Fifth Hants Volunteer Arms pub in Southsea shuttered in sudden closure as search for new landlord begins
Historic pub closes for second time in as many years
A historic pub in Portsmouth has closed as the search for a new landlord begins.
The Fifth Hants Volunteer Arms on Albert Road, Southsea, only had three owners in its first 130 years but since 2017 it has endured a more turbulent spell with it changing hands numerous times.
The popular pub has now closed again with the shutters down on the Admiral Taverns owned establishment. Victor Tewkesbury took over the management of the pub in April 2025, after the previous team stepped away after four years in control, but he has now left with the pub being temporarily closed.
A spokesperson from Admiral Taverns said: "Following the departure of the previous licensee, whom we wish every future success, the Fifth Hants Volunteer Arms is temporarily closed.
“We are proactively searching for a dedicated individual to ensure the pub remains at the heart of its community, and we look forward to reopening the doors and welcoming the local community back in coming months.”
As well as having a long history in Portsmouth, the Fifth Hants has established itself as a destination for live music in recent years with regular open mic nights and local bands playing.
Admiral Taverns is currently taking applications from prospective landlords to take over the running of the pub. More details can be found here.