5 Places to grab a Coffee around Portsmouth Cathedral

As restrictions ease and more of us are getting outside and exploring our city, it’s never been more important to find a good cup of coffee whilst on a walk.

Canon Kathryn, pops by Nell’s located just opposite the Cathedral for a quick coffee and slice of cake.

Portsmouth Cathedral sits at the heart of Old Portsmouth, and although we are closed at the moment, we can’t wait to be welcoming visitors back through the door. In the meantime, it’s never been a better time to get out and explore Old Portsmouth and the history and heritage of our seafaring past. The cathedral grounds are a perfect place to stop off and rest your feet after a long day exploring Southsea and Portsmouth, with our lush lawns and flower beds beautifully manicured by our volunteers in the memorial garden.

Although there is no coffee shop in the cathedral itself, there are a handful of fantastic independent cafes and coffee shops around Old Portsmouth and Southsea that you can grab a takeaway drink or light bite!

When the cathedral does reopen to visitors on 17 May 2021, we encourage you to get out there and support these local businesses when you next visit.

Nell's Old Portsmouth

Takeaway a coffee from Nell’s and enjoy it in the Cathedral grounds just opposite. | Photo by Nell’s (Facebook)

If you love cake, then Nell’s is the place for you! Situated just across the road from Portsmouth Cathedral, Nell’s has a fantastic range of sweet treats from brownies to Victoria sponges alongside a full selection of freshly ground coffee, tis and cold drinks.

Nell’s also has a great selection of light bites including sandwiches and salads which are also available to takeaway, great for if you want to have a picnic in the cathedral grounds after your visit!

Find Nell’s at 39 High St, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2LU

The Canteen

Hidden away in the depths of the Hotwall’s, you’ll find a spot favoured among locals serving an assorted range of hot and cold food including some of the best sausage roll’s you’ll ever taste!

With a passion for local and seasonal food, they have a daily changing menu. Plus their Orang Utan Coffee not only tastes great, but the project protects orangutans and the rainforest whilst supporting local farmers of Sumatra.

Located just a short walk through the White Hart Lane tunnel directly opposite the Cathedral’s west door, The Canteen is open daily, with both indoor and outdoor seating, plus takeaway options also available for much of their menu.

Find The Canteen tucked away in the corner of the Hotwalls, Broad Street, Portsmouth PO1 2FS

The Spinnaker Café

It’s no mystery how The Spinnaker Cafe got its name!

This traditional seaside café spoils its guests with something for everyone from beautifully baked cakes and full-on fried breakfasts, to panni and cream teas. Located overlooking the Camber and Spinnaker Tower, this highly rated café is a favourite not only amongst locals but also the Cathedral team, often being a great spot to stop off for a spot of lunch.

Located just a short walk towards the Spice Island Inn, it’s a great place to grab a breakfast before exploring the landmarks of Old Portsmouth and our historic Cathedral.

Much of their menu is available for takeaway, which you’ll want to take full advantage of to catch the fantastic sunsets from the Camber across to the Isle of Wight and Gosport.

Find the Spinnaker Café at 96 Broad St, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2JE

The Parade Tea Rooms

A twist on your traditional tearooms, but still with all your favourites including their popular homemade cakes!

This unassuming pavilion on Southsea Common holds within a unexpectedly traditional tea room experience with a contemporary twist. Housed in a superbly renovated former sub-station building on the Western Parade of the common, you’re sure to be welcomed with a fantastic view whatever the weather. Full length windows adorn the sea facing side of this delightful café.

Serving everything from breakfast through to dinner, be sure to enjoy one of their renowned cream teas, featuring home cooked cakes and scones you’ll need to be quick as the Parade is ever popular with locals and tourists alike, and they do not take bookings!

The Parade Tea Rooms are the perfect place to grab a takeaway tea or coffee on your stroll whilst exploring, stop by the quaint Old Garrison Church, or maybe take in the sights and sounds of the Clarence Pier amusements and fairground rides. Once you’ve had your fill of the hustle and bustle along the seafront, make sure to pop by the Cathedral on your way home to take in our tranquil beauty.

Find the Parade Tea Rooms Parade Tearooms, Western Parade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3JF

Port Coffee

Tucked away in the historic original buildings of Gunwharf Quays, you’ll find Port Coffee is a new coffee experience located in the Aspex gallery space, who this year are celebrating 40 years!

This quaint coffee and tearoom feature a wide selection of pastries and cakes, supported by Southsea’s favourite artisan bakery Bread Addiction. Alongside this their seasonal light lunch menu consists of a selection of salads, as well as sandwiches – the perfect place to stop out of the way of the hustle and bustle of the chain shops.

Port Coffee is conveniently located along the seafront walk between Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Old Portsmouth, a great place to stop off on route to the Cathedral and Southsea Common.

Aspex Gallery is one of Portsmouth’s leading cultural venues, and we’re so pleased to wish our neighbours congratulations on reaching the historic milestone of 40 years.

You can find Port Coffee at The Vulcan, Gunwharf quays, Aspex, Portsmouth PO1 3BF.

You will find Portsmouth Cathedral situated in the heart of Old Portsmouth, surrounded by these and many other great local cafes and coffee shops. The Cathedral remains open for selected services and private prayer and reflection, we welcome you to pop by next time you’re out on a walk around Old Portsmouth and the Camber.

Portsmouth Cathedral reopens to visitors to explore our heritage and building from Monday 17 May 2021. Visitors are free to explore the Cathedral daily, and take advantage of new digital experiences including our app and self-guided tours to learn more when visiting. The Cathedral’s shop will also reopen to visitors on 17 May, in the meantime find sustainably sourced and bespoke collections online for delivery and collection.

Find out more about visiting Portsmouth Cathedral.