The Ship & Castle — Restaurant in Portsmouth

I struggled with this rating a little - as I was a little torn on how I felt. The pub is in the strangest location - right by the shipping area of the Portsmouth docks, hidden away, not the loveliest of situation but couldn't really be handier for the ferry. The inside is very traditional pub - not my usually preferred choice of venue and a little weary to my eye, not a modern or comfortable place and quite dreary of decor and fittings (and resident old man sat alone with a terrible cough). The one girl serving us was very terse and monosyllabic, no real welcome or smiles, preferring to chat with mates who were sat outside it seemed. It wasn't boding well, but we all ordered food and sat outside in the car park. I asked for a beef lasagne (wanting something off the "homemade" section of the menu) but they were out, despite this she helpfully offered a child's portion which was actually cheaper and apparently not much smaller. We all received our food and we all had a great meal - hot, tasty and well cooked. My lasagne was delicious and I don't know any child who could eat a portion that big! I'm glad I didn't go for the adult one! It was just right. We think we overheard the girl saying she had a hangover, which is a little unprofessional but explains her attitude I guess! So if you can ignore the decor and a possibly grumpy staff, and give it a chance, you should get a great meal at a good price within spitting distance...

We came here for an evening meal before going on the ferry since it is only 3 minutes walk from the seminal. We booked on the evening and we’re then told by the security on the terminal that we couldn’t leave the vehicle. So I went to the pub to ask if they did take away meals. The lady was very helpful indeed and said yes for most meals. The position is great and it is very well done out both inside and out. I ordered a beer - my favourite - Fullers London Pride and the meals - Cajun Chicken and Fishcakes plus Salad. - each meal was well under £10 so great value! Beer tasted great and the meals came out quickly all with the condiments in a plastic bag ready for me to go! Fantastic service and a lovely place -...

The staff saved my holiday! Brittany Ferries refused to allow my dog on board because they claimed one the dates put on his paperwork by the vet was incorrect! However they sneakily said I could change it but had to be in BLUE INK and unfortunately no-one there had a blue pen 😩(bloody French!) Luckily I had been in the pub earlier for some excellent food and so I went there and amazingly they had a blue pen ( I apologies that as yet I haven’t returned it) which meant I made the crossing with minutes to spare. Thanks you so much to the lovely staff in the Ship and Castle - we beat the...