The Old Customs House — Pub And Restaurant in Portsmouth

You can find The Old Customs House at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth. This Grade II listed Georgian naval building, established in 1812, sits just a short drive away from Portsmouth Harbour. It's known for its grilled sea bass and craft cocktails. Locals and visitors come here for relaxed dinners, evening drinks with harbour views, or to catch live music during events. It’s a key spot in Gunwharf Quays, tied directly to the maritime history that shapes Portsmouth.

About The Venue

The Old Customs House is a Grade II listed Georgian naval building from 1812, originally used for customs operations. It keeps its original exposed brickwork and timber beams, now part of an interior with historical decor fused with modern touches. The venue retains its period façade, including brown-finish bricks typical of early naval structures. Warm ambient lighting adds to the historic atmosphere across floors where music plays at a lively volume during evening events. It functions as both a heritage space and an active social hub in Gunwharf Quays.

Typical Experiences

The Old Customs House Portsmouth hosts dining, drinks, or private gatherings with room for up to 650 guests during events. Locals pick it for evening meals built around its grilled sea bass and craft cocktails. Service remains efficient even during peak times when the atmosphere is noisy and crowded. Guests enjoy rooftop views of Portsmouth Harbour and Spinnaker Tower from large floor-to-ceiling windows, making it a solid choice for night events with both locals and visitors.

Notable Features

  • Exposed Brickwork and Original Beams
  • Historic Gothic Revival Architecture
  • Original timber beams
  • Harbour views from windows
  • Grade II listed Georgian building with original naval structure
  • Diverse drink menu featuring local ales and cider
  • Original Georgian façade with period architecture
  • Rooftop views of Portsmouth Harbour and Spinnaker Tower
  • Original naval architecture with exposed beams and wooden flooring
  • Extensive craft beer selection on tap and bottle
  • Original naval building with maritime decor
  • Diverse beer & cider selection
  • Grade II listed building
  • Georgian brick façade with brown finish
  • Fuller's Heritage Ale as signature beer

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Information about this venue is based on publicly available sources and may be incomplete. Last updated in April 2026.