The Powder Monkey

We do love this place, great beer, good atmosphere and fantastic location, and despite what follows we'll probably go back.
However, the accompanying picture is of their £5 sausage roll, untouched, as served. Sorry, but what a pathetic, measly portion. I know the menu said "bites" but am I wrong to have expected some level of sustanace?
Don't get me wrong, it was very tasty for the one or one-and-a-half mouthfuls it yielded, but it left me feeling ripped off and that's not what customers want in this "current economic climate" to coin a term.
For £5 this need to be 5 times the size, fill the tray and then some. Don't tease me with the tip, give me the full length, is what she said.

We.loved this place. Cannot fault the beer. Nice snacks to eat and great vibe. A bit loud so hard to hear when thr place is full. . But great atmosphere so we just shouted at each other.

This is a great place in a location of significant historical importance. The food is great, but the beer is amazing and a frequently changing selection of beers to choose from. All brewed in their own brewery. This place can't be beaten locally.

What a nice surprise. Every museum should have a brewery attached. 14 beers to choose from, whats not to like.

Great authentic pub with their own brews and an array of local drinks and no alcohol brands, which is unusual but very awesome! They also have their own snacks like sausage flavoured crisps and their own salami like cured meat. Very very tasty. Great atmosphere and fantastic friendly and warm staff. Definitely recommend a visit! I've never had food here so I can not comment but totally love this place and also dog friendly!

Great beer but with the most bizarre and insignificant menu served by inexperienced staff lacking hospitality. I personally can't stand seeing staff huddling as a group on their phones whilst customers wait for them. It's not the only local pub that suffers from this lack of customer service so there's definitely a gap in the market for a pub that serves great beer with good food with a good atmosphere and right now you can only rely on one of these 3 essential ingredients for a pub. The Powder Monkey severely lacks any real reason to walk through its doors for anything other than its pretty good beer. With a more substantial menu and more experienced hospitality aware staff I'm convinced this venue would be more utilized by it's locals. The last 4 visits of ours were quick in and outs staying for just one drink where we would happily stay longer and spend more money on food and more drinks if they offered a sensible menu and provided a more hospitable atmosphere. On all of the last 4 visits it's been far from full and surely not offering a revenue it's capable of to it's owners . I'll keep checking back to see if it improves but I won't be bringing friends or family groups for meals here until they get the right balance. This place has the potential to be so so much better but in October 2023 it's way below average. Come on Powder Monkey show us what you're really capable of.
EDIT - EDIT
December 2023 I have revisited Powder several times since writing the above and have noticed a marked improvement. Staff are far more engaging and the menu is looking more substantial. The beer remains excellent and I have high hopes this place will continue to flourish.

Great venue that I was lucky enough to visit whilst in Portsmouth for a couple of days. Good range of beers Including guest) and knowledgeable staff and a lovely building. Definitely recommend a visit if you're in the area and like beer!

Great staff, nice atmosphere, slightly more expensive than the average pub, but drinks are local or from their own brewery. Good outdoor seating area for the warmer months. Definitely recommend if you want a good pint!