solo trip: Portsmouth
I never thought I’d be open to doing solo trips, as my partner and I always do everything together, and I love that. To be honest, I wish she were with me. However, when sitting outside at a pub, on a dock where random guys are fishing off the dock in Old Portsmouth, sipping a pint and writing in my journal, it just feels different when it’s me, myself and I in a good way that is. I’ve always been afraid to sit by myself with my thoughts, but now I find it therapeutic and relaxing, and I think that comes down to being comfortable in your own skin.
Back to Portsmouth, a quick bus ride from Chiddingfold to Haslemere, I waited for my train. £22 and 45 minutes later, I arrived in one of the southernmost cities of the United Kingdom, Portsmouth. I weighed up the notion of going to three cities close to the ocean, Southampton, Bournemouth and Portsmouth. Ultimately, I landed in Portsmouth because I heard good things, and it was the cheaper option to travel to. So let’s get into it, Portsmouth is a nice coastal city, the best way I could describe it is that it is like Auckland waterfront with a suburban town close to it. When you arrive at the train station, you’re met by signs to Portsmouth’s very own outlet centre at Gunwharf Quays. I thought it would be a catfish, but when you bag two pairs of shoes for £75 (NZD 169), you know you’re getting a deal. Let’s move on to the food and drink section.
I didn’t want to visit restaurants/bars that seemed like household names in the UK, so I ventured out. I managed to visit three pubs and a restaurant. I find pubs to be the cornerstone of English culture, which is funny when you talk about England and Culture in the same sentence. I visited Spice Island Inn, Bridge Tavern, Ship Anson and The Briny. The Briny was a beachside restaurant located in Southsea, about 15 minutes from Portsmouth. This one stood out for me as it gave off Mediterranean beach vibes, and I’m a sucker for classy beachside restaurants. Especially if they serve oysters, which were £3.75 (8.50 NZD), so I ordered 3 with some sourdough and a glass of Sav (Sauvignon Blanc) from the Marlborough region in New Zealand apparently. I say apparently because when brands in the UK specify they’re from NZ, I’m curious because I’ve never heard of them, but something I’ve learned living and working in the UK is that British people will go crazy for wines that are from different regions. Anyway! Oysters were top tier, the meat fell right off the shell, bread was beefy for a fiver, and the wine wasn’t too bad. So the Briny, 10/10 would recommend.
Let’s talk about the pubs. Spice Island was a nice space, with a lot of seating inside and out. There was a road between the pub and an area of public seating, where drinkers and fishermen loitered, so that was a plus, and it catches the afternoon sun, which is vital after work. The Bridge Tavern was a bit more low-key and a tad difficult to get to, but once there, it had a beautiful spot of outdoor seating to eat and drink. Finally, Ship Anson was more of your local pub; it attracted a lot of patrons as it was near the Portsmouth Harbour railway station, and the pub also airs football matches and embraces the theme of sports with its wall art, flags and extended bar length. This is a great pub to sit and enjoy a pint while you wait for your train. Good luck getting a seat outside, as the outdoor area attracts more than regulars.
I didn’t mention it before, but as a football fan, I’m trying to visit as many football stadiums and buy jerseys from local teams, so after enjoying myself at the Briny, I took a quick bus ride to Fratton Park, home to EFL Championship club Portsmouth. It may seem weird to buy a jersey from another English side when I’m Tottenham through and through, but Portsmouth and Spurs hold a connection which I will not go into on this blog, but nevertheless, I’m glad I went there and bought a jersey. After Fratton Park, I ventured to the Ship Anson, before catching my train back home, thus ending an enjoyable solo trip to Portsmouth (and Southsea). One of many solo trips to come, keep an eye on this space cause I’m just getting started.
