Blog

On the coronary heart of the picturesque seaside city of Southsea, Hampshire, lies this vibrant and eclectic avenue lined with eating places, independently owned retailers and a thriving arts scene. As considered one of metropolis’s essential sights, listed here are all one of the best issues to do on Albert Highway in Southsea…

Albert Highway, with its wealthy historical past, architectural allure, and burgeoning culinary scene, provides no less than a couple of hours leisure in case you’re visiting Portsmouth anytime quickly. As you’ll see, this bustling thoroughfare is a microcosm of creativity, culinary delights, and neighborhood spirit.

With retailers and eating places coming and going, and the art work commonly altering and growing, it’s some of the eclectic streets in Portsmouth to discover.

I’m going to disclose a few of the highlights right here, whether or not you’re in search of someplace new for a drink, to eat, or to choose up a present or two.

Historical past of Albert Highway in Southsea

Named after Prince Albert in the course of the mid-Nineteenth century, this avenue is a dwelling testomony to Southsea’s storied previous. Wander alongside and also you’ll discover well-preserved Victorian-era buildings with ornate facades and wrought-iron balconies, in addition to rickety flats and homes nestled between the colorful retailers.

Greatest retailers on Albert Highway, Southsea

Overlook the cookie-cutter high-street chains; Albert Highway is a haven for impartial boutiques and distinctive retailers.

Pigeon Books

Pigeon Books is Southsea’s solely impartial bookshop, specialising in new fiction, queer lit and numerous kids’s books. House owners Mel and Phil typically run in-store occasions, so verify their calendar on your dates, they usually at all times have a e book suggestion in case you’re out of inspiration.

Pop in to see what their e book of the week is. After which go and sit in one of many Southsea bars and skim it with a glass of wine. Appears like an ideal concept truly – I’ve impressed myself!

Costume Code

Only a few retailers alongside and you may sift by the classic finds at Costume Code. Whether or not you need band tshirts, cool sunnies, or a belt to deliver that outfit collectively, there are some nice picks right here.

Eating places on Albert Highway

Foodies, rejoice!

Albert Highway traverses continents and palates with the vary of eating places right here. You possibly can savour every part from hearty English breakfasts to spicy Indian curries and artisanal vegan lunches.

Because the solar units, the nook of Albert Highway, close to the Kings Theatre is the highest spot. Sit outdoors The Vaults and Porters and take in the excitement. Whether or not you’re within the temper for conventional ales or craft cocktails, you’ll discover a spot to unwind and benefit from the vigorous environment.

Hunter Gatherer

Vegans, that is the Southsea restaurant for you. Brian and his workforce have created a pleasant plant based mostly menu with lots to titillate these tastebuds. My private favorite is the breakfast burrito – in truth I’d wish to eat one proper now with a aspect of sizzling sauce.

I like the vibe at Hunter Gatherer. If I owned a espresso store, that is what I’d prefer it to appear like. In addition they run cool particular occasions within the night – I went to a wine tasting as soon as, oh and a collage workshop. They’ve a hatch for espresso on the run, in case you want.

Offbeet

Offbeet has to win the award for probably the most calming, spa like restaurant on Albert Highway. This is likely one of the latest locations to eat on Albert Highway, and is serving vegan dishes all day lengthy. I 100% suggest visiting for the breakfast tacos, and their oat milk flat whites are bang on too.

nicholsons

If you’d like an ideal purple wine, with a tapas aspect, then Nicholsons is the bar and restaurant for you. In summer season you may sit outdoors and watch the delights of Albert Highway, whereas in winter you may cosy up indoors and order a carafe or two of wine. Serving all of the Spanish tapas you may consider!

fah thai

Fah Thai is my go to identify for group meals. Actually blummin good Thai meals, and it’s BYO too!

porters

Porters serves tasty, filling Tex Mex model lunches in a well-recognized conventional pub setting. With lunch offers and loads of beers, wines and spirits to select from, that is considered one of my prime lunch eating places to select from in all of Portsmouth.

Sakura

The perfect Japanese meals in Southsea – reality.

In addition they have little cubicles, like in Japan, they usually’re actually beautiful in there. Undoubtedly suggest!

If you wish to know extra in regards to the greatest eating places in Southsea, click on the hyperlink!

Bars on Albert Highway

Portsmouth loves a drink, and Albert Highway is likely one of the greatest locations within the metropolis to seek out someplace to do it.

From quaint and cosy pubs with wealthy histories to fashionable cocktail bars, Albert Highway’s bar scene provides a kaleidoscope of experiences that cater to all tastes. Listed below are one of the best locations alongside Albert Highway for a drink, and the place to get pleasure from a few of Southsea’s nightlife too.

southsea spirit

Southsea has its personal gin, impressed?

Southsea Spirit Bar is likely one of the newest additions to the enjoyable of Albert Highway. This little bar seats as much as 40 throughout two rooms, and serves contemporary cocktails in a cool but welcoming setting. I can undoubtedly suggest the spicy margaritas btw.

If I used to be going out tonight, this is able to be the primary place I’d name in!

“A tropical bathtub-style gin with flavours of juniper, contemporary orange, caramelised pineapple and a contact of coconut.”

– Southsea Spirit

SOUTHSEA APPLiANCES aka damaged & Repaired

And the second place could be right here, on the secret prohibition model bar, Damaged and Repaired. Situated inside ‘Southsea Home equipment’ that is a type of bars the place it’s a must to ring a buzzer to get let in.

To be sincere I’ve had a spread of experiences right here, however I believe it relies on your server, and their enthusiasm for the novelty cocktails they serve. Go for the ‘Artwork Assault’ in case you get pleasure from a aspect of portray in your evening out, and be sure you hit up that photograph sales space earlier than you permit too.

Additionally, see if you could find the key disco room…

What to do at evening on Albert Highway

Albert Highway’s stay music scene has a number of venues that host performances by native bands and musicians. Go to the karaoke and you may obtain your personal musical goals!

kings theatre

I’ve seen some nice reveals right here – together with Six and Mamma Mia – and am all booked up for the Christmas Panto too. It’s a small theatre, however a splendidly historic one and infrequently, some prime reveals come to carry out too. Examine the listings on your dates!

The Wedgewood Rooms

The legendary Wedgewood Rooms has hosted quite a few famend artists and bands through the years. Count on indie rock, acoustic people, and something in between. I’ve been to a 90s evening right here, a Fleetwood Mac tribute evening, and some authentic gigs too. In addition they run all types of scholar and indie nights.

149 karaoke membership

I’ve tried to go right here quite a few occasions after a couple of drinks, however by no means fairly succeeded in getting in due to its reputation. At some point I’ll pre plan my karaoke wants and e book a room!

Creativity on Albert Highway

Creativity thrives on Albert Highway, evident in its thriving arts neighborhood. A number of artwork galleries and studios showcase the work of native artists, offering a platform for rising skills to shine.

The Artwork House

The Artwork House Portsmouth, a distinguished gallery on the road, hosts exhibitions that includes a various vary of inventive types and mediums.

look out for the murals

As you stroll alongside Albert Highway, you’ll additionally discover vibrant avenue artwork and murals, particularly by native legends Fark and Mister Samo. Portsmouth could be very happy with its murals so get pleasure from a self guided avenue artwork tour alongside Albert Highway for some free enjoyable.

cube board recreation & lounge

At Cube you may play board video games whereas consuming and consuming your manner by their menu too. They’ve all types, for all ages, and a licensed bar too. Take a look at their listings for particular occasions nights for all of your Dungeons and Dragons, and Keyforge needs.

Get pierced, or tattooed

You may have to e book upfront, undoubtedly if you wish to get pierced on the legendary Sisters of Chaos, however getting pierced on Albert Highway is a enjoyable option to go the time.

My final piercing was at Southsea Tattoo Store, and we simply walked in.

Clearly in case you’re getting a tattoo you’ll wish to give it somewhat extra thought, however there are a couple of nice locations to get inked alongside Albert Highway. Do your analysis and observe their Instagrams earlier than you commit!

READ MORE: How one can Spend 48 Hours in Southsea

Albert Highway in Southsea

Albert Highway in Southsea is a vibrant, eclectic, and culturally wealthy vacation spot for anybody in search of a style of historical past, artwork, music, and gastronomy. It’s one of many few impartial excessive streets in England, and so at all times wants our assist. It’s just some minutes stroll from Southsea Seaside and is certainly one of many explanation why I like dwelling in Southsea, so give it a go to.

Subsequent time you’re in Portsmouth benefit from the espresso retailers, bakeries, eating places, bars and retailers of Albert Highway!