The King & Queen, Portsmouth 1971

This authentic 1970s colour photograph, captured in 1971, features the striking exterior of The King & Queen public house located on The Hard in Portsmouth, Hampshire. The archival image documents the pub’s unique architectural heritage, showcasing a narrow, highly decorative facade with red brickwork and white neoclassical ornamental carvings. It stands in a row of diverse buildings, situated immediately to the left of the Ship Anson, another historic inn notable for its black-and-white timber-framed upper storeys and “Brickwoods Ales” signage. To the left of the frame is The Harbour Fish Bar, while a functional modernist office block rises to the right. The scene captures the eclectic mix of Victorian, Tudor-revival, and mid-century architecture that characterizes Portsmouth’s historic waterfront area. A traditional red bus is partially visible on the far right, and pedestrians in period attire are seen walking along the pavement. This factual record preserves the visual character of The Hard as it appeared in 1971, serving as a significant document of Portsmouth’s urban landscape and social history.