During lockdown

We are an independent friendly family run pub that is located within the Duke of Buckingham Hotel building, in historic old Portsmouth.  During lockdown, like all pubs we had to close our doors, however we decided not close the pub kitchen.  

​For the first few weeks of lockdown, we supplied sandwiches to Asda for their staff canteen, we also delivered evening meals and breakfast meals to a crew working in Marchwood, Southampton: that was finishing off essential building maintenance work - the crew were unable to obtain takeaway meals as everything had closed down.  At the same time we started a meal delivery service for the elderly and vulnerable.

​Helped by an excellent team of volunteers, we have been delivering meals to the elderly and vulnerable, in the PO1, PO2, PO3, PO4, and PO5 areas of Portsmouth.  From 8am to 2pm, our volunteers have taken calls, prepared bags, chopped, diced and sliced vegetables in preparation for cooking, as well as preparing fruit for use in deserts. The prepped food has then been cooked along with the meat, fish or vegetarian choice of the day.  When ready, the meal is then assembled in a takeaway box ready for bagging.  From 11:30pm to 2pm, volunteers then bag the boxed meal, along with the desert of the day, and stream out of the kitchen to deliver these meals by foot, by car, and by van.    

lonely bar stool during lockdown

For 8 weeks during the lockdown period, we also provided 50 hot meals every Thursday to the LifeHouse charity based in Albert Road, Portsmouth.  

Whilst the pub is being made ready for re-opening, we now offer a takeaway service, along with our home delivery meal service to the elderly and vulnerable.  If you are thinking of planning an event, special occasion, or wedding reception, why not consider using our outside catering service.

​To all our volunteers, a heartfelt thank you.  To our elderly and vulnerable clients, thank you for your support.