Portsmouth has three distinct drinking quarters. Old Portsmouth has the great waterfront pubs at the harbour mouth — the Spice Island Inn and the Still & West with terraces on the water, the Pembroke quieter and inland. Southsea, centred on Albert Road and Castle Road, is the city's bohemian-leaning student strip with independent bars, craft beer, and live music. Gunwharf Quays has the chain bars and restaurants along the waterfront.
Real-ale drinkers should make for the Hole in the Wall in Southsea or the Bridge Tavern at the Camber Dock. The craft brewery scene is led by Staggeringly Good and Urban Island. The seafront has a steady chain of cafes and beach bars from Clarence Pier east to Eastney.