New café plans brewing at Portsmouth & Southsea station
A disused retail unit at Portsmouth & Southsea Station is set for a major makeover as plans for a new “Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen” move forward.
Planning documents submitted to the council sets out how the listed Victorian station will house a contemporary café and community space.
The project aims to breathe life into a quiet corner of the concourse while keeping the building’s historic character front and centre.
According to the applicant, the proposal will “revitalise an existing retail unit” to create a “welcoming, contemporary, and accessible Gourmet Coffee Bar and Kitchen”.
The café will serve hot and cold drinks, freshly prepared food and takeaway options, with seating for around 16 people. A flexible community area is also planned for meetings, events and social use.
The designers say the station’s Grade II listed features will be respected throughout the refurbishment. These include the sash windows, stone floors and decorative ceiling details.
The statement says the layout will allow “safe and convenient access for all users” with step-free entrances, wide circulation routes and seating suitable for wheelchair users.
The proposal promises a calm, warm interior with natural timber, subtle lighting and muted colours.
Developers argue the café will boost passenger experience and support the wider city centre. The document says the scheme will “activate a currently underutilised retail space” and improve the station’s offer for locals, commuters and visitors.
The Gourmet Coffee Bar and Kitchen brand started on the railways in 2007 with Virgin Rail, later known as Avanti.
It now has over 30 locations across the UK and is partnered with major railway companies like South Western Railway and GWR.
Residents can view and comment on the application on the council’s planning portal using the reference 25/01327/LBC.