About us

We’re not just another site about Portsmouth. We’re completely, unapologetically besotted with this city the kind of love that starts with a sunset over the Solent and quietly turns into a lifelong fixation. Everything we create comes back to one simple aim: to dig beneath the surface of Portsmouth and retell its story, one hidden gem at a time.

You’ve heard the clichés. “It’s just a naval base.” “It’s a bit concrete.” “The weather’s… very British.” To us, this island city is something else entirely: a living kaleidoscope, where sea salt, creativity and fiercely loyal communities collide in the best possible way.

Best of Portsmouth exists to show that side of the city. We cover the indie cafés and family run restaurants that pour their heart into every plate, the pubs and bars where stories stretch long into the night, the festivals that take over the seafront, the markets, makers, theatres and tiny venues that most visitors never quite stumble across.

We’re not here to copy and paste what you can already find on a map or a generic “things to do” list. Portsmouth has far too much personality for that. Our job is to peel back the layers; to walk the backstreets, poke our heads into side doors, sit down with the people building something special here, and come back with the moments that prove this city is so much more than a handful of pins on a screen.

Whether you’ve lived in Pompey your whole life, just moved to the island, or you’re planning a weekend by the sea, we want Best of Portsmouth to feel like a trusted local friend: a guide, a hype squad and an enthusiastic note-taker of everything that makes this place unforgettable.

The city’s story is still being written. We’re here to make sure it’s told properly.an a set of pins on a screen.

Our Story

In May 2025, local enthusiast Ezra MacLeod launched Best of Portsmouth from a place of genuine pride in the city’s spirit. A lifelong resident, Ezra’s vision was to build a community-driven platform celebrating Portsmouth’s character, its vibrant food scene, rich culture, and the small businesses that make it unique. From the start, Best of Portsmouth set out to shine a spotlight on overlooked gems: family-run cafés, quirky bookshops, and historic pubs that embody the city’s heart and history. This isn’t a corporate blog; it’s a local champion. We tell Portsmouth’s story with confidence and clever flair, sharing Ezra’s passion and inviting everyone to join in keeping the city’s best-loved (and yet to be discovered) spots alive.

Portsmouth isn’t your average town; it’s the UK’s only island city, with a centuries-old naval heritage still visible in every corner. Today, the skyline is a mix of historic and modern: the 170m Spinnaker Tower pierces the sky while the redeveloped waterfront (Gunwharf Quays) buzzes with shops and restaurants. Down in Southsea, families stroll along the beachfront and South Parade Pier, enjoying classic seaside fare and fresh seafood. All around the city, theaters, galleries, and festivals reflect Portsmouth’s “vibrant maritime culture”, and local markets, cafés, and pubs celebrate the diverse Portsmouth food and culture that residents love. This unique blend of historic charm, seaside spirit, and creative energy is what Best of Portsmouth lives to showcase.

At its core, Best of Portsmouth is about connecting people. We curate a calendar of local events in Portsmouth from family friendly street fairs and music nights to food festivals and neighborhood celebrations, so readers can discover what’s happening right around the corner. We champion Portsmouth small businesses by telling the stories of local makers, shop owners, and chefs who give the city its flavor. Every article and social post comes from genuine love for Portsmouth: whether it’s reviewing a new bakery, highlighting a charity event at the Guildhall, or sharing a photo of a hidden mural. By celebrating these community stories with a warm but polished voice, Best of Portsmouth helps our neighbors meet, celebrate, and build real-life connections – online and offline – all while putting the very best of Portsmouth front and center.