Hampshire pub review: The Clarence Pier, Southsea - Brewers Fayre

The venue, which is on the front in Southsea next to the fairground at Clarence Pier, suffered severe flooding that ruined its whole interior. Rainwater came flooding through the roof, and the place had to close. The damage was so extensive that it stayed shut for a year before finally reopening at the start of this month with a fresh new look. 

As it’s half-term, we took a trip to the seaside and stopped by to see what improvements have been made - and for a spot of lunch.  

Firstly, I should emphasize the fact that it's half-term, it's also sunny (for February) and word has got out that the pub has had a revamp. It's busy, probably the busiest that it will ever get (apart from sunny August summer holiday days).  

We are pleased to have booked a table as when we arrive it's full. People without reservations are being turned away at the door. Portsmouth has quite obviously missed this place. It seems families of all ages are making the most of it.  

The staff seem chipper, as happy as you can be with a full house, and a long wait for food.  

Still, if there's anywhere to have a long wait for food with kids, then I am glad it's here. There's a soft play area at the back, which although not huge, is big enough to amuse a five-year-old while his dinner is cooked.  

There's a handful of other kids too, and they take over the play area, which has slides, places to climb, everything you'd expect from your standard soft play with the added bonus of being new, so is bright, shiny and clean.  

The place is very kid-friendly, as well as the soft play, there's colouring to be done, and a great kid's menu - three courses for £4.99.  

This place clearly has families in mind. It's relaxed and friendly, and everyone here has the understanding that it's half-term, and you're with kids.  

We sit in a window seat which gives a view out to the newly-built sea defences. The Brewers Fayre could not have picked a better time to reopen, as the stretch of sea defences at the front have also been finished and opened (although lots more work going on behind and further down the coast).  

The place looks tidier than ever, there’s even a seated area outside, while not pretty like a traditional pub garden, it does have views out to sea – and is protected by a shield of glass. No thank you Storm Eunice part 2.  

The pub interior is almost the same as it was before the storm, just upgraded, polished and new. Fresh carpets, the bar is shinier and there are a few additions like a self-serve fizzy drink machine.  

It’s a queue and order at the bar with your table number kind of place, and even with some complicated allergies and a new till system, the barman handles the order in a pleasant and friendly manner.  

Along with the kids' menu of veggie stick starter, fish bites chips and peas for main and a fruit salad pudding (great value at £4.99) - we also order a Big Stack Burger, and a side of onion rings. Both washed down with unlimited fizzy drinks (these come in handy as we wait for food!). 

When the food does arrive, the kid's menu is polished off, it’s just the right size for a ravenous five-year-old.  

The Big Stack Burger (£11.99) lives up to its name and is huge and delicious, a proper pub lunch affair, served with chips and side salad. It’s juicy, two-quarter pounder burgers, with cheese, pickled gherkins and lettuce.  

If it’s a good value family meal out, then you won’t go far wrong with this place. There are also offers on the menu for two mains for £9.99 Monday to Friday midday until 6pm – and you can choose from all your standard pub meals – curry, fish and chips, burger, etc. You can also add selected starters or puddings for £2.49.  

After swiftly scoffing our puds (fruit salad for the boy and apple cake for me), we head off for a quick session on the 2p machines in the arcade next door and a round of pirate-themed crazy golf before our three hours free parking expires (point to note – there are only a few spaces that are three hours free, look for the Brewers Faye signs along Long Curtain Road, if you are lucky and quick you might nab one, otherwise it’s a pay and display council car park next door).   

Visiting Southsea on a sunny day has been a tradition for families for generations, and if you’re looking for a bit of value and a pleasant way to spend the afternoon with kids in Hampshire, then book a table at the Clarence.

Go to brewersfayre.co.uk/en-gb/locations/hampshire/the-clarence-pier