3 great independent coffee shops in Portsmouth
If you enjoy a decent cup of coffee like me, you'll want to read on.
For such a small city, Portsmouth has a great independent coffee scene and has done so for years.
Each shop has something unique about it, but the most important thing? How good the flat white is. We're not really fans of playing favourites, but we've listed some of the things we enjoy most about each coffee shop.
Bay Coffee
When a bright yellow VW van and a sign that said 'coffee' appeared on Goldsmith Avenue back in 2023, I did a little jump for joy. Finally a decent flat white within a 5 min walk. The coffee was good, but the genuine passion that Dave (owner) showed every day, through the cold, rain and wind, sealed the deal, so when he moved to a permanent spot in Burgoyne Road, it didn't matter that he wasn't just a 5 min walk away. One of the perks of Dave being so close to the seafront is that I now have an excuse to grab a flat white and sit in Burgoyne Gardens - one of my absolute favourite spots in Portsmouth.
Things you should know:
- Bay Coffee is open from 7am-1pm every day (one of the only places to get a coffee at 7am in Portsmouth)
- There is no seating, so be prepared to take away
- Bay Coffee is dog-friendly
Instagram // Address: Old Slaughter House, Burgoyne Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 0SD
The Club House
IYKYK, the tennis club on the common, has, over the years, not had the best reputation. However, since Liv (who started Little Coffee Southsea back during the pandemic) took over in 2023, it's become a go-to place for brunch...and, of course, coffee. I'm going to speak frankly here. The coffee won't change your life BUT it's not about that. The Club House is one of the few places where you can get the whole package: a buzzing yet spacious setting with plenty of outdoor seating, a delicious fry-up, drool-worthy cakes and a good cup of coffee. It's a firm favourite of mine, and you'll probably find me there on a Sunday morning.
Things you should know:
- The Club House is dog-friendly
- They offer a remote work deal
- Check out their Instagram for up-to-date opening times, daily specials and events
Instagram // Address: Tennis Club, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3PB
Dark and Dirty Coffee
This was an exciting find, especially considering it's hard to find a good flat white that end of the city. Dark and Dirty Coffee is a little espresso bar situated on Queen Street run by the friendliest bunch of people who are so clearly passionate about providing really great coffee. For those who are rubbish with street names, it's really close to the Dockyard. If you look closely enough, you'll notice that it's connected to Zooz Tattoo, which adds a little je ne sais quoi to the experience. I love going here on a sunny day, grabbing a coffee and sitting on the front with the HMS Warrior as my view.
Things you should know:
- No, you don't have to get a tattoo with your coffee
- They always have a selection of delicious-looking pastries
- Check out their Instagram for up-to-date opening times
Instagram // Address: 45 Queen Street, Portsmouth PO1 3HW
