Review: The A Bar, Old Portsmouth
This popular Old Portsmouth restaurant has a new name and fresh new look – but what about the food? Muddy got a table for two at The A Bar to find out.
THE LOWDOWN
![The A Bar Old Portsmouth](https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/01/The-A-Bar-Portsmouth-exterior.jpg)
Renamed and revamped in 2024 with a fresh new look inside and out, The A Bar is a casual bistro style restaurant on the Camber Dock in the heart of Old Portsmouth, looking out over the Solent and the Spinnaker Tower.
Previously known as Abarbistro and run by the independent Coastal Kitchen Family since 2003, it’s got plenty of history – there’s been a pub or eatery on this spot as far back as 1784.
Today, its warm welcome, good quality seasonal menu, woodfired pizzas cooked to order and excellent wine selection from the Camber Wines shop just upstairs ensure The A Bar has a strong local following year-round.
THE VIBE
![Table at The A Bar Old Portsmouth Hampshire](https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/01/The-A-Bar-Portsmouth-table.jpg)
Seaside, bistro chic with a neighbourhood feel. Paired-back décor blends stripped wooden floors with striped deckchair-style fabric on the seating and simple wooden chairs. A light dining area on one side of the restaurant looks out over the Solent, with views of the Spinnaker Tower and the ferries sailing off to the Isle of Wight.
![Fireplace at The A Bar Old Portsmouth](https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/01/The-A-Bar-fireplace.jpg)
On the other side, a row of tables run alongside the large bar where there’s a roaring fire in winter.
![The A Bar Old Portsmouth coastal restaurant](https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/01/The-A-Bar-conservatory-restaurant.jpg)
To the rear of the A Bar is the light-filled conservatory area which is available to hire separately for parties and special occasions.
SCOFF & QUAFF
Food at The A Bar covers quite a lot of bases. The menu isn’t huge but changes seasonally with tasty dishes including a daily fish special. Add to that the fact that there’s always freshly baked woodfired pizzas, gourmet burgers, fish and chips and a cracking Sunday Roast and you’ve got plenty to please all.
![Mussels with sourdough The A Bar Old Portsmouth Hampshire bistro](https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/01/The-A-Bar-mussels.jpg)
Arriving on a Friday lunchtime with Mr. Muddy, our meal gets off to an excellent start. Seared scallops pair beautifully with the accompanying blended butternut squash and sage brown butter. A generous bowl of plump British steamed mussels are served in a warming wine and coriander dressing with just the right amount of garlickiness and tasty sourdough on the side.
![Camber Wines Old Portsmouth Hampshire wine shop](https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/01/Camber-Wines-Old-Portsmouth.jpg)
To go with, we pick a couple of very decently priced wines from a good selection by the glass which more than pass muster. One of the brilliant things about The A Bar is that, if you find a bottle you like on the excellent wine list, you can pop upstairs to the friendly Camber Wines shop and buy it (plenty do).
![Mushroom Risotto The A Bar Old Portsmouth](https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/01/THe-A-Bar-mushroom-risotto.jpg)
For main, I plump for a well-cooked shitake mushroom and broccoli risotto with contrasting texture from the (wild) black rice cake. It’s delicious (although with the double rice I quickly hit a carb wall). Still warding off a winter cold, Mr. Muddy opts for fish pie with a healthy vitamin-boosting portion of kale and cauliflower on the side.
![Rum Baba pudding at The A Bar Old Portsmouth](https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/01/The-A-Bar-Rum-Baba-pudding.jpg)
Full to bursting, we really were going to decline pud. However, our friendly waitress has other ideas. After not much arm twisting, she tempts us to a Rum Baba, a retro Italian classic I literally haven’t had for years. It’s served with delicious grilled pineapple (and two spoons). Somehow, we push through and return a clean plate.
OUT & ABOUT
![Spinnaker Tower Portsmouth views attractions Hampshire](https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/Spinnaker-Tower-Portsmouth.jpg)
The iconic Spinnaker Tower and designer outlet shops at Gunwharf Quays are a short five minute stroll from The A Bar. Further along, Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, home to HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and The Mary Rose, is around fifteen minutes’ walk. Ticket to Ryde? Wightlink runs regular FastCat foot passenger ferry services over to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth Harbour.
CHILDREN
Kids get a warm welcome at The A Bar and all the Coastal Kitchen Family venues, though as elsewhere it’s probably better to bring them in the daytime or on a weekday evening. On the menu you’ll find simple yet tasty small people pleasers like chicken burger, fish and chips, mac and cheese and margherita pizza.
DOG FRIENDLY?
Dogs aren’t allowed in the restaurant areas at The A Bar. If you book ahead, they can join you in the bar area. Otherwise, it’s subject to availability on the day.
THE MUDDY VERDICT
Good for: A relaxed lunch or meal out with friends on the waterfront in a friendly atmosphere. Portsmouth Harbour Station is just a short walk away, so you don’t need to bring the car.
Not for: The A Bar has a lively, neighbourhood vibe but probably not somewhere you’d go for a hushed candlelit meal.
The damage: Great value for the quality. Starters are £8-£18, mains are £18-£25, pizzas are £13.50 – £17 and puds are £7-£13. Wines are £5.50-£10.75 by the glass. A bottle of house wine is £22.
The A Bar, 58 White Hart Road, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2JA. Tel 02392 811585, abarbistro.co.uk.
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