Powder Monkey Brewing Co has announced the revival of Pompey Royal, one of Portsmouth’s most historic beers. It’s a brew deeply rooted in the city’s heritage.
Originally brewed in Portsmouth as Brickwoods Best before becoming Pompey Royal in the late 1970s, the beer developed a loyal following across local pubs. Over the years, the brand has been brewed by several breweries, but has always remained closely tied to Portsmouth.
At its core, Pompey Royal is a rich, full-bodied bitter, known for its balanced malt character and subtle fruit notes — a style that reflects its traditional roots and enduring appeal.
As part of the relaunch, Powder Monkey has been working in collaboration with Portsmouth Football Club and Pompey in the Community, reinforcing the beer’s connection to the city while supporting local community initiatives.
“We see Pompey Royal as more than just a beer — it’s part of Portsmouth’s identity,” said Andy Burdon, chief executive of Powder Monkey Brewing Co. “This is about making sure it remains a living part of the city, not something that fades into history.”
The brewery also recognises the role other local brewers have played in keeping the name alive in recent years, and sees this revival as a continuation of that effort — helping to ensure Pompey Royal can be enjoyed by more people across the region.
The beer will be available in cask across selected venues in Portsmouth and the wider South Coast from 30th March, with bottled products to follow.
• If your pub would like to stock Pompey Royal, email orders@powdermonkeygroup.com
