Things to do in portsmouth

Sp00n · 22 Aug 2006 at 11:13

I've booked a room in portsmouth on the 2nd of september in portsmouth just for a weekend getaway for me and the mrs however I don't know the area too well and was wondering what people suggest?

I was thinking a nice meal (nothing fancy but i'm not gonna cheap out on it) and then something to do in the evening, comedy club or maybe there is an event on that particular weekend.

Any idea's?

/edit we're staying at the hilton on eastern road so something staggering distance from there would be awesome but by no means essential.

bam0 · 22 Aug 2006 at 11:19

The pizza house restaurant in Hilsea is one of my favourite places to eat in Portsmouth. It has a dodgy name but I really like the food and it has a pretty decent atmosphere.
There is a jongleurs in Gunwharf Quays that will no doubt have a show on that night, not sure about anything else on at that time. Southsea Parade Pier has a couple of places that can provide some cheesy fun, there's a crazy golf course there and the usual arcade features.
Nothing particularly special anywhere in Portsmouth that I can think of though.

Ukadder · 22 Aug 2006 at 12:04

As bam0 said Gunwharf Quays is probably the best area for the comedy club they also have a few places to eat their that are decent (and a cinema/bowling ally/casino/few shops) I recommend the "Grill your own food" restaurant next to the cinema, always enjoyed cooking my own food their and it’s reasonably priced (thou not that romantic).

Personally I like the walk along the front past Cascades and Southsea Parade Pier then along past the old sea wall, theses a few nice places to eat in that area and generally relax. Sort of weather dependant thou (plus it’s ALWAYS windy in Portsmouth!)

Not a huge amount to do really for non-student types, maybe a day trip over to the Isle of White via the hovercraft if the weather is decent? Think it’s about £9 each (or you can take a car over via the main docks)

Takhisis · 22 Aug 2006 at 12:06

The Watermargin is an excellent place to eat if you're gonna go to Gunwharf and its cheap too (£14 all you can eat chinese buffet) but its driving distance from Eastern Road.

The Harvester which is near where you're staying is great (they actually know how to cook a blue steak). There is a salad cart thingy which is all inclusive in your meal price so generally you don't need to pay extra for a started.

There is also The Toby Carvery which is exactly what it sounds like but that is also probably driving distance.

There is a pub/restaurant attached to where your staying but personally I'd avoid it - only been there twice but both times were horrible.

You are gonna be quite on the outskirts so there isn't much else close by.

Takhisis · 22 Aug 2006 at 12:07

Ukadder said:
I recommend the "Grill your own food" restaurant next to the cinema, always enjoyed cooking my own food their and it’s reasonably priced (thou not that romantic).

Charbar - There is also one in Port Solent.

Very noisy as everyone is trying to talk over the sound of food cooking just in front of them but it is very good

Goberpiles316 · 22 Aug 2006 at 12:11

Dont know if it is still their but their used to be a top class indian in port Solent, the charbar is also nice and the harvester as well is good. Gunwarf has bowling, cinema shops etc.

DB_SamX · 22 Aug 2006 at 12:12

Go up the Spinnaker tower! Go on a boat trip round the harbour. Check out the destroyers and other ships.

gr1mey · 22 Aug 2006 at 12:12

burns · 22 Aug 2006 at 12:12

Takhisis said:
Charbar - There is also one in Port Solent.

Very noisy as everyone is trying to talk over the sound of food cooking just in front of them but it is very good

I thought it was aweful. Quite expensive, and a fair risk that your food will end up poorly cooked or falling apart whilst you try and cook it. I'd rather pay less for food I didn't just have to cook my self.

Over Clocker · 22 Aug 2006 at 12:21

Make sure u take her shopping at Gunwharf Quays and take her up the Spinnaker tower if the weather is nice (just realised what that will sound like to u

)

loopylou · 22 Aug 2006 at 12:22

Get bladdered and go to the Akash on Albert road. That's my uni tradition. There is a nice sea food place at gunwhalf, can't remember whats it's called, its over the bridge near the molton brown shop.

loopylou · 22 Aug 2006 at 12:23

burns said:
I thought it was aweful. Quite expensive, and a fair risk that your food will end up poorly cooked or falling apart whilst you try and cook it. I'd rather pay less for food I didn't just have to cook my self.

We had an argument in there as they were trying to charge us over £30 service charge when we cooked our own blimming food.

Ukadder · 22 Aug 2006 at 12:23

Chatbar thats it! I always enjoyed it.

Is the Spinnaker tower finished yet? I haven't been back down to pompy for a year or so now since leaveing uni.

Probibly best to get a Taxi from where you are if your going far, they are as cheap as chips usally.

gr1mey · 22 Aug 2006 at 12:24

its finished, but I think the lift is STILL b0rked

Sp00n · 22 Aug 2006 at 12:25

DB_SamX said:
Go up the Spinnaker tower! Go on a boat trip round the harbour. Check out the destroyers and other ships.

I was thinking of booking some tickets to go there, is it actually worth it?

Over Clocker said:
(just realised what that will sound like to u )

Dunno what you mean mate

Noxis · 22 Aug 2006 at 12:41

Recently did Jongelours comedy club down there for my stag, was very VERY good. The comedians were of good quality and the club after was BANGIN

Heartily recommend it. Although you need to prebook Jong's.

Ekim · 22 Aug 2006 at 13:31

Ukadder said:
Personally I like the walk along the front past Cascades and Southsea Parade Pier then along past the old sea wall.

I think you mean The Pyramids not the Cascades.

If I were you I would try and stick in Southsea and Old Portsmouth, most of the rest of Portsmouth is pretty nasty. Gun Wharf is nice, I haven't been up the Spinnaker Tower yet but don't honestly see the attraction all you'll get is a view of Portsmouth, which I can't imagine is too interesting to look at.

Being on the Eastern road you're a taxi ride from Gun Wharf and stuff, not sure how much it will cost but your best bet is using Aqua Cars who are probably the cheapest in the area.

I don't know if you like the sea or not but I probably wouldn't plan on swimming in it if I were you, all the beachs are pebble beaches and generally not very nice to go swimming in etc.

I'm sure you'll find some thing you like in Portsmouth, although I can't wait to get out of here!!!

Interesting Fact: Portsmouth is the 2nd most densely populated city in Europe.

Takhisis · 22 Aug 2006 at 13:39

gr1mey said:
its finished, but I think the lift is STILL b0rked

The outside glass lift still isn't working but the internal one is. Its the reason I've not been up it yet - I'm likely to go up once and I'd rather go up the outside lift as what view there is, is likely to be better.

Sp00n · 22 Aug 2006 at 13:51

I'm driving so travelling about won't be an issue.

Any reasonable bars? I don't neccesarily want to see a comedy but that was just something i thought of.

Ekim · 22 Aug 2006 at 13:53

I don't tend to venture in to many of the bars in Gun Wharf as its not really my scene. However if you wander down there in the evening I am sure you'll find something to take your fancy.