Having survived the Boat Show and been inspired by the plans on the BAR (Ben Ainslie Racing) stand, my thoughts move to a sun drenched, fresh breezed Portsmouth Harbour this July.
Visitors coming to watch the AC45’s race from their HQ in the Camber, might like to consider the nourishing delights that the Rive Gauche offers, in spades.
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| BAR team in the Solent |
There is a life force to Gosport that is seen in the way Alex Thomson strolls up a 30 metre mast, or how Caroline Dinenage MP sends a steely look over to the opposition at Question Time; Gosport produces some fine stars and is fondly dubbed GosVegas by it’s rocking residents.
Converts that move here have made quite a splash and contributed hugely to charity and the community - I'm thinking Tanya Brookfield here (Toe in the Water) and Endurance Swimmer Anna Wardley, with her Five Island Swim Challenge; both raising funds, changing lives and putting smiles on faces.
It's a great place to keep the boat or visit, any time of the year, as there is just so much to do here - sun or rain - museums galore, shops, cinemas, restaurants, lashings of Naval history, both sides of the harbour, but connected fluidly by the super efficient green ferry - £3.10 return, runs from 5.30 till midnight.
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| Gosport Ferry |
Now, to the food....
If you stay at Haslar Marina, marked by the big green Lightship 'Mary Mouse', you have two great choices on-site :
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| Haslar Marina |
Hardy's has been run by Sarah Conchie and team for 3 years. They run an efficient ship with a very popular happy hour from 5-7pm from Monday to Thursday, buy one drink get one free.
A great gathering place for berth holders, those working at Haslar and people dropping by for an early drink before dinner in a convivial setting near the water.
They have recently launched a supper and wine tasting club, meeting every couple of months with Spain being the first port of call. Berth holder’s receive a 10% discount for parties of four or more.
Food is of very good quality, most popular dishes being the rib eye steaks and home made burger, which changes daily. The chef, Paul Thompson, cooks local fish and steaks quite perfectly.
Hops choice – the salt n’pepper fish – usually squid, scallops & king prawns – lip smacking!
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| Hardy's Happy Hour |
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| Their ever popular fish cakes |
Trinity's at the Lightship is on the fantastic green landmark at the end of the pontoons - access for non-bertholders is via the gated entrance, buzz the marina office for entry.
Maria Hodgkins took over the Lightship last spring and along with her inspiring chef Geoff, has completely transformed the ship and the quality of food on this amazing piece of nautical history. Sun decks, providing ever changing views over one of our busiest harbours; bar, breakfast, lunch and dinner – berth holders get 10% discount and the Wardroom is ready to hire for private events.
Most popular dish: the fish and chips
Hops choice: the Haddock Arnold Bennett if it's on the menu, sautéed potatoes properly finished in butter and real puddings like lemon meringue pie.
Open from 11 - 23hrs, but shut in January.
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| Trinitys at The Lightship |
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| Haddock Arnold Bennett |
If you're moored up at Gosport Marina you have The Boat House Cafe which is not quite as sophisticated as the above but ok for a coffee stop. If you are at Royal Clarence it's not too far to walk to the delights of Gosport central, and most of our favourites are bunched around the ferry area.
Go to Tripadvisor and you’ll find cheekily named TK Snax, at number one. A little diner-cum-takeaway by the ferry that does cheerful Caribbean & Mexican food: pulled pork, goat curry, Belize Tamales and ever popular burritos
Marten, the chef/proprietor, is married to a Belizean lady who has helped him with his recipes. He doesn’t’t have a drinks license, but he is happy if you Bring Your Own and he has wine glasses under the counter. A hearty red is strongly recommended, or a couple of litres of water!
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| Curried Goat with fried Plantains |
Best Fish & Chips? In Gosport try the greatly neglected Frydays, the big fish ‘n chipper opposite the ferry. The chips are fine, but the fish is very good and BYO is possible here too.
But top votes go to the Smart Fish Bar towards Lee on the Solent, if you are heading out that way.
We also like Lulu’s Tea Room, conveniently placed opposite Waitrose for a dainty cup of tea and slice of homemade cake – we enjoyed the lavender and orange blossom – cake, not tea.
And then of course there’s the Castle Tavern. The roasts are the jewel in the crown, but everything is good, inexpensive and for hungry yachties comes in enormous portions. The Doombar and Broadside are kept well.
If you want to be on the beach head to The Pebbles on Stokes Bay Road, good views and wine list, but it all comes alive on Wednesday evenings with great tapas and usually a jazz band.
Best Indian is The New Bengal, 27 Stoke Road, the Mecca for the sail training community.
The hike or bike: great cycle routes take bikers safely out to Lee on the Solent and Stokes Bay, there are some good web sites to chose from, but I like Walk, Jog, Run – take a look at:
Here’s a good 12+ mile circular route taking you out to Stubbington via Lee on the Solent and back past Hardway. Plenty of café stops at Lee, including some favourites of ours, The Penguin, The Tea Party, the Tea Room and Laneway Café for good coffee.
If you get the bug and want to do a charity cycle this summer you could do worse than trying the Hampshire Harbours Route, all for the British Heart Foundation – more info here:
Contacts:
Haslar Marina 023 9260 1201
Hardy’s 023 9258 8810
Trinty’s on the Lightship 023 9250 3387
TK Snax 023 9217 0208
The Pebbles 023 9251 0789
The New Bengal 023 9258 3722
Smart Fish Bar 023 9255 1166
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