This Edwardian-era pub received a £20,000 makeover - now it needs a publican to serve punters

Brewery Wadworth, which owns the premises, took over the site on July 24, after the previous landlady closed the pub.

According to Norman Taylor, a retail development manager for the brewer, it has spent ‘a considerable amount of money’ to ensure the pub is ready for a new tenant.

He said: ‘We’ve spent more than £20,000.

‘We’re looking for someone to bring it back to life.’

The pub was designed by architect AE Cogswell, who is famous for designing pubs across the area as well parts of the original Fratton Park stadium.

Initially owned by Gibb’s Brewery, the pub became part of the huge Whitbread estate as a consequence of that company s buy-out of Portsmouth’s Brickwood’s Brewery in 1971.

In 1991, Wadworth bought the site.

Previous landlady Vicki Milligan gave the pub its first refurbishment in 30 years in 2016.

Taylor said the company is looking for a tenant who can take advantage of its position ‘in the heart of the community,’ with the pub being a 10-minute walk from Pompey’s ground.

He said: ‘It’s a good community pub and has lots of potential.’

Wadworth is advertising the premises as suiting ‘an experienced, community-focused operator’ with the ‘drive to maintain the pub’s current level of footfall via an extensive weekly activity programme.’

The pub is licensed to play live and recorded music Friday to Sunday from 8pm to 11.30pm.

The main bar has seating for approximately 30, along with a separate ‘snug’ that could accommodate a further 16. Outside, the beer garden can seat 24 on six pub benches by a brick barbecue.

Upstairs, the pub has five bedrooms for private accommodation, and a private bedroom.

Wadworth is looking for a deposit of £8,000 and working capital of £5,000, with stock estimated to cost £4,000.

The tenant would sign a full-tie agreement, offering drinks including Wadworth 6X, Wadworth Bishops Tipple and Wadworth IPA.

Wadworth operates more than 200 pubs across London and the south of England.