Arthur Beale, historic London chandlery, reopens at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Arthur Beale, the 500-year-old iconic London Chandlery, has opened its first shop outside London at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. This follows the closure of the Shaftesbury Avenue shop in the West End in June 2021.

Throughout its rich history, Arthur Beale has had an enviable and diverse list of clients that have included famous explorers like Shackleton, the early Everest expeditions, the Royal Opera House and even Buckingham Palace.

The chandlery has been in business since the Mary Rose, HMS Victory and the HMS Warrior were sailing the seas, so it is fitting that its new home should sit alongside these impressive seafaring landmarks.

The newly opened chandlery aims to serve the next generation of ships and adventurers, matching the aspirations of the dockland’s landlords, Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust (PNBPT). The trust is responsible for the conservation and sustainable restoration of the buildings, boats and structures of architectural and historic interest, ensuring they can be made accessible for the enjoyment of future generations.

Known for its memorable shop windows and diverse range of products, the Arthur Beale shop in London was a one-stop shop for sailors and offered all of the necessities for a seafaring adventure. Selling many of the same items, visitors can expect to find sailing jackets, Arthur Beale pullovers, ropes, shackles and more at the new shop at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

The chandlery has also launched its click and collect service by sea, an easy restocking service for moored boats.

For the first time, Arthur Beale will also be displaying memorabilia and archive material in its 3,000 square-foot shop, celebrating its 500-year history. Material from explorers such as Shackleton and Gino Watkins will be on display.

Arthur Beale will sit alongside the IBTC Portsmouth, a wooden boatbuilding college, where members of the public can watch students restoring historic vessels. Customers have the opportunity to request a berth on the pontoon next to the historic collection whilst restocking at the chandlery.

Hugh Taylor, managing director of Arthur Beale, said “We are very excited to be opening our first shop outside London at this centre of historical naval history and have the chance to finally display our historic memorabilia. We will be selling all our Chandlery, sailing products and clothing at the beautiful shop we have here; we’re also launching a Click & Collect service by sea, whereby customers can moor at the pontoon at the Dockyard to collect their orders.”

Hannah Prowse, CEO of Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust, followed “Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. As the landlords of the Dockyard, we believe passionately in supporting heritage businesses and in enhancing the living, breathing, vibrant atmosphere of the Dockyard. After all, where does a heritage Chandlery belong, if not in the heart of our naval heritage?”

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