Martha's History

Ask anybody to name a gay venue in Portsmouth and the first one they'll say is 'Martha's. The name is a fond memory of the venue's most famous landlady... Martha Kingsbury.

Having undergone many guises (including a brothel we've heard!!!) Martha's became gay in 1994 and over the past 10 years has become the 'Rover's Return' of Portsmouth's Gay Scene - believe us, if it's happening - it's happening at Martha's!!!

If any one man should be writing a tribute about the venue then it's DJ Steve Winslade. As you'll discover he's been at Martha's right from the start, so here's his story of the first ten years at Portsmouth's Number One Gay Venue.

"It was April 1994.. Originally due to open as a gay venue on the 7th of May the opening was delayed 1 week until Friday 13th (need I say more).

In those days the club was smaller (the capacity was 100 people) and you had to be in before 11pm due to licence restrictions. At that time the club was called Orville.

In October that year Martin and his team left to run Hudsons in London. They were replaced by Pete and Chris whose first act was to get the ridiculous licence restrictions lifted. Things continued until 1996 when the next phase of the development took place. At this point the club's name was changed to 1 Above. A further refurb of Martha's took place in the November.

In February 1999 Pete and Chris left to run The Waterside in Swansea and were replaced by Aidy and Andy. Sadly these two popular guys did not last long enough to really make a mark having gone by August. Mike and Lee then took up the reigns and then In 2002 Mike was suddenly replaced by Shaun Keasey who set about a branch and root clean-up in the venue. He brought in new staff and dj's and a completely different style to the venue. In his time here he has seen through no less then 4 refurbs. He's brought the biggest acts to play the venue; Chart acts seen on the 227 stage in this time include The Cheeky Girls, Fast Food Rockers, 3SL Milk & Sugar and 2004's entire UK Eurovision hopefulls.

Anthony Dowsett became the new and present manager when Shaun left, He has vast experience in running late night venues including 'spirit' bar in canal street, Manchester .

Well here we are 10 years on, will there be another 10 years who can say. Love the venue or loathe it one thing cannot be said the ride hasn't been interesting."

Martha's Bar

Open daily and now fully re-furbished, Our stylish bar now boasts plasma screens around the bar showing the latest music videos, new seating and a new stage for cabaret and dancing! This venue doubles as a relaxing friendly atmosphere during the day to a pumping warm-up bar for the club at night, including our special drinks promotions throughout the day and night.

Mainly open at weekends and special events, the club has a capacity of 200 and is always packed with party people. Most of our nights have a music policy of chart, dance and party hits and the club is open from 11pm-2am unless stated. The club includes a well lit chill-out area, plasma screens, stage and a bar which stretches along the club.

OPENING TIMES:

Coming soon - Bar Prices