New Albert Road landlord outlines his plans for the future

Chris Vaux has worked in the music industry in Portsmouth for 17 years.

Having left the industry for a year to work for an apprenticeship firm, Chris was contacted by an old friend.

He said: ‘My friend contacted me to tell me that he had put me forward to run the Lord John Russell. Obviously I was flattered but I had left the industry.

‘I spoke with the owners and the opportunity was just too good to turn down. I decided to jump back in, into the deep end, and I’m so excited for what’s to come.’

As well as a new menu, the site - which was Little Johnny Russells and run by the team behind Portsmouth’s Victorious Festival until EI Group took back their lease – has had a refresh and was opened to the public on December 4.

Chris said: ‘A lot of work went into getting the pub ready.

‘In two weeks I managed to recruit a whole new pub’s worth of people and I have a fantastic team.’

The pub’s new street food-style menu serves burgers, hot dogs and will soon include a Sunday Roast tapas selection.

Over Christmas, a local artist will be commissioned to paint murals inside the venue.

Chris said: ‘One thing Portsmouth is missing is a regular music night. Across the weekend we’ll have local DJs and national bands feature.

‘We invite everyone to come down and have a dance’