Rutland Arms: Residents await news on the future of closed pub as 'shadow' premises licence is submitted

Ei Group Limited has submitted a premises licence application for the Rutland Arms on Francis Avenue which is currently closed to the public after the parent company which owns it looks to clear its debts.

The application mirrors the current licence at the establishment, known as a shadow licence. These include the sale of alcohol from 10am until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10am until 11.59pm from Sunday to Thursday.

Additionally, the application covers the performance of dance from 10am until 11pm daily, the exhibition of films from 10am until 11.59pm daily, and indoor sporting events from 10am until 11.59pm daily. Late night refreshment is proposed from 11pm until 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11pm until 12.30am from Sunday to Thursday. The proposed hours of operation are from 10am to 12.30am from Sunday to Thursday, and from 10am to 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Ei Group Limited was acquired by the Stonegate Pub Company in 2020 which owns other locations in Portsmouth including Lord John Russell in Southsea and The Liquorist in Gunwharf Quays.

As previously reported by The News in January, 33 pubs in Portsmouth were at risk of closure after Stonegate’s partner company sought to refinance £2.5bn of debt.

ALSO READ: 33 pubs across Portsmouth under risk due to £2.5bn of debts by chain owner Stonegate

The Rutland Arms has one large room that’s split into two parts: a long front bar with wooden floors and a carpeted lounge area at the back. Upstairs, there’s a function room that’s not currently used but could be for events, receptions, or parties. Although there’s no dedicated food area, there’s a small kitchen that could be used to make a simple menu, which could help the pub make more money.

The pub has enough loose tables and chairs for about 50 people to sit comfortably. Outside, there’s a fenced-in patio and garden with a brick wall and gate behind the pub. It can fit about 60 people and is popular during warmer weather.

The premises licence will be determined at the council’s licensing sub-committee next week (June 24).