Two new community-focused social gatherings are taking place in Southsea this month, both centred around a very simple idea, creating a relaxed space where people can feel welcome, included and hopefully a little less alone.
At a time where conversations around loneliness, mental health and social isolation continue to grow, these two gatherings aim to remove much of the pressure often associated with traditional networking groups or organised social meet-ups. Instead, the focus is simply on creating a friendly pub environment where people can sit down, share a conversation if they wish, or simply enjoy being around others for a while.
The first gathering will take place at Sir Loin of Beef on Highland Road on Friday 5th June from 7pm as part of the national Empty Chairs campaign.
Started through community initiative Chicken Rush following the loss of founder Dean’s close friend Rob in late 2025, Empty Chairs encourages hosts across the UK to reserve small pub tables with empty seats available for anyone wanting company. There are no speeches, no formal structure and no expectation to stay longer than you wish. Most importantly, no expectation to drink alcohol which is often associated with pub visits.
Portsmouth shamefully has only hosted just a handful of Empty Chair evenings so far, so local resident James Donougher will be hosting the evening independently at his local pub, rather than through the Portsmouth Foodguide, helping bring the campaign into the city.
Guests simply need to look for the host wearing an orange top, with the host remaining at the venue for at least one hour from the advertised start time. Guests are free to arrive alone, bring a friend, stay briefly or spend the evening chatting with others around the table.
The campaign stresses that it is not intended as crisis support or therapy, but instead a low pressure environment built around simple human connection and community.
A second gathering with a very similar purpose is also taking place this weel through a new partnership between Enable Ability and Fullers pubs. The Enable Ability Social Session will be held at The Vaults in Southsea on Thursday 14th May from 7pm onwards, creating another welcoming and inclusive social environment for people who may benefit from company, conversation or simply being around others.
The evening has been designed particularly with mental health awareness and learning disabilities in mind, although organisers stress the gathering is open to anyone wanting a relaxed and supportive atmosphere without expectations or pressure to socialise in any particular way.
Enable Ability staff will be present throughout the evening to provide quieter one-to-one support for anyone wishing to speak privately about difficulties they may be experiencing in their personal lives.
Rather than structured activities or organised icebreakers, both evenings focus on creating informal environments where conversations can happen naturally and people can participate at whatever level feels comfortable for them.
For those interested in attending the Enable Ability Social Session at The Vaults, reservations and further details are available here:
https://www.thevaults-southsea.co.uk/whats-on/enable-ability-social-session
Event details at a glance:
Enable Ability Social Session
Thursday 14th May 2026
7pm onwards
The Vaults, 41-47 Albert Road,Southsea, PO5 2SF
Booking required: https://www.thevaults-southsea.co.uk/whats-on/enable-ability-social-session
Empty Chairs Portsmouth
Friday 5th June 2026
7pm onwards
Sir Loin of Beef, 152 Highland Road, Southsea, PO4 9NH
No booking required
