News

A Yank in Portsmouth: Bryan Stoops Brings Stateside Laughs to the UK

What happens when a straight-talking American moves to the south of England? You get A Yank in Portsmouth, a sharp, hilarious stand-up comedy show by Bryan Stoops that’s as heartfelt as it is funny.

Bryan Stoops isn’t your typical expat. He’s a former teacher, seasoned performer, and family man who brings his comedic journey from the U.S. to the U.K. with fresh eyes and a whole lot of charm. Drawing from real-life culture shocks, family life, and his uniquely American take on British quirks, Bryan delivers an hour of stand-up that resonates on both sides of the Atlantic.

What to expect:

• Witty storytelling about adjusting to life in Portsmouth

• Smart, sharp humor with a cheeky edge

• A blend of U.S. perspective and British irony

• Observations on education, pop culture, local customs, and more..

Why you should go:
Bryan’s work has been featured at the Edinburgh Fringe, Hollywood Fringe, and Leicester Comedy Festival, earning him rave reviews and a loyal following. Whether you’re a local or a fellow expat, A Yank in Portsmouth offers a refreshing, laugh-out-loud look at what it means to start over somewhere new—with a microphone in hand.

Event Details:
📍 Venue: The Jolly Sailor Southsea
📅 Date: Monday 25th August, Doors 6pm show starts 6.30pm
⏱ Runtime: ~60 minutes
🎟 Tickets direct from Eventbrite: Purchase here
🔞 Ages: 16+ (some strong language)

IG: https://www.instagram.com/bryanstoopscomedy/

 

Summer at The Jolly Sailor

There’s no better place to enjoy the sunshine, seaside, and soundtracks of summer than at The Jolly Sailor in Southsea.

That’s why we’re excited to launch a brand-new line-up of summer offers packed with weekday deals and weekend treats – all designed to complement our fantastic schedule of free live music and entertainment every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening with friends or a lively weekend packed with great food and drink, there’s something for everyone. Read on for what’s in store…

Weekday Offers

Happy Hours
Weekdays 5–7pm & select Saturdays 6–7pm
Enjoy discounted drinks to ease you into the evening. Look out for our Super Saturday dates!

Quiz & Curry Night – Wednesdays
8pm | £3 per person
Test your trivia at our weekly quiz night while tucking into a hearty home-made curry which is included in the price. Prize for winning team. Booking is advised.

Curry Night – Wednesdays
5-9pm | £10 for curry of the day and selected drink
See offer details for drinks choice. Booking is advised.

Fish & Fizz Nights – Wednesdays & Fridays
A fish supper with a complimentary glass of fizz or a bottled beer – the perfect midweek or Friday treat. Choose from beer battered cod, breaded scampi, or vegan battered blossom banana with chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce. Yum!

Weekend Treats

Sip & Share – Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Sharing platter and a bottle of house wine for 2 – just £30
Choose from meat, cheese or mixed continental sharing platter. Great value for a weekend catch-up with your favourite person. Why not check out our gig guide and make a night of it?

Free Live Music – Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Enjoy top local musicians, tribute artists and more with no entry fee – the perfect soundtrack to your weekend plans. Note our Bottomless events are the only event we charge a fee for, find out more here along with upcoming dates.

2-for-1 Sundays
Get two for one on our delicious roasts and Sunday menu – a Southsea Sunday staple. Lowest cost item is free. Food is served 12pm to 6pm and booking is advised.

View all up to date offers here.

Special Events

While most of our entertainment is free, don’t miss our extra-special paid events..

Monthly Bottomless Afternoons – For just £30 per person, you’ll enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless prosecco, house white / red wine, bottled beer, Gordons gin / Smirnoff vodka with post mixers, and delicious sharing platters, making it the ultimate afternoon treat. Choose from Drag Bingo or Live music afternoons with The Hill Brothers.

Bottomless Drag Bingo (monthly) – This event brings plenty of sass, humour, and sparkle! There’s bingo rounds, lip sync battles, and hilarious games, along with prizes up for grabs for the winners of each round.

Bottomless Afternoons with The Hill Brothers (monthly) – Live music with two of the most talented local musicians around! This is a musical extravaganza from acoustic classics to well-known pop and rock floor fillers – perfect for getting those good vibes flowing!

View details and dates for our Bottomless events here.

To book please call us to pay over the phone. Tel: 02392 295195 or email us.

Plan your visit with food in mind. Check out our menu here.

Whether you’re popping by for a weekday drink or planning a full weekend of food, music and mates – The Jolly Sailor is your go-to Southsea destination this summer!

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Bottomless Afternoons at The Jolly Sailor – Fun, Drinks & Entertainment!

Have you been to one of our Bottomless Afternoons? – They are the perfect way to catch up with friends and enjoy some well-deserved fun! Whether you’re in the mood for a lively game of Drag Bingo or a feel-good afternoon of live music, we’ve got you covered! View all upcoming dates below.

For just £30 per person, you’ll enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless prosecco, house white / red wine, bottled beer, Gordons gin / Smirnoff vodka with post mixers, and delicious sharing platters, making it the ultimate afternoon treat.

Bottomless Drag Bingo with Emmi Late

Join the fabulous Emmi Late, your glamorous hostess with the mostess, armed with plenty of sass, humour, and sparkle! There will be bingo rounds, lip sync battles, and hilarious games, along with prizes up for grabs for the winners of each round. It’s a fun-filled afternoon like no other.

Bottomless Afternoons with The Hill Brothers

Prefer some live music? Sit back, enjoy your unlimited drinks and sharing platters and listen to the sounds of The Hill Brothers. There isn’t anything these talented, local musicians don’t play! Expect a musical extravaganza from acoustic classics to well-known pop and rock floor fillers – perfect for getting those good vibes flowing!

On the Bottomless event dates with The Hill Brothers, we will also be running our SUPER SATURDAY dates with exclusive Happy Hour from 6pm to 7pm, with amazing drinks promotions to keep the fun going (and you all hydrated!). Then from 8pm, more live music will hit our stage, ensuring the party lasts well into the evening!

Don’t miss out on these exciting afternoons—grab your friends, book your spot, and get ready for bottomless fun and entertainment at The Jolly Sailor!

EVENT DETAILS

Selected Saturdays (see dates below), with all events starting at 2pm. Price £30 per person, payable in full at the time of booking. 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco, selection of beers and sharing platters, table booked for up to 2 hours. Additional alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks included during our bottomless brunch events depending on date of event. Please let us know about any allergies at the time of booking.

To book please call us to pay over the phone. Tel: 02392 295195 or email us.

Drag Bingo Dates 

Sat 13th September – Sat 11th October -Sat 8th November- Sat 13th December

Bottomless Afternoons & Live Music from The Hill Brothers

Saturday 30^th August – Saturday 18^th October- 22^nd November – 20th December

*Exclusive Happy Hour promotion 6pm to 7pm for all Hill Brothers Bottomless Afternoons.