Dave & Karen opened their first restaurant back in 1983. Rosie’s Vineyard was born from a culmination of passion, hard work and sheer determination to bring something new to the 80’s dining scene in Southsea. Serving only wine, accompanied by French Bistro inspired food and live jazz, Rosie’s became the hot ticket for your Friday night.

After 25 years, Rosie’s was sold and abarbistro in Old Portsmouth was born. An existing pub was transformed into a seafood focused bistro, with the same signature excellent service and great food & drink combined with a buzzing atmosphere.

Not keen to rest on their laurels, (and a sucker for a new project) they soon after embarked on creating a secondary business under abar’s umbrella – Camber Wines. A wine wholesaler and retail outlet, Camber offered the scope for customers dining downstairs to taste their wines upstairs pre-dinner. It has remained a firm favourite of local shoppers, and with a delivery service direct to your door, they really have serviced a need for the quaffers of Portsmouth.

More recently Mum and Dad have become adoring grandparents to Oscar, Maggie, Molly and Margot, and are enjoying taking a less active role in their businesses, preferring to catch up on the latest goings on of Peppa Pig and Iggle Piggle.

Steve Martin has roots at the Uni of Plymouth where he completed a degree in Hospitality Management. He brings an undeniable passion for excellent food and a wealth of wine knowledge to the table. After nabbing the bosses daughter during his time at the abar, Steve has definitely made his mark on the family business.

18 years service and the wealth of experience that accompanies that, Emma really is the back bone of The A Bar . Supporting Steve in all decision making and building a thriving team, Emma leads from within. You'll find her rolling up her sleeves getting stuck in to whatever the team needs. A true asset to our family.