We were invited to the launch party at Monks Bar for a first look inside, following its major refurbishment. The transformation of this long vacant Old Portsmouth venue is immediately noticeable when you step inside, very impressive.
The new owners, who also run JJ’s in Emsworth, have invested more than £500,000 into restoring the historic Old Portsmouth property, bringing new life back into a building which had been left empty for years. The venue is now operated by a husband and wife team, overseeing both the kitchen and front of house, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout the pub and dining areas.
The food menu combines traditional pub dishes with seafood and Mediterranean inspired options, smaller dishes include mixed olives, artisan breads with dips, homemade soup served with sourdough, monkfish tail wrapped in parma ham, salt and pepper squid, burrata bruschetta with tomatoes and pesto, and marinated beetroot served with goat’s cheese and focaccia.
Main dishes include fish and chips, beef burgers with bacon and cheddar, a vegan burger, creamy chicken with pancetta and mushrooms, pork belly porchetta, ribeye steak with a choice of sauces, moules marinière, Mediterranean salmon, asparagus risotto, and seafood spaghetti.
There is also a selection of sharing boards available, including charcuterie boards with meats and cheeses, seafood boards featuring fish and shellfish, and mixed grill boards served with chips and vegetables.
Dessert options include tiramisu, key lime cheesecake, profiteroles with ice cream, pistachio tartufo, sorbet, and cheese boards served with biscuits and fruit.
Alongside the main menu, Monks Bar also offers a lunch selection featuring focaccia sandwiches filled with coronation chicken, steak, tuna mayo, or burrata, served with fries and salad, as well as burgers, salads, gnocchi, seafood spaghetti, and fish and chips.
The Sunday menu includes roast options such as short ribs, lamb, chicken, pork, cauliflower steak, or a mixed roast, all served with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and cauliflower cheese.
Despite the impressive refurbishment and ambitious relaunch, the venue has received some early feedback from customers regarding customer service during its opening period. With any major reopening, there can often be initial operational challenges while new teams settle in, but it appears efforts are already being made to address these early concerns and improve consistency as the business establishes itself.
Following our preview visit, this feels like a significant reopening for Old Portsmouth and another strong addition to the High Street dining scene. It is particularly encouraging to see such a prominent historic venue restored and reopened after standing empty for such a long period.
