Historic Portsmouth pub back in business after new owner takes control

The Lady Hamilton at The Hard, Portsea, is back in action now that Tring Lim has taken over.

Businesswoman Tring acquired the pub last September and since then she has set about getting it ready for an official opening.

And, as well as the drinks, it also has a full English menu, serving roast dinners to eat in or take away.

The pub also has bed and breakfast, with 11 rooms above, which have been refurbished and modernised.

Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Cllr David Fuller attended the opening last week.

He said: ‘They’ve done it up really well.

‘They were totally full up B&B-wise.

‘I’m so pleased they’re keeping it alive.’

Tring, who also runs a Malaysian-Chinese restaurant called Yan Woo in Kingston Road, said that the pub hasn’t been renovated, just ‘renewed’ – and that her team are staying with the theme of a traditional British pub.

Tring said: ‘It has been updated but it is still in the same style it had before.’

The pub was established in 1716.

It has a long history and is named after the mistress and ‘one true love’ of Lord Nelson – Emma, Lady Hamilton.

Tring said that her family were immediately drawn to The Lady Hamilton.

She said ‘We just liked it. It’s a very traditional English pub.’

The pub’s old team of bar and kitchen staff are back and the old customers are also returning.

The reopening of the pub has received a positive reaction from the public.

Tring said: ‘The feedback has been that people love it.

‘They’re glad it has reopened. So many pubs have closed recently in Portsmouth, so people are glad to see their local doing well.’

Tring said the opening was an excellent night, and that she was proud to welcome Cllr Fuller.

The pub even gave the Lord Mayor a cheque for his charity.

Staff at The Lady Hamilton used the opening night to raise money for Portsea Adventure Playground.

Instead of putting their takings into the till, they put the money into a charity pot.

Tring said: ‘We took the opportunity to raise money for the local playground and from 6pm to 9pm we raised £414.65.’

Cllr Fuller said The Lady Hamilton has got new life – and urged people to visit.

‘They really do know how to look after people there.

‘I wish them the very best for the future,’ he said.