Popular Albert Road pub set to close its doors in November

Little Johnny Russells in Albert Road will shut its doors this November, with landlords Ei Group plc - formerly Enterprise Inns - set to step in to obtain its lease back on the site.

The pub was the starting block on the road to success for Victorious Festival organisers Andy Marsh, James Ralls and Ben Miles – who set up the establishment 11 years ago.

Mr Marsh confirmed its closure with sadness, stating it had been ‘a real pleasure’ to run the business.

He said: ‘Unfortunately, we are set to lose the lease for the site. It is up in November and we have been told that it is Enterprise’s intention to take it back.

‘We are of course sad that this has happened and at the moment, we are looking at other options but yes, Little Johnny Russell’s will be closing down.’

Its closure follows the Leopold Tavern, also of Albert Road, which surrendered its lease in February to the Ei Group – only for it to be re-opened under new management shortly afterwards.

The pub proved to be just the beginning for the three friends as its success led to the decision to set up the Belle Isle restaurant in Osborne Road, a sister business in Chichester and then Meat and Barrel in Palmerston Road.

The success of the ventures led to Victorious Festival which was sold in a lucrative deal earlier this year.

Mr Marsh added: ‘LJR was where it all began for us at the start so it is going to hurt when its taken back.

‘For us, we just want to give people the best pub and live music experience we can until November.

‘We have always been a friendly, safe place and have always been well supported so we hope that people will continue to come down and have a good time with us until then.’

The News have approached Ei Group plc for comment.