Isambard Kingdom Brunel

This is a large J.D. Wetherspoon pub right across from the Portsmouth Guildhall, smack in the city centre. It has better than average décor (while remaining true to the JDW «formula») and facilities — including a lift to get wheelchair users to the bar and tables. There is also a small outside seating area, but it’s right there on the pavement next to a busy street. Of course, The Isambard Kingdom Brunel (What a name for a pub!) offers the predictable food and drinks choices of Wetherspoons — but at lower prices compared to London! Expect to spend 50p or so less on a pint, and 70p-​1 UKP on some of the meal deals.
The regular food (served after 12 a.m.) includes the usual selection of «clubs»; that’s a Wetherspoon term for specially discounted meal options on certain days. There’s a steak club, a fish club, a chicken club, and of course, the sunday roast. You get the picture. OF COURSE most of the food is pre-​prepared to keep costs down and the service quick (never had to wait for a meal at a Spoon for more than 15 minutes after ordering!).
When there in mid-​August of 2015 I was *really* hungry, so I opted for one of their premium meals, so to speak: the 14 OZ rump steak, plus the UKP 1.99 extra for six battered onion rings and a peppercorn sauce. The steak that arrived was a big rump indeed, and perfectly cooked to order («rare» in my case) — also of good quality, as were the chips. See the photo — if that isn’t mouthwatering, I don’t know what is. An 8 OZ rump of similar quality would cost you more anywhere else! Served by particularly friendly waitress. The bar staff, too, was friendly and helpful. Not a given at every Spoon, I’d have to say.
The real ales are of good quality, well maintained, and not too expensive (UKP 2.45 for a guest ale — try to get that at ANY non-​Spoon pub!) — International lagers that can cost you 4 – 5 quid or more elsewhere are at least 50p cheaper here, too. And, unlike many of those oh-​so-​fancy places or hippie watering holes will not have the RIGHT, branded glass for *any* standard lager or ale — the Spoon has them! For many beer drinkers, that’s just great.
I was there on a Saturday afternoon, so it really wasn’t busy at all. But given the prime location near Guildhall and the shopping area I suspect that, like all the other Spoons I’ve visited those past few years, it will probably be packed on evenings during the week.
So, apart from the rather bizarre moniker, this is another perfectly solid and wholly recommendable JDW pub.

One of about five Wetherspoon pubs located in the area. Typical of this chain, toilets farthest point from the bar and lack of staff. Food cheap and cheerful. Breakfasts here are always a winner. Should imagine at weekends it would be hard work getting served. used to be some sort of pumping station.

This chain pub is at the heart of guildhall, an area crammed full of pubs, bars and nightclubs. Its central location and cheap drinks makes it a popular chioce on a night out. The prices for both its food and drinks are very competitive, although the food is standard pub grub that you can tell has been microwaved. But for the cheap prices what more can you expect. The pub is popular with the older generation. This might stem from the fact that it does not have a music licence, although it does show some sporting events. If you want a place to go with your friends where you can have a chat this is as good a place as any.

This is a Wetherspoons pub right opposite Portsmouth Guildhall, so it’s great for a pre-​show drink or meal. It serves the usual Wetherspoons menu — cheap and cheerful food — and a range of alcoholic and soft drinks. There are good deals on Thursdays for ‘curry night’!
It gets VERY busy on Friday and Saturday evenings and it can be difficult to get a table unless you get there early.
It is within easy walking distance of Portsmouth and Southsea train station and the Commercial Road and Cascades shopping centres. There are several car parks nearby but, be warned, you will have to pay!

Typical Weathersppons.
reasonable prices on drinks and food, usual Weatherspoons menu.
Gets very busy on the weekend so if you want a seat my advice is to get there early.
Can take a while to get served as it gets very busy.