Plenty of you will be well aware last week’s sudden news that The Belle Isle on Osborne Road has closed. This news took me by surprise and I was quite sad to hear that it was closing. The venue had always had close links with us at Strong Island, hence the inclusion of the Strong Island Iced Tea on their cocktail menu. Many of you might also remember the great Strong Island Birthday parties that we had there?

Last week the often busy venue failed to open its doors and put up a sign stating “We’re sorry to say we’ve had to close our doors but we would like to say a big thank you to all our loyal customers throughout the years.”

I’d been to the Belle Isle so often that I think I must have tried everything on the menu at least once. I was always a massive fan of their Fish Finger sandwiches and the Asian Beef salad. When I was feeling indecisive I would often just go for a variety of starters, Spanish tapas style.

I’d been to the Belle Isle so often that I think I must have tried everything on the menu at least once.

As we wave goodbye to an old friend we also greet a potential new favourite, The Greenwich Brewpub. The team behind it includes Ben Miles, Andy Marsh and Stuart Ainsworth. All three have been involved in some of our favourite Southsea pubs and restaurants over the years, including The Merchant House, Meat and Barrell and Portsmouth Beer Festival.

Ben had previously stepped away from the Belle Isle a few years ago to focus on other ventures which include Victorious Festival. He told The News, “We opened The Merchant House in 2018 and it has gone really well. Since then, we have been keeping an eye out for another site in Southsea. We were told that it was becoming available so decided to have a go at it.”

I know very little about the venue but I can safely say that we will be well catered for when it comes to beverages as well as in that the kitchen as it will be run by Need Street Food, the same team behind the menu at the Merchant House.

When we find out more we will be sure to share it with you but in the meantime (get it?) go and give them a follow on social media.

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