Bar-within-a-museum-of-espionage: it was here that Ian Fleming invented the character of James Bond
April 11, 2025
Portsmouth, a seaside town in southern England, holds an extraordinary secret that attracts history, literature and espionage enthusiasts from around the world. It was here, in the remarkable pub The Sally Port Inn, that the legend of James Bond, the most famous fictional secret service agent, was born. Combining elements of an espionage museum and a traditional English pub, this fascinating bar offers an unforgettable experience for traveling singles, couples and families with children. In this article, we'll take you on a journey to the place where Ian Fleming drew his inspiration to create the character that revolutionized the world of spy literature and cinema.
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The Sally Port Inn - where, Where James Bond was born
The Sally Port Inn, located at 57-58 High St in Portsmouth, is not just an ordinary pub - it's a real treasure trove of history and secrets. Steeped in the atmosphere of bygone eras, this historic establishment offers much more than fine drinks and traditional English hospitality. It was here, surrounded by antique furniture and mysterious artifacts, that Ian Fleming was said to have invented the character James Bond.
The pub is famous for its impressive rum collection, one of the largest in the world, which is perfectly in keeping with Portsmouth's maritime tradition. Guests can enjoy delicious cocktails, carefully prepared by experienced bartenders. Each drink, priced at £10, is a true work of art - not only for its taste, but also for its striking presentation, often decorated with edible flowers or gold accents.
However, The Sally Port Inn is much more than just a bar. The upper floors are home to the extensive @sallyantiques antique shop, where history buffs can immerse themselves in a world of items from different eras. This unique combination of pub and antique store creates a unique atmosphere, perfect for spinning tales of secret agents and international intrigue.
The owner, Mark, is passionate about preserving the historic character of the place while providing guests with the highest standard of service. His hospitality is evident not only in his professional service, but also in small gestures like serving free snacks with drinks.
An espionage experience in the heart of Portsmouth
The Sally Port Inn offers more than just drinks and antiques - it's a true spy experience in the heart of Portsmouth. The pub is ideal for singles traveling solo, as well as couples looking for a Bond-style romantic adventure. With an atmosphere of mystery and elegance, every guest can feel like a character from a spy novel.
One of the most fascinating aspects of a visit to The Sally Port Inn is the opportunity to explore the extensive collection of antiques and memorabilia related to the history of espionage. Guests can admire original gadgets that could be used as props in James Bond movies, as well as antique furniture and decorations that take us back in time to the Cold War era.
The pub also hosts themed evenings and events related to spy literature and James Bond history. This is a great opportunity for fans of the genre to meet like-minded enthusiasts and exchange theories about their favorite novels and films.
For those who want a more active experience, The Sally Port Inn offers 'spy tours' around Portsmouth. During these tours, guests can explore sites related to the city's naval and espionage history, including locations that may have inspired Ian Fleming during the creation of James Bond's adventures.
Also worth mentioning is the pub's friendly atmosphere. The staff, known for their courtesy and professionalism, are eager to share anecdotes and trivia related to the history of the pub and its famous guest, Ian Fleming. This makes even solo travelers feel right at home here.
Beyond The Sally Port Inn - exploring Portsmouth in Bond's footsteps
Although The Sally Port Inn is undoubtedly the main attraction for James Bond lovers in Portsmouth, the city offers many more places worth visiting that can complement a 'spy' adventure.
One such place is the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you can see an impressive collection of historic ships, including HMS Victory - Admiral Nelson's flagship. This place perfectly captures the city's nautical character and helps you understand why Portsmouth was the perfect backdrop for Bond's adventures.
Another interesting point on the map is the Spinnaker Tower - a 170-meter observation tower that offers a panoramic view of the city and the English Channel. It's the perfect place to feel like Agent 007 observing his target from a height.
For those who want to explore the history of espionage, visit the D-Day Story, a museum dedicated to the D-Day operation, in which intelligence played a key role. The exhibit presents not only the military aspects of the invasion, but also the behind-the-scenes activities of agents and spies.
After an eventful day, it's worth returning to The Sally Port Inn for an evening drink. The pub offers not only a wide selection of spirits, but also a menu full of traditional English dishes. It's the perfect place to end the day, enjoying a whiskey (shaken, not stirred) and imagining how Ian Fleming sat at the same bar, creating a character that changed the face of spy literature.
All in all, Portsmouth, with The Sally Port Inn as its focal point, offers a unique experience for James Bond fans and lovers of espionage history. Whether you are traveling solo, with a partner or with your family, this place will provide an unforgettable experience and allow you to feel part of the fascinating world of secret agents.
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