Southsea brew pub set to reopen as landlord's third business

The Greenwich Brewpub, in Osborne Road, had been run by Ben Miles and Andy Marsh, two of the organisers behind Victorious festival, since July.

Now their lease of the premise has been handed over to Giles Babb, who runs The Star & Garter pub in East Dean, as well as The Blue Bell Inn in Emsworth.

A trial reopening of The Greenwich on Friday night attracted ‘a great reception’ from new and returning punters, according to the new landlord.

He said: ‘It’s always been a very popular venue, and it was a good opportunity for us.

‘I think one of the biggest things for me was the brewery made the site very attractive.

‘We have done some brewing with Staggeringly Good before, so we have always been interested in working with breweries.’

The Makemake Brewing Company, which operates from the site, will continue to supply beers to the pub, as well Mr Babb’s other premises.

But the landlord intends to change The Greenwich’s food menu – with pizzas being struck off.

He said: ‘We are reviewing the menu, and are looking to expand the food offering to a wider demographic.

‘We will no longer be doing pizzas – it seems that the area is flooded with pizza offerings.’

The outside of the pub has been repainted, with some changes to the inside decor, and a new exterior sign has been ordered.

Mr Babb added: ‘We are looking to invest in the kitchen, and looking into naval history to update the decor.’

The Greenwich will be open – offering drinks and bar snacks only until further notice - from Wednesday to Sunday, starting this week.

The reopening of The Blue Bell Inn, in 29 South Street, Emsworth, had been set for July 4, but it has been postponed due a burst pipe in its loft, with no fixed date for it to resume trading.

The Ahoy Fish & Chip van, owned by Mr Babb, is on the site from 5pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

The Star & Garter will reopen on Friday, July 24.

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