Hoggies Portsmouth Opens in Southsea This September - A Synergy Success Network Success Story
New Restaurant in Southsea!
The Southsea food scene is about to welcome a bold new flavour. Hoggies Portsmouth, a brand-new Hog Roast restaurant, will open its doors on Monday 15th September 2025 at 37 Marmion Road, Southsea. The venture, co-founded by local entrepreneurs Mark Legg (Director at Synergy Success Network), Lewis Filer, and award-winning chef Simon Hartnett, promises to bring slow-roasted perfection, locally brewed drinks, and a vibrant community atmosphere to the heart of Portsmouth. With a focus on slow-roasted meats, generous portions, and relaxed dining, Hoggies aims to bring “big flavours and friendly service” to the heart of Portsmouth.
From Concept to Community
The idea behind Hoggies is simple: quality food, done properly, served in a relaxed setting. Guests can expect slow-roasted pork and chicken cooked to perfection, crispy crackling, stacked rolls, hearty plates, BBQ-inspired sides, and an inviting drinks menu; including Hoggies’ own beer.
The space will also feature a “Work from Hoggies” area for remote workers, alongside plans for private events and community gatherings; cementing the restaurant’s role as more than just a place to eat!
A Partnership Built on Friendship and Expertise
The vision for Hoggies is rooted in long-standing relationships. Chef and co-owner Simon Hartnett brings more than 20 years of professional culinary experience, having worked in some of the South Coast’s top hotels and restaurants, including The Grand in Brighton and The Queens Hotel in Southsea. His passion for nose-to-tail cooking, particularly with pork, makes him the ideal creative force behind the menu.
Co-owner Lewis Filer, a Southsea native and Managing Director at MEA Projects, is also a Business Coach with Synergy Success Network. He and Simon first met in professional kitchens early in their careers and have worked together on and off ever since. Now, joined by Mark Legg, they are combining business acumen with culinary expertise to deliver a standout dining experience.
What Guests Can Expect
From opening day, diners can look forward to:
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Slow-roasted pork and chicken cooked to perfection
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Crispy crackling with every serving
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Stacked rolls, loaded plates, and BBQ-inspired sides
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A fully stocked bar, including Hoggies beer and a curated drinks selection
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A welcoming space designed for both casual dining and community gatherings
In addition to the restaurant experience, Hoggies will feature a “Work from Hoggies” area for remote workers looking for great coffee and a relaxed environment. The coffee is sourced in partnership with River Coffee, ensuring a quality brew to match the quality of the food.
Honouring Local History
The restaurant occupies a site steeped in Portsmouth heritage. During renovations, the team uncovered an original stone-etched sign from the 1800s for “A. Cullis,” a butcher’s shop that once served the local community. The discovery has added an extra layer of meaning to the project, linking the venue’s past to its new chapter as a home for exceptional roast meats.
Building Anticipation
Since announcing the project, Hoggies Portsmouth has already captured the attention of the local press, with features in The Portsmouth News. Social media engagement has been strong, with hundreds of followers joining the journey in the first week alone. Behind the scenes, the team has been documenting the transformation of the site, from construction progress to supplier collaborations. View our News Articles below:
A Message from the Founders
Speaking ahead of the opening, Chef Simon Hartnett said:
“I’m so excited to be coming back to cook in Portsmouth. Southsea has an amazing food scene and Hoggies is going to be a huge part of that. We will be all about big flavours, friendly service, and creating something special for the community.”
For Mark Legg, this venture is another example of Synergy Success Network’s commitment to supporting and growing local Businesses:
“At Synergy, we believe in helping businesses and people reach their full potential. Hoggies is a perfect example of turning vision into reality through collaboration, expertise, and passion.”
Hoggies Portsmouth officially opens Monday 15th September 2025 at 37 Marmion Road, Southsea, PO5 2AT. For updates, visit their Social Media Channels or follow the journey!
