CLUBS & SUNSHINE Neil Maxwell
W
e have some outstanding properties on the market at the moment, one of which is the premises of the former Royal Naval Club & Royal Albert Yacht Club. The Club had been struggling with membership for several years and the COVID downturn, was as for many hospitality venues was the final straw, despite the gallant efforts of several board members.
The history of the club is an incredible tale. The current premises in Pembroke Road were opened in 1867 following the purchase of a tavern called the Three Tuns and the premises of the Hampshire Bank. The fronts of both buildings were removed and replaced by the current frontage unifying both buildings and adding the tower. This was initially paid for by a group of naval officers who recognised the need for officers and their ladies to be able to have entertainment away from Naval establishments. The Royal Naval Club subsequently merged with the Portsmouth Corinthian Yacht Club and then the Royal Albert Yacht Club of which Prince Albert (Queen Victoria’s husband) was a founding member, their racing yachts being distinguished by a green painted hull.
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The story goes that Royal Naval Officer Club members returning on their warships would make a signal to the club as they entered Portsmouth Harbour with their meal requests. The officers would then arrive for lunch once their ship was safely alongside in the Royal Dockyard. There has been much interest in the building including international enquiries, with several different parties interested with various plans including conversion to residential premises. The closing date for tenders is in early August. Elsewhere the market is entering the time of year where many people’s thoughts are on holidays rather than houses and its been a pleasure to see the seafront so active given the recent warm weather with many hundreds of people enjoying large family barbeques. The activity levels remain good, and the numbers of properties being sold and rented is consistent with previous years. Meanwhile, I’m sat in the office wondering what to have for lunch, but if I order something in advance, I think I’ll just use my mobile phone.
