The Fox Tavern in Gosport, Hampshire, is preparing to celebrate its 290th birthday with a community event on Saturday 14 November 2026, recognising the historic pub’s longstanding place in the town.
Located on North Street, the Grade II-listed pub dates its licensed history back to 1736 and is regarded as Gosport’s oldest licensed premises.
Licensees Peter Street and Chantelle Cheshire are organising a birthday celebration from 11am, bringing together customers and local residents for a programme of entertainment, fundraising and activities reflecting the pub’s history.
A time capsule will be created containing photographs and memories contributed by customers, alongside a comment book documenting the celebrations and the pub’s place within the community.
Live music will be provided by pub regular Phil Cartwright, while competitions, including a guessing game, will raise funds for the charity Save a Warrior UK.
Admiral Taverns, which owns the property, has contributed a £1,000 bar tab towards the celebrations, supporting a £1 discount on pints and house doubles.
Limited-edition commemorative T-shirts will also be available, with profits donated to the pub’s nominated charity.
The Fox Tavern has a history closely associated with Gosport’s naval heritage, having served generations of local residents and visitors to the coastal town.
Local accounts have linked the pub with Admiral Lord Nelson, while stories surrounding the building include a rumoured smugglers’ passage beneath its cellars.
The property is Grade II listed, with Historic England identifying its 18th-century origins and distinctive Victorian public house frontage.
Peter Street, Licensee of the Fox Tavern, said:
“In today’s day and age we are delighted that the Fox Tavern has reached its 290th birthday. Over the years the pub has gone through lots of change, but having been at the pub for a few months now we felt it was only fitting for us to hold a big birthday party to mark the occasion. We’re looking forward to people coming down to the pub, and our time capsule will hopefully provide an interesting record of the pub for people to look back on.”
Peter and Chantelle took over the Fox Tavern earlier this year, returning Peter to the pub industry after previously operating a venue during the 1990s.
The couple have continued developing the Fox Tavern as a community pub, introducing activities and entertainment designed to encourage regular visits.
Its weekly programme includes open mic nights on Mondays, bingo on Tuesdays, a fortnightly women’s social group, Thursday quiz nights and live music on most weekends.
The pub also offers darts and pool facilities, alongside a selection of drinks and filled sandwich rolls.
A beer garden provides additional space for customers during warmer weather.
Matt Obrey, Business Development Manager at Admiral Taverns, added:
“This is a really impressive achievement for the pub and it is great to see Peter and Chantelle using this milestone to support the local area and provide a really fun day for the local community to enjoy. Pubs thrive on the merits of the licensees and the local community and here’s hoping it will still be going in another 290 years!”
The Fox Tavern forms part of Admiral Taverns’ nationwide estate of more than 1,300 community pubs.
The anniversary celebration will take place on Saturday 14 November, providing an opportunity for customers and residents to recognise the pub’s heritage while supporting a local charitable initiative.
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