Enterprise Inns says it will reopen two shut Portsmouth pubs

A PUB chain has reassured its regulars that it intends to reopen two popular pubs that closed suddenly this week.
The Old House at Home in MiltonThe Old House at Home in Milton
The Old House at Home in Milton

Enterprise Inns owns The Invincible in Wickham Street, Portsea, and the Old House At Home in Locksway Road, Milton, which closed on Monday when landlord Steve Lant was declared insolvent.

Hundreds of people reacted with shock at the news, including members of the Broadside Folk Club, which has met at the Old House at Home for 40 years.

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John Burchett, from the club, said: ‘It is a real shame, we’ll have to now find another venue that suits everybody, which is quite difficult.

‘The room we used was pretty good and there was parking. In years gone by the pub has been very supportive of the club.’

The Old House at Home has a long history and it was owned by one family for more than 100 years before it closed for a short time about five years ago, and it was taken over by Enterprise Inns.

Mr Lant’s other pub, the Invincible, was revamped when he took over in November 2014, including launching a new menu and wide range of drinks.

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But a spokesman from Enterprise Inns said it was committed to reopening both pubs as quickly as possible.

He said: ‘Unfortunately, the Old House and the Invincible have closed due to the publican’s decision to cease trading.

‘We would like to reassure members of the local community that we are actively working to get both of these popular pubs trading again as soon as possible, and hope to reopen the Invincible at the end of this week.

‘We’re searching for a new publican to take on the Old House, and anyone interested in finding out more about this great business opportunity should contact our recruitment team on 0121 953 0072 for more details.’

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Enterprise Inns owns more than 5,000 pubs nationally, predominantly operated by tenants.

It also owns The Dolphin in Old Portsmouth, which closed on Easter Monday, the Kitsch’n D’or in Southsea and The Cellars at Eastney, which both closed in August, as well as the Market Tavern, in West Street, Fareham, which has closed for a refurbishment and is due to reopen next week.

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