Portsmouth 2026 - snapshots

 


By accident, I witnessed a very ironic “antisemitic” incident. A small group of leftists had set up a table on Commercial Road in Portsmouth in support of Palestine and other issues they consider important. Just as I arrived, a small group of far-right nationalists turned up and started verbally abusing the leftists. One of the right-wingers, a woman with her face covered, stepped forward and aggressively pushed a young female activist. “You Jew-hater, terrorist supporter!” she shouted in her face. “I am Jewish, and you’re saying that to me?” the girl replied, clearly upset. How bizarre. Fascists are now carrying the flag of Israel to attack Jews.

Most foreigners believe English food is terrible — but it’s not that bad actually. Maybe the range of varieties is not that wide, but there are many great dishes. Fish and chips is great, I just skip the vinegar, and meat pies are another of my favourites. The traditional Sunday roast is also delicious; this time I had lamb with a pint for a mere £16.



Somerstown, Portsmouth: a dense inner-city neighbourhood just north of the railway station, historically a working-class area that has undergone large redevelopment since the 1960s. Today it is mainly residential, with council estates, newer housing blocks and a diverse population. Street art and the modern Somerstown Central Community Hub. 















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