Southampton pubs reveal plans for big Portsmouth derby

Bitter rivals Saints and Pompey will be meeting in Southampton in a league fixture this Sunday, September 14.

Although Portsmouth FC fans will be driven directly to the stadium on club-managed coaches and will not be allowed to remain in the city following the match, pubs are still making plans ahead of the big day.

Two of the pubs closest to the stadium, The Engine Rooms and Brown's, have said they will be closed as a precaution.

Esmay Dove, landlady of the Engineers Arms, says that although they will be open from 10am to noon, they will be closed the rest of the day as a precaution.

She said: "As a precaution, as we are one of the closest pubs to the stadium.

"On that day, we are only opening for two hours in the morning."

Esmay adds that her staff recall working during the last derby, when windows were smashed and there were "police everywhere".

Over 80 tickets have been sold for its two open hours before the game.

Meanwhile, The Chapel Arms will remain open, but will be following a police recommendation to reduce capacity.

Landlord Steve Wood said: "It is a big thing for the city. A bit of friendly rivalry amps things up.

"We are happy to follow as best we can and provide as much atmosphere as always."

Slightly further afield from the stadium on Oxford Street, Kyle Adams will be working as the manager of the White Hart Tavern on the Sunday.

The tavern will remain open, but Kyle says security has been brought in for the day.

He said: "We are opening at 8.30am. With the hotel above us being full.

"We are quite looking forward to it. It will be quite weird having security."

Annaliese Smith, landlady of the Prince of Wales, says she is only going to serve regulars that she knows personally.

She said: "I am too close to the stadium, it's too much of a risk. Being a female landlady, I am a little bit nervous.

"It is an exciting event, it's a big part of football for Southampton and Portsmouth.

"I just want to get through the day easily and happy, with all my regulars satisfied."

Aidan Lavin is the owner of the Dancing Man Brewery and Raven and Bine.

Both pubs will be open, though drinks will be served in plastic cups as per the licensing officer's recommendations.

He said: "[Police precautions] have absolutely given us the confidence [to open], and we have faith in the police of Southampton and the licensing guys as well.

"We are hoping for some very happy home fans."

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