The Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Quick info
About The Isambard Kingdom Brunel
The Isambard Kingdom Brunel is a pub in Portsmouth, set on a corner of Guildhall Walk near Guildhall square, with views of the square from inside. Behind the grand corner facade, the interior has crafted ceiling cornices and photos of the 1900s, which give visitors plenty to look at over a drink. Lots of two-seat tables sit among the wider seating, and three large TVs show sport. Mornings bring breakfast, with fry-ups in three sizes and bottomless coffee or tea. The menu follows the Wetherspoons format, with no pizzas, and the drinks side covers a range of beer and cider. The pub takes walk-ins.
Good to know
“Striking family-friendly corner pub with a grand facade, upscale furnishings and licensed terrace”
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, restroom, seating
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention ornate historic building interior, upstairs toilets and steps, cheap Wetherspoons prices and fry up breakfast.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention ornate historic building interior, upstairs toilets and steps, cheap Wetherspoons prices and fry up breakfast.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often point to low prices on food and drink at this Wetherspoons, with a family dinner and drinks and a fry-up breakfast with bottomless coffee or tea both described as good value. Chicken bites get a specific nod, and beer and cider are called good, with plenty of choice. Close behind is the building itself, described as a lovely old, ornate pub with crafted ceiling cornices, photos of the 1900s and views of Guildhall square. Several note friendly, quick service and plenty of seating, though tables are called cramped and, in one account, very sticky. Access draws comment: toilets are upstairs, with many steps to reach them, so one parent says a buggy must be carried, while a lift for wheelchairs and a ground floor disabled toilet are also mentioned. The clearest complaint comes from a returning customer who found food warm at best, with hard chicken, overcooked fried eggs and cold sausages, even after the refurbishment. One reviewer says Saturday nights are noisy and full of students, and another notes the bathrooms were surprisingly clean.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often point to low prices on food and drink at this Wetherspoons, with a family dinner and drinks and a fry-up breakfast with bottomless coffee or tea both described as good value. Chicken bites get a specific nod, and beer and cider are called good, with plenty of choice. Close behind is the building itself, described as a lovely old, ornate pub with crafted ceiling cornices, photos of the 1900s and views of Guildhall square. Several note friendly, quick service and plenty of seating, though tables are called cramped and, in one account, very sticky. Access draws comment: toilets are upstairs, with many steps to reach them, so one parent says a buggy must be carried, while a lift for wheelchairs and a ground floor disabled toilet are also mentioned. The clearest complaint comes from a returning customer who found food warm at best, with hard chicken, overcooked fried eggs and cold sausages, even after the refurbishment. One reviewer says Saturday nights are noisy and full of students, and another notes the bathrooms were surprisingly clean.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Myself and the family popped in for a quick drink whilst passing. It's a very large premises with beautiful architecture. The staff and the customers all seemed very friendly. The beer was good quality and cheap as expected with a Witherspoons. Although we didn't eat , the food that was served smelled and looked very tasty”
- Google user
“Faultless experience – first time we've visited but doubt will be the last, well worth the short walk from the main shopping areas. Despite being very busy with graduation ceremonies going on at the Guildhall nearby, managed quick and friendly service of decent grub and drinks. Good range of seating for everyone, though inevitably limited choice today with it so busy! Even the loos were only one flight of stairs away and had hand-driers that actually worked.”
- Google user
“Very large example that has been recently refurbished. 3 large TVs to watch sport. Lift access to avoid stairs and ground floor disabled toilet. Usual climb for regular toilets. Good views of the Guildhall square. Pleasantly air conditioned.”
- Google user
“Fun place to have a pint. Lots of options as far as beer and cider in the great environment.”
- Google user
“Food was warm at best. Chicken hard to cut. Think it had been cooked, left and then reheated. Fried eggs overcooked. Sausages cold. Used to be our favourite spoons, but not after this visit. Closed for a few weeks for refurb, but no difference.”
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Location
Bars near The Isambard Kingdom Brunel
- The Dolphin Pub & Kitchen4.31,3610.7 mi£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
roast dinner, cauliflower cheese, cheeseburger
- O'Neill's Southsea4.41,9290.8 mi£10–20ReservationsOutdoor seatingWi-Fi
2 for 1 pizzas, chicken burger, karaoke night
- Spice Island4.43,2590.8 miWheelchair accessible
dry food, mussels, view of spinnaker
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Isambard Kingdom BrunelWheelchair accessible | 4.03,778 | — | — | ornate historic building interior, upstairs toilets and steps, cheap Wetherspoons prices |
| The Dolphin Pub & KitchenReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.31,361 | 0.7 mi | £10–20 | roast dinner, cauliflower cheese, cheeseburger |
| O'Neill's SouthseaReservations · Outdoor seating · Wi-Fi | 4.41,929 | 0.8 mi | £10–20 | 2 for 1 pizzas, chicken burger, karaoke night |
| Spice IslandWheelchair accessible | 4.43,259 | 0.8 mi | — | dry food, mussels, view of spinnaker |
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