This year marks a major milestone for Southsea’s beloved The Lawrence Arms. Landlady Alison Wearn is celebrating 25 years working at the pub and 15 years as its owner. From Victorian charm to modern trends, Alison has seen the industry evolve while keeping The Lawrence Arms at the heart of the community. Her hard work even saw the pub recognised in The Telegraph’s list of the best pubs in England earlier this year. She shares her experience and tips for pub owners.
Alison’s story begins with family ties to the pub trade. Her father worked as a training manager for Courage Brewery, and her parents retired to Southsea, moving next door to The Lawrence Arms.
“Mum was very much a landlady at heart,” Alison recalls. “When the pub became available, it was too tempting not to buy it!”
Alison started working at the pub at 21. Her parents took over in 2001 and ran it until retiring in 2007. When the pub came back on the market in 2010, Alison seized the chance to make it her own.
“When I started, we had a whole fridge dedicated to alcopops,” Alison laughs. “Now, customers want something different: craft beers, real ales, and a welcoming atmosphere.”
Covid accelerated changes in how people use pubs. “We removed the pool table to create more seating space. It was traumatic at the time, but it allowed us to evolve,” she explains. Since then, the pool table hasn’t returned, and the extra seating remains.
Outdoor spaces have also changed. In years gone by, the garden would be packed away in October. Now, it’s used year-round, with punters enjoying an alfresco pint whatever the weather.
Alison’s commitment to community shines through initiatives like the Borrow a Barperson scheme, launched after a car crash forced the pub to close for five months in 2023.
Staff worked in other local businesses for free, keeping busy and strengthening ties across Portsmouth’s hospitality sector. “We even helped at a bingo night at a community centre. They’d sold 150 tickets, so the help behind the bar was really appreciated,” Alison recalls. “By doing this, we felt we were giving something back to the community who supported us after the crash.”
The Lawrence Arms has tried everything from live music to sports screenings. “You can’t be afraid to try new things,” Alison says. “But if it doesn’t work, move on.”
Today, the pub leans into its Victorian heritage with period décor, offering authenticity that customers crave. As a nod to that tradition, the pub still holds a popular quiz night and a meat raffle on a Sunday.
Food is now a big selling point too, with deluxe toasties available all week and roasts served on Sundays.
With its identity firmly established, Alison plans to keep evolving. “Portsmouth is a great place to do business,” she says.
“Events like SailGP and Victorious Festival, along with investment in Southsea’s new sea defences, bring opportunities. We’ll keep up with trends while staying true to what makes us special.”
Pubs like The Lawrence Arms are more than businesses, they’re community hubs. Alison’s journey shows resilience, creativity, and the power of local support in keeping Portsmouth’s pub culture thriving.
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