A year has passed since a fire gutted the Platform Tavern.

Despite the setback, the historic pub on Town Quay, with its roots dating back more than 150 years, has since reopened its doors.

As we reflect on the remarkable journey the establishment has made through the years, we celebrate the resilience and dedication that brought the beloved pub back to life in less than three months.

READ MORE: Platform Tavern landlord reveals difficulties after devastating fire

Situated against the historic old town wall built around 1350, the pub's name is derived from its proximity to the Quay outside God's House called the Platform, which contained a gun battery.

The building likely dates back to the early Victorian era, becoming a public house in the 1860s. 

Its first mention in a street directory was in 1869. 

While the Platform Tavern itself isn't listed in the 1865 directory, there is a beer retailer, Robert Mabb, mentioned in Winkle Street. 

Given the proximity and the timeline, it's highly probable that Mabb's establishment was a precursor to the Platform Tavern.

Like many taverns of its era, the Platform Tavern brewed its own ale on-site, catering to the dockworkers and seamen who frequented the establishment. 

The tavern also provided lodging in its upstairs rooms, making it a familiar home away from home for many maritime workers. 

One such guest was the ill-fated James McGrady, the last victim of the 1912 Titanic disaster to be recovered from the sea, four weeks after the ship sank. 

His last known address was the Platform Tavern and a plaque outside commemorates him.

The pub's proximity to the Ocean Dock, where the Titanic was moored at Berth 44, made it a witness to the ship's arrival. This historical connection led to the Platform Tavern being featured in the iconic James Cameron film, Titanic.

The pub remained a popular haunt for sailors for decades, especially before 1960. 

During this period, much dock work was casual labour, requiring workers to gather around the docks in hopes of being selected for a shift. 

The Platform Tavern served as a gathering place for these sailors, providing a familiar and welcoming atmosphere.

The pub suffered significant damage during the Blitz of 1940, forcing its closure. Reconstruction efforts began in 1954, and the pub reopened its doors after extensive repairs.

In 1997 Stewart Cross transformed the Platform Tavern into a vibrant live music hub, revitalising the maritime-themed pub with a focus on blues and other genres. 

Since then the Platform has built a reputation as a must-visit destination for music enthusiasts. 

Offering a diverse lineup of live blues, R&B, rock, soul, rockabilly, Americana, and jazz, the tavern has become a haven for those seeking authentic and energetic performances.

Renovations over the decades have uncovered a portion of the medieval town wall, a historical artefact that now graces the pub's premises.

This discovery serves as a reminder of the tavern's rich history and its place within Southampton's heritage.

The Platform Tavern is a beloved Southampton institution, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history while providing a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.