Southsea bar Sherlock's to open for first time as coronavirus lockdown measures are relaxed

A BAR in Southsea is preparing to open its doors for the very first time as lockdown restrictions are eased.
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On Saturday, July 4, Sherlock’s in Clarendon Road will be celebrating its opening day, as pubs across the region reopen after months of closure.

The venue has been themed around Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective character, decorated with memorabilia and a Sherlock decor.

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Since March, pubs and bars have been closed due to coronavirus restrictions, which are now being relaxed.

New bar, Sherlock's, is opening on July 4 in Southsea. Pictured is owner, Debbie Moorhead. Picture: Habibur RahmanNew bar, Sherlock's, is opening on July 4 in Southsea. Pictured is owner, Debbie Moorhead. Picture: Habibur Rahman
New bar, Sherlock's, is opening on July 4 in Southsea. Pictured is owner, Debbie Moorhead. Picture: Habibur Rahman
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But with social distancing measures in place, these venues are optimistic about a grand revival for punters – albeit under slightly different circumstances.

For Richard Peckham and Debbie Moorhead, both from Portsmouth, the opportunity to run their own bar only came up when lockdown began.

Richard said: ‘It was actually a good time for us – we’ve been able to work really hard on getting it all ready.

Owner Debbie Moorhead outside the bar. Picture: Habibur RahmanOwner Debbie Moorhead outside the bar. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Owner Debbie Moorhead outside the bar. Picture: Habibur Rahman
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‘I’ve worked in pubs for most of my life and we believe this is a great opportunity for us.

‘We are really looking forward to opening on Saturday, I think Southsea needs something new and we’re bringing something a bit different with this.’

With indoor and outdoor seating, drinks will be served with light bar snacks available – a full food menu will be released at a later date.

Mel Taylor and Brian Readman, the new owners of The Crofton pub. Picture: SuppliedMel Taylor and Brian Readman, the new owners of The Crofton pub. Picture: Supplied
Mel Taylor and Brian Readman, the new owners of The Crofton pub. Picture: Supplied
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The pair are among many publicans who are looking forward to pulling pints for customers.

Richard said: ‘I think there is a huge sense of relief that people can go out and mix with their friends and family once again.

‘But this isn’t about going out and getting drunk – rather, it’s about catching up with people you haven’t seen for the past few months.’

In Stubbington, Mel Taylor and business partner Brian Readman are in a similar boat, having recently taken on ownership of The Crofton pub.

The Crofton pub in Crofton Lane. Picture: Google MapsThe Crofton pub in Crofton Lane. Picture: Google Maps
The Crofton pub in Crofton Lane. Picture: Google Maps
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They say that the government’s financial support has gone ‘a long way’ towards keeping things going during lockdown.

The pair had planned a renovation project for the pub, but with this on hold they have settled for new carpet and some gardening work.

Mel said: ‘We’ve worked at The Crofton for around 12 to 16 years when we took it over from the old owner.

‘It was a bit scary, going into ownership just as lockdown started, but support from the government and our pub group has kept us afloat. Our staff have been fantastic too and we can’t thank them enough.

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‘We’ve done an awful lot of work in the garden and have new furniture coming in for customers.

‘Honestly, we can’t wait to reopen and feel confident that it will be a success.’

The Rose In June pub in Milton Road is one of many that will be reopening. Pictured here are punters Bill Alderman, left, and Howard Davis. Picture: Chris MoorhouseThe Rose In June pub in Milton Road is one of many that will be reopening. Pictured here are punters Bill Alderman, left, and Howard Davis. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
The Rose In June pub in Milton Road is one of many that will be reopening. Pictured here are punters Bill Alderman, left, and Howard Davis. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

Mel believes that the reopening of businesses will help to revive the struggling economy.

But, she says, the safety of staff and customers must be the most important thing at all times.

‘I think it’s a positive step,’ she said.

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‘From a business standpoint it’s great for us, but if the rules tighten then it would be for a good reason.’

During lockdown, The Rose in June pub in Milton Road, Portsmouth, has been doing all it can to look after regular punters.

From phone calls to check in on people to doing weekly shopping for those self-isolating, landlord Paul Taylor has been incredibly busy.

He will be opening on Monday, July 6, and says he can’t wait to see those regulars in person once again – but has called for a degree of caution.

‘We’re really looking forward to opening up,’ he said.

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‘Financially it has been a difficult few months and I’m excited to see everyone again, but it don’t think it’s the right time for everything to be reopening.

‘I struggle to understand why I’m allowed to open my pub before schools have gone back.

‘As long as people have come to terms that it’s not quite business as usual, and they can’t order right up at the bar, I think we’ll be fine.’

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