The Apsley House on Auckland Road West in Southsea has reopened following a combined investment of more than £120,000 from licensee Kate Thatcher and Admiral Taverns.
The refurbishment has modernised the pub’s interior and exterior while expanding its food and community offering.
Inside, the décor has been refreshed and the kitchen expanded to support a wider food menu. Externally, the pub has received new lighting, signage and outdoor menu boards, alongside a fresh coat of paint.
Licensee Kate Thatcher took over the Apsley House last year and brings experience from a number of hospitality roles, including working behind the bar and in hospitality training.
Before taking on the pub, Thatcher ran an antiques and vintage furniture business which supplied décor to pubs in the area.
She plans to develop the Apsley House as a family and dog-friendly community pub, with a programme of events including quiz nights, supper clubs, DJs and live music.
Kate Thatcher, licensee at the Apsley House, commented: “Renovating the pub has been a real labour of love since we took over last year, and I couldn’t be happier with how it has turned out. It has been great to welcome locals back into the pub and the reaction from the community so far has been incredible. I would like to thank the whole team at the pub and everyone at Admiral Taverns for all their support throughout the renovation process. I look forward to serving great food and drinks at the Apsley House for many years to come.”
The pub will also host fundraising events, including meat raffles, in support of charities including the RNLI, Prostate Cancer UK and the Poppy Appeal.
Following the refurbishment, the drinks range includes cask ales, draught lagers and ciders, alongside soft drinks, spirits and wines.
A new food menu is being prepared and cooked on site in the renovated kitchen. Dishes include traditional pub options such as fish and chips, a ploughman’s lunch and home-baked savouries, alongside a weekly Sunday roast.
A new pizza menu has also been introduced, with pizzas prepared and cooked using the pub’s recently installed pizza oven.
The Apsley House is owned by Admiral Taverns, which operates around 1,350 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales.
Phil Mardon, Business Development Manager at Admiral Taverns, added: “Seeing the renovation of the Apsley House come to life has been fantastic. Kate and her team have put a great deal of care and hard work into making this project a success. The response from the local community has been really encouraging, and I look forward to seeing Kate take the pub into its next chapter. On behalf of myself and the team at Admiral Taverns I would like to wish everyone at the Apsley House all the best for the future.”
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