Original home for hipsters Little Jonny Russells’ on Albert Road is set to close in November, seemingly another victim of the infamous Enterprise Inns lease cull.
Formally the Lord John Russell and Albert road’s oldest surviving pub, LJRs has been the gig venue and watering hole of choice for many of the young and bearded of Southsea, since it opened back in 2006.
Hipsterness aside, LJRs and the team that opened it 11 years ago can genuinely claim immense credit for bringing Southsea Nightlife kicking and grooving in to the modern age.
This small historic pub has been a springboard for much of the genuine bloom seen on Southsea and Portsea Island’s musical and cultural landscape over the past decade. As a vital platform for local musicians and djs to reach an eager local audience and build a loyal fan base, as well as playing host to many established performers from much farther afield.
The pub also acted as a focus for some significant local events, including the legendary Love Albert Road Day street festivals, Southsea Fest and of course the LJR team were pivotal in the development of Victorious.
Co-founder Ben Miles told friends and followers on Facebook “It’s been an 11 years full of great memories and so many friendships and stories created”
So what next, surely the team over there will continue to deliver fantastic locally produced events and operate a number of other popular establishments. But, the question is as more and more pubs and venues close due to the apparent shift in the business practices of decidedly un-local pub owners, should the council step in to keep local pub and music culture alive in our Island City?
