The renovated fort will have 22 bedrooms and be able to cater for events for up to 200 people. It will also feature two helicopter pads, a nightclub, laser tag, games rooms, a snooker room, meeting space, a rooftop hot-pool, a lighthouse, a gallery restaurant, a wine bar and spa facilities. It will also offer activities such as fishing. No Man’s Fort will be bookable for events and overnight stays from 10 November.
The Solent fort is one of three forts owned by Amazing Venues and was first built between 1867 and 1880 for defence. It’s the larger sister venue to Spitbank Fort, which is also used to hold events.
Owner and founder of AmaZing Venues Mike Clare said: “After successfully restoring Spitbank Fort, we purchased No Man’s Fort and began restoring the venue in 2012. Spitbank Fort is such a unique venue and has proved hugely popular with guests who want more from a stay than just a comfortable bed to sleep in and a restaurant. Nowadays people want an experience, something to inspire them and give them amazing memories and that’s what we strive to do at Amazing Venues.
“I am passionate about restoring properties and sharing them with our Amazing Venues guests so now we are nearly ready to open Spitbank Fort’s ‘big sister’ No Man’s Fort, I couldn’t be more excited. It will have all the style, quirkiness and fun of Spitbank Fort but on a much bigger scale. With 22 luxury bedrooms, two helipads, rooftop hot-pool, wine and spa facilities, I am confident No Man’s Fort will appeal to a wide range of guests and it will be the talk of the town.”
The fort hotel is reachable by both boat and helicopter, with boats departing from Gunwharf Quays.
Hotel packages
The new venue will offer a party night ‘Fort Du Soleil’ package for £150 per person, which includes welcome drinks and an acrobatic performance, before a four course meal then music and dancing in the Cabaret Bar. Those who pay for the package will have access to the fort’s other facilities, and can partake in a vodka luge and fire pit with rum hot chocolate and marshmallows before travelling back to the mainland at midnight.
The fort will also be offering a Sunday lunch experience for a more ‘relaxed’ experience. Guests will be greeted with bubbly and canapés, before a late lunch at 2pm. The three course mean is intended to be a patriotic beef banquet, and will be served with musical accompaniment. Guests will then be returned to Portsmouth by boat at 5pm.
Overnight stays at the fort hotel can be added onto either package, and start from £150 per person based on two sharing. This includes a breakfast the next day and a return by boat to Gunwharf Quays.