The Dockyard in Portsmouth has reopened following a six figure investment, bringing a fresh new look and an enhanced sports and entertainment offering to the popular city centre venue.
The pub reopened its doors on Thursday 20 August following an extensive refurbishment, with upgrades throughout the venue and an increased capacity for guests.
Located opposite the New Theatre Royal and next to Portsmouth Guildhall, The Dockyard sits at the heart of the city’s student community. The investment has refreshed the venue while building on its reputation as a destination for live sport and nights out.
Sport will remain a major focus, with 27 screens and three projectors giving fans plenty of choice when watching the biggest fixtures. The pub will show live sport every day, including action from Sky Sports and TNT Sports.
The Dockyard’s darts area has also been given a full makeover, while two outdoor tables have been added. Behind the bar, a new draught set-up with updated fonts and lines will give the space a refreshed feel.
Outside, guests will be welcomed by a new mural, while the toilets have also been refurbished with an expanded male toilet area. The work has increased the pub’s capacity from 235 to 260 covers.
The existing team will remain at the heart of the venue following the investment, with The Dockyard also looking to recruit 10 new team members.
General Manager Dan Woods said: “We’re really excited for people to see what we’ve done with The Dockyard. We already have a brilliant team and a great mix of guests, so we wanted the investment to build on what people already enjoy about the venue.
“Sport is a huge part of what we do, and with 27 screens and three projectors there will be plenty of opportunities to catch the biggest games with us. We’ve also given the darts area a complete makeover and refreshed other areas of the pub, so there’s lots for our regulars and new guests to look forward to.
“We’re right in the middle of Portsmouth’s student community and we’re proud to sponsor more than 30 university societies. We want The Dockyard to continue being somewhere people can come together, whether that’s for sport, a night out or just a drink with friends.”
The investment comes ahead of the new student term, with a number of events planned for the student launch period in September. The pub is also set to welcome professional darts players for special appearances.
Guests will have the chance to get involved in competitions following the reopening, with prizes including 60-inch TVs and PlayStation 5 consoles up for grabs through the pub’s Speed Quiz.
The Dockyard’s regular weekly line-up will continue, including its Sunday Speed Quiz and Connection indie night every Thursday. DJs will take over on Friday and Saturday nights, while brunch is available every day.
The pub’s food menu will remain unchanged, alongside drinks offers including 2-for-1 cocktails and its Thursday Craft and Cocktail night.
The Dockyard is child-friendly until 8pm and welcomes dogs. It also supports more than 30 university societies, with the team looking to build further relationships with grassroots groups and other communities across Portsmouth.
Guests can keep up to date with the latest events and offers from The Dockyard on Instagram and TikTok.