The Admiral Drake is a friendly real-ale local at 8 Kingston Crescent in North End, Portsmouth — family, biker and dog friendly, with darts, pool and a strong live-music reputation. It hosts the long-running Alleycats Open Mic on the 2nd and last Sunday of each month, kicking off at 6:45pm. Alleycats has been going since 1997 and is built for first-timers and veterans alike: there's a fully featured PA with leads, and a house acoustic guitar if you need it, so you can turn up with just yourself. There's no pre-booking — get there early to get on the list — and each act gets three songs. Musicians, singers, poets and spoken-word performers are all welcome. It's a warm, supportive room that's a fixture of the Portsmouth grass-roots scene. Check The Admiral Drake's Facebook page to confirm the next Alleycats date before heading down.
The Admiral Drake Open Mic
Southsea's sunday-night free open mic at The Admiral Drake — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from 7pm, 15-minute slots, all ages.
Last updated: 3 June 2026
The Admiral Drake Open Mic — Quick Facts
Southsea's sunday-night free open mic at The Admiral Drake — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from 7pm, 15-minute slots, all ages.
Everything you need before you turn up
Where
The Admiral Drake8 Kingston Crescent
North End
Portsmouth PO2 8DH
North End, Portsmouth — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Contact
Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team
Highlights
What’s on in Portsmouth this week — or see what’s on across the UK.
About The Admiral Drake
About This Open Mic
The Night
Alleycats Open Mic Night at The Admiral Drake (8 Kingston Crescent, North End) is a Portsmouth institution — over 20 years old and still thriving — on the second and last Sunday of each month, kicking off at 6:45pm. No pre-booking: just arrive early enough to get on the list. Each act gets three songs (occasionally more, never less), with a fully featured PA and leads provided and a house acoustic guitar if you need it. Musicians, singers, poets and spoken-word performers are all welcome. Free entry.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
The Night at a Glance
How The Admiral Drake’s Sunday night runs.
Find The Admiral Drake
8 Kingston Crescent, North End, Portsmouth PO2 8DH
Planning Your Sunday Night
Arrive by 19:00 to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until late. A PA is provided — bring your own instrument and amp.
Part of the Portsmouth live music scene.
Common Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Portsmouth's The Admiral Drake open mic.
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