Who remembers the Portsmouth and Hampshire Bank? | Nostalgia

Standing at the junction of High Street and Grand Parade, 60 High Street, was once the Portsmouth and Hampshire Bank. In 1966 it was saved from demolition by the Portsmouth libraries and museums committee.

The late 18th century building was to have been demolished in early 1965 until the committee intervened and appealed to the housing minister.

A meeting of the Portsmouth development committee received an application for the building’s demolition to make way for a block of flats. Councillors were told that because of the museums committee’s action the previous March and with the agreement of the housing minister, from September 1966 the house would become Grade II listed.

The ministry said the 1786 building was imposing and made a valuable contribution to the street scene. Its loss would be regrettable.

Since 1966 the house has had a mansard roof added with slightly sloping sides but with vertical windows. There are superb views across the Solent from upper floors.

A favourite watering hole for Pompey fans

The Brewers Arms in Milton Road could have been described as a true locals’ pub... until Pompey played at home and it was invaded by fans visiting for a pint before and after the game.

Located on the north side of the junction with Priory Crescent, the pub was one of four within shouting distance of each other. The others being the Milton Arms, the Travellers Rest and Mr Pickwick, which went under the name of Cremorne Gardens Inn, when first opened.

… and what’s on that spot now

Here we see what the site of the Brewers Arms looks like today. The Pompey fans have long gone, along with those locals.

The pub closed in 2018 and a block of nine flats was built on the site. There was much concern about parking, as there always is these days. But the building still went ahead.

Of those four former pubs so close together, just the Milton Arms remains.

A message from the editor, Mark Waldron.

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.