The latest news from the city.
A look at Smoke and Mirrors, the intimate fine dining restaurant in Old Portsmouth run by Caitlyn Odin and chef patron Jordan Thompson. Covers the room, Thompson's background, the seasonal evening menu with prices, the Sunday lunch, and how to book.
The Portsmouth100 fireworks display returns to Southsea Common on Wednesday 4 November 2026, closing the centenary programme. The free event starts at 4pm with family entertainment and the fireworks run from 7pm to 8pm, weather permitting. The post covers what happens on the day and the Common's history.
The Portsmouth Distillery makes gin and rum inside the casemates of Fort Cumberland at Eastney Point, Southsea. This post covers the main bottles, prices, guided tours, the Gin/Rum School and opening hours.
The Heron pub on Petersfield Road in Leigh Park has reopened after a six-figure refurbishment, with a new open-plan layout, a dedicated sports area and a full Hungry Horse menu. It's back with a weekly social programme, family offers and a community focus.
Award-winning comedian Seann Walsh brings his new stand-up show 'This Is Torture' to the New Theatre Royal on Thursday 22 October, part of a tour running into 2027. Tickets are available via the venue, Ents24, Ticketmaster and LiveNation.
A thematic Halloween trail across the South Downs, from the Cowdray Ruins and Hinton Ampner to Chanctonbury Ring and the Long Man of Wilmington, with thirteen haunted and eerie spots near Portsmouth.
A guide to The Old Customs House at Gunwharf Quays, a Grade I listed Fuller's pub and restaurant serving traditional English pub food and cask ales. Covers the menu, the award-winning bar, opening hours and the building's naval history.
The Gosport Art and Tea Trail runs from 15 to 18 October, with over 60 local artists across 30-plus studios and cafes. A short ferry from Portsmouth Harbour makes it an easy day trip, with a prize draw for visiting three venues and maps available at participating spots.
The Portsmouth Pumpkin Patch runs from 23 to 31 October at Lycroft Farm in Droxford, £10 a person with under-twos free and no booking needed. A guide to what is included, what to book in advance and other pumpkin patches across Hampshire for half-term.
The Portsmouth Brick Festival returns to Portsmouth Guildhall on Sunday 15 November, 10am to 4pm, with speed-building, scavenger hunts, gaming zones and trader stalls. Tickets are available in advance, with early entry and a free Lego gift for Early Bird buyers.
