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Historic monument opens for coffee in Portsmouth

Last updated: 22 August 2012 14:57

Our new venture into the premium coffee trade has launched with the opening of 'hotwalls cafe' in Old Portsmouth today.

With the backing of English Heritage the transformation of the former night watchman's cabin in the historic monument of the point barracks has been made possible by £100,000 of government funding to develop seaside communities.

The barista-trained staff will be serving Paddy and Scott's award winning coffee, the perfect brew from local merchants 'all about tea', there will also be a selection of sandwiches, home made cakes and ice creams, all available to take away.

Cllr Lee Hunt, cabinet member for culture said: "This is a really exciting opportunity.
"The area of Old Portsmouth known locally as 'hotwalls', due to its prime spot for all day sunshine, is a much-loved location which is why it's the perfect area for people to take away food and drink and carry on enjoying the miles of seafront.

"All profits will go towards the upkeep of the historic monument, as it's important to preserve our unique heritage sites for years to come."

Limited seating is available outside, which will be packed away every evening.

Dr Richard Massey, Inspector of Ancient Monuments for English Heritage in the South East said: “We are warmly supportive of the sympathetic re-use of the casemate spaces of Point Battery. Despite the importance of the battery within the historic defences of Portsmouth Harbour, this monument remains relatively little visited, and it has proved difficult to find suitable uses for its various empty spaces.

"We feel sure that a well-designed scheme of this kind would offer the best way of securing the long term conservation and management of Point Battery, and would be in keeping with the character of the surrounding Conservation Area. We also believe that the installation of a cafe in this location would have no adverse effect on the historic fabric of the building."

Tom and Irene Wimbledon from Widley were one of the cafe's first customers. Tom said: "We happened to drive past and thought it was the perfect place to stop.

"You can't get a better location for a cafe by the seafront. It's great what's happening in the area."

Opening times:
Summer 9.30am - 5.30pm
Winter (Oct-March) weekends only 10- 3pm.

Date : 22 August 2012