Nestled on Hamble’s charming, cobbled High Street, just steps from the tidal River Hamble and the slipways of Port Hamble and Hamble Point Marina, the King & Queen is more than your average pub—it’s a nautical institution. Once a 19th‑century coaching inn, today it trades on a legacy rich in maritime lore—part yachtsman’s sanctuary, part gastro‑refuge—where the service is welcoming, the vibe relaxed and the food satisfying without too much pretension.

A Sanctuary for Sailors

In Hamble, sailing is life. With more than 3,000 moored boats, sailing schools, and high-calibre regattas, the village is a yachting epicentre — so naturally, a pub that embraces this spirit becomes something special. The unique sailing conditions of the Solent, with its challenging tides and shifting winds, draw sailors from around the world, adding to Hamble’s international allure. The King & Queen, nicknamed “the Rum Pub,” has been crowned the World’s Favourite Yachting Bar not once but twice, beating contenders from Hong Kong to the Isle of Man.

Stepping inside, you’re greeted by polished wood, maritime bric‑a‑brac, and table candelabras—a setting that whispers bonhomie and boatyard tales in equal measure. Whether hobbling off your yacht after a day on the high seas or wandering in from the village square, you’ll get the same warm welcome.

Good Pub Food for well-travelled sailors and loyal locals alike. Grill Night on Thursdays is gospel: massive tomahawks, rib-eyes, fillets - sourced from local outstanding supplier, Owton’s Butchers Sundays roll in with generous and tasty roasts to enjoy. Wood‑fired pizzas sizzling in the courtyard oven — light‑based, charred in exactly the right places, and best experienced with a rum‑spiked breeze and fairy lights overhead.

Rum, Ale & Atmosphere

A rum list spanning 40 variants? You heard that right. Choose from Caribbean staples, obscure Pan‑Asian blends, or their legendary Dark ‘n Stormy—served up as a welcome home ritual for returning sailors. Of course, it isn’t all nautical tipples. Real ales like Fuller's London Pride, Otter Bitter, Ringwood Razorback and Doom Bar feature alongside a neat selection of wines, gins, ciders and craft beers. And of course, only the best Hampshire mineral water, Hildon is on offer.

The space itself is lived‑in perfection: a single bar, a downstairs restaurant area, scattered board‑games, comfy cushions—and a winter crackling fire that whispers “sit, soften, linger” The courtyard, lush with pergolas and a façade draped in wisteria during summer, becomes a stage and sanctuary. It’s heated in colder months, so the magic lingers year-round. In summer there's acoustic music, al fresco dining, and island vibes strong enough to make you forget you’re inland.

Families, Fido & Local Love

Don’t think this is yachtie elitism. Dogs receive water bowls; families and couples spill over from post‑sail celebrations to lazy Sunday afternoons. Locals rave about the welcoming atmosphere, attentive staff and the outstanding food. The flickering candles, the timber-rustle of ocean tales overheard in a corner booth, the perfect pizza—all conspire to remind you why pubs exist: to stand between the wild world and everyday life, and offer heart, speech and connection.

The King & Queen carries itself with laid back confidence. A valued part of Hamble’s community, it offers good food, a serious watering hole with maritime soul and communal warmth. Whether you’re a salty yachtie, a stroller, a local or a curious traveller, this is where you anchor. Just remember to book ahead—tables are coveted, …and the rum list, like the tides, waits for no one.