
Was in on Saturday before the Pompy v Boro match. Decent local, serving some grea tlocal micro brews, no food on but happy for you to bring in sandwiches. Bit of a walk to Fratton Park, but well worth it as away fans we felt pretty welcome.
Alfnoax - 14 Sep 2008 11:14
Have used The Leopold occasionally for many years, have always found it a nice pub, until Saturday. We had freinds visiting from Scotland. The barman would not accept their Scottish currency. Ridiculous, ignorant and offensive. Get real you bigoted lot.
SUET - 26 May 2008 12:49
Lovely pub with a great feel. There was 6 ales available on my last visit including a superb oakleaf hole hearted and an equally good bowmans swift one. Staff are in good supply as are customers and this was on a thursday night!! The pub seems to have been redecorated not so long ago and it gives it a nice locals feel .top notch!!!
porto - 2 Oct 2007 18:05
Nice little pub, could do with a better range of real ale, but the Abbott is always good. Usually quite full, but some comfortable seating. No where to lock up your bike outside, and no wifi, but otherwise one of the better pubs in Southsea.
joncrel - 17 Jun 2007 10:53
A great locals pub with 4 ales including my fav abbott ale. comfortable seating areas and very good staff.gets very busy thursday friday and saturday. all in all a nice pub with good beer and nice feel.
anonymous - 6 Mar 2007 16:16
A great local pub, with nice characters. The assistant manager, Jeff, is friendly and adds a good feel to the pub. Just what you need! Check it out!
anonymous - 22 Dec 2006 11:01
Can get quite busy at weekends but bar staff are always in plentiful supply. Not got the best selection of ale, but what they do have is kept well. All in all I think this is a good pub, much better than the bold forrester opposite.
anonymous - 3 Mar 2006 21:50
Only really busy at weekends. Comfy interior, plenty of tables, serves a good pint of Summer Lightning plus a guest. Looks quite small from the outside, but it is a decent size. I prefer it now to the Forester opposite, although it does get a bit "middle-aged" weekend evenings.
SJC - 11 Feb 2005 23:14

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