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Ten mouth-watering eateries around Southsea to help you kick-start 2020 in style. By Elly Mitchell
Whilst the majority of the population perceive the new year as the ideal opportunity to reduce their treat intake and apprehensively clamber back upon the fitness wagon they slipped from over the festive period, I would argue that it is the chance to challenge society’s expectation of engaging in unrealistic resolutions, and to instead throw ourselves into trying new, wholesome experiences that give us fulfilment – after all, the gym isn’t going anywhere, and you don’t have to sacrifice pleasure in order to be healthy and happy!
From tasty breakfasts to exquisite plant-based dishes, whatever your preference, you are guaranteed to find something to take a bite out of with these ten glorious Southsea foodie havens.
FOR THE EARLY BIRD…
Because it’s the most important meal of the day!
SOUTHSEA BEACH CAFE
Peacefully perched only a stone’s throw from the capricious waters of the English Channel, Southsea Beach Cafe is a delightfully unique eatery, providing locals and travellers alike with unbeatable food all year round.
Famous for: The perfect formula of exciting, wholesome meals, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, without crossing the line towards intimidating pretentiousness. Their smashed avocado on toasted sourdough is just one example of how they succeed in taking a popular morning dish, and transform it into a flavour explosion!
www.southseabeachcafe.co.uk
Eastney Esplanade, Southsea PO4 9GE
THE TENTH HOLE
Proudly living up to their mantra that cake is not just for birthdays, The Tenth Hole is a quintessentially British tea room that offers a delightful menu packed with delicious, fresh bakes, delicately crafted with love, as well as an extensive breakfast menu that boasts the best British ingredients.
Famous for: Delicious, honest food, proudly delivered in a warm and friendly environment. Whether you fancy digging into a dish from their impressive breakfast menu, or trying a taste of something from their delectable home-baked goods, there’s endless choices to help fill that hole!
Eastern Parade, Southsea, PO4 9RF
FOR A SLICE OF THE ACTION…
Because it’s not quite a treat without tea and cake.
PARADE TEA ROOMS
Positioned in a splendidly prime location, directly on Southsea Common, the Parade Tea rooms offer a fantastic pit-stop for those strolling along the magnificent Western Parade. It is hard to believe that this cosy eaterie was once an abandoned substation, now cheerfully demonstrating to passers-by that the world is a much happier place with a cup of tea and a slice of something nice!
Famous for: Stunning cakes of all flavours to suit all tastes, as well as traditional high tea served on fine bone china. Indulge in homemade sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, all served on a three-tier cake-stand along with tea and coffee. There is the option to swap your hot beverage for a bottle of champagne or prosecco; the best way to add some class to your cake!
Western Parade, Southsea PO5 3JF
FOR THE VEGETARIAN/VEGAN…
Because a plant-based diet doesn’t have to mean just a salad.
BECKETTS
Nestled in the heart of Southsea, within the walls of a majestic Grade II listed building, you will find Becketts; a multi-functional eatery expertly uniting tradition with contemporary style – it’s no secret that this is mecca for instagrammers – and with the expansion of their already impressive menu to cater for additional vegan and vegetarian requirements, this is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Famous for: Beautifully presented dishes, boasting gorgeous local and wild ingredients, connecting with the seasonality of food. Their brand new brunch menu is a plant-based heaven that will have even seasoned carnivores drooling.
www.Beckettssouthsea.co.uk
11 Bellevue Terrace, Southsea PO5 3EAT
HUNTER GATHERER
Standing proud as a unique establishment within its area, Hunter Gatherer seems to perfectly understand that you don’t need to overcomplicate dishes to make them both impressive and delicious. For them, dining is an entire experience that segregates no-one, bursting with character whilst providing an atmosphere that prompts people to return time and time again.
Famous for: Serving specialist coffees from all around the globe, it is a true retreat for the caffeine connoisseur, perfect when enjoyed alongside one of the vegetarian or vegan dishes – living by a meat-free mantra is only a tiny detail when the menu offers such incredible variety.
249 Albert Road, Southsea PO4 0JR
FOR THE FINE DINER…
Because any occasion can become a special occasion with a plate of good food.
RESTAURANT 27
Offering a unique, modern dining experience, Restaurant 27’s à la carte menu is meticulously crafted with the very best ingredients, and a raw passion for food, presenting daring dish combinations that are complemented with an extensive wine list, served by a passionate and knowledgeable team.
Famous for: Food isn’t just ‘part of the job’ here; it is everything. The unique ‘Global French’ style of cooking fuses classic gastronomic cuisine with exciting, modern flavours, and is responsible for the elegant, flavoursome dishes within their sample menus.
27a South Parade, Southsea PO5 2JF
MONTPARNASSE
Serving its 20th year, Montparnasse is a pillar of the local foodie community, with an ever-changing menu that expertly picks the very best seasonal ingredients, transforming them into high-quality, memorable dishes. Unfortunately, this restaurant will be serving it’s last meal this spring, so ensure you get a taste of the action while you can!
Famous for: Exciting, European cuisine delivered in a friendly, knowledgeable restaurant setting.
103 Palmerston Road, Southsea PO5 3PS
FOR THE FISH LOVER…
Because it wouldn’t quite be a seaside town without it!
FISHERMAN’S KITCHEN
Salt and vinegar smothered over fresh-battered fish, and perfectly crispy chips; a taste of nostalgia that resides deep within British culture; The Fisherman’s Kitchen expertly captures this through their traditional, yet adventurous, menu, aiding in reminding us that a chippy tea can go further than your standard cod or haddock, with an ever-changing specials board that continues to tantalise locals taste buds.
Famous for: A ‘think outside the box’ menu that breaks away from the standard offerings of a fish and chip shop whilst retaining unbeatable quality. Try something from the baps and tacos selection, adding an exciting new dynamic to traditional chip shop cuisine.
4 Clarendon Road, Southsea PO5 2EE
DEEP BLUE
Greeted by a majestic open space, high ceilings adorned with chandeliers, and unrivalled views across the Solent, if it wasn’t for the open kitchen displaying careful preparation of each dish, you would be forgiven for assuming you were anywhere but a fish and chip shop.
Famous for: Generous portions of their signature hand-battered cod and chunky chips, boasting the freshness and flavour you would expect so close to the sea. Choose something from the gorgeous grill menu, offering succulent rib eye steak, as well as sumptuous burgers and chicken dishes – they really have covered every base!
South Parade Pier, Southsea PO4 0SW
Where will your taste buds take you this year?
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