Whether it’s views of the horizon, cool ocean breeze or sound of the waves lapping the shore, there’s something about being by the sea that calms the senses. Throw in delicious food and drink, great company and a good dose of sunshine and you’ve got the ingredients for the perfect summer in Hampshire.
The Briny, Southsea
Tucking into a fresh seafood platter with a glass of rosé in hand, while looking out at the beautiful briny sea, is what this Southsea eatery does best.
The flagship restaurant of The Coastal Kitchen Family, who bought the seafront venue in 2017 and have transformed it from a traditional fish and chip restaurant into the seafood and wine bar it is today, The Briny is open from breakfast through to dinner seven days a week, apart from Monday breakfast when they take a break to reset and restock.
With an AA Rosette (the only in Southsea) and a feel-good casual vibe, it’s a place suited to special occasions and casual rendezvous alike. Sunday lunch is accompanied by a jazz saxophonist, with diners and music spilling out onto the sunny promenade. Just don’t forget to phone ahead as it’s bookings only throughout the summer months.
thebriny.co.uk
Boathouse 4, Portsmouth
In the heart of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and within touching distance of HMS Warrior, Boathouse 4 could be described as Portsmouth’s best kept secret.
With views over the dockyard and Solent and the opportunity to soak up the rich history of its surroundings, Boathouse 4 is open for lunch only and serves dishes from a menu crafted by award-winning chef and BBC’s Great British Menu star, Ruth Hansom.
Ruth, a passionate champion for the training and mentoring of female chefs, works closely with Boathouse 4’s head chef, Charlotte Becke to deliver dishes, such as local smoked mackerel with grapefruit and Hampshire chicken with charred leeks, corn, and pickled mushroom, against a backdrop of the UK's largest collection of small Royal Naval craft.
Look out for the quarterly evening supper clubs, hosted by Ruth herself, which give diners the opportunity to experience delicious food and unique ambience at twilight.
boathouse4restaurant.co.uk
The Cliff House, Barton-on-Sea
Perched high on the cliff top in Barton-on-Sea, offering panoramic views stretching from the Isle of Wight to Studland, The Cliff House prides itself on friendly service and a laidback atmosphere.
Whether you’re eating inside in the restaurant or in the garden, food is fuss free British fayre – think seaside classics with a modern spin and plenty of sharing dishes for sociable dining.
Outside tables are first come first served but, thanks to the huge garden, there’s plenty of opportunity to bag a prime spot from which to admire the views and you can even bring four-legged friends.
It’s a great place for a sundowner too and The Cliff even has a selection of drinks distilled and brewed uniquely for them including ‘Flip Flop’ Gin, named after owner Steve’s love of wearing flip flops and Poppy’s Drop Ale, which is named after the owner’s dog and made by Isle of Wight Brewery. Drop in on Sundays for live music all year round and if you’re in the area next month then drop in between September 8 and 10 when the garden transforms into a Gin and Beer Festival with live music, a beer tent and plenty of craft gins to try – entry is free.
thecliffhouse.co.uk
The Hambrough, Ventnor
Another cliff-top venue but this time above Ventnor harbour, The Hambrough opened its doors in 2005, with its pared-down décor making the most of the fantastic sea views from its seven gorgeous bedrooms. But despite the spectacular vistas, The Hambrough is all about the food, created by executive chef Matthew Tomkinson (formerly of the Montagu Arms in Beaulieu), who since joining in 2021 has gained the restaurant 2 AA Rosettes and a place on the shortlist for the 2023 Catey’s Menu of the Year.
Matthew’s relaxed, informal style of hospitality uses locally-sourced and reared produce from the Isle of Wight, although he admits he occasionally ventures across the Solent should he not be able to find exactly what he wants in his quest for the perfect ingredient. Due to the seasonal nature of his dishes nothing remains on the menu for any length of time so diners are sure to get a completely different experience each time they dine.
The restaurant offers a set lunch menu from £28 and an a la carte dinner menu but you don’t have to dine to visit – the lounge bar, which has the to-die-for uninterrupted sea views over the bay, is open daily for teas, coffee, cocktails and wine.
thehambrough.com
The Hut, Colwell Bay
Located on the north western coast of the Isle of Wight, The Hut has grown from a small, rustic beach bar to one of the UK's most iconic coastal restaurants.
Brothers Matt and George Adams opened the restaurant in 2013 after realising that Colwell Bay had it all – an unrivalled setting, fantastic water access and a wonderful community of locals to help give the venue its buzz. Ten years on and its laidback beach club vibes (there’s a DJ playing from noon until night) mean it’s not only the place to see some of the most spectacular panoramic views across the Solent but it’s the place to be seen – celebrities such as James Martin, Benedict Cumberbatch and Kate Winslet are said to be fans.
After a quick ferry crossing from the mainland, guests can arrange to be collected from the port by Surf or Turf, The Hut’s renovated Land Rover 101s or, if arriving by private boat, the team offers a personal tender service, guaranteeing an exciting and swift docking to the table.
Crisp Provence rosé is, of course, available in abundance and provides the perfect accompaniment to the Catalan-style dishes from head chef Lucian Romocea (formerly of The Ned in London), featuring seafood and shellfish caught in the waters that lap the island. And, for those who want to recreate the taste of The Hut at home, the restaurant has released a 10th anniversary cookbook (RRP £25), featuring dishes, such as Whole Roast Bream and Cod and Lobster Risotto and cocktails including the famous 'Painkiller', featuring dark rum, crème de coconut, orange and pineapple juice.
thehutcolwell.co.uk
The Jetty, Southampton
Located right on the water’s edge on a terrace that sits at the heart of Southampton marina, The Jetty’s transparent pods are a new and exciting way to experience coastal dining in Hampshire.
These intimate and contemporary spaces enable groups of family and friends to gather together for an al fresco meal, whatever the weather.
Guests can tuck into a choice of private dining menus from renowned chef patron, Alex Aitken, from
a two or three-course seasonal set menu priced from £28.50 per head to a sharing Surf and Turf or the ultimate Jetty feast priced at £125 per person.
Seating up to eight people, the pods even have individual speakers so diners can play their own music, while pendant lighting provides the perfect dimmed candlelit atmosphere as the light fades.
harbourhotels.co.uk
The Lighthouse, Milford-on-Sea
If you’re looking to get that holiday feeling, head to The Lighthouse in Milford where the beach side vibe is buzzing.
The sister restaurant of The Cliff House and run by husband-and-wife team Hayley Darbishire and Steve Pillinger, the trendy bar and restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in-between. The iconic venue has become renowned for its full lighthouse breakfast and their fish tacos or paella at lunch and dinner, and they do a special ‘nippers’ menu for little ones.
Every Friday evening throughout August, the team hosts Summer Sundowners with live music from acts such as Southampton’s Ed Martin’s duo and a tuk tuk bar offering draught beer and cocktails. Grab a drink and a spot on the sea wall and enjoy!
thelighthousemilford.co.uk
Pebble Beach, Barton-on-Sea
Set on the top of Barton on Sea cliff top, Pebble Beach offers panoramic sea views of the Hampshire and Dorset coastline – from the terrace you can see the Needles, the Purbecks and Bournemouth skyline.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, the restaurant’s summer menu, created by executive chef, Andy Waters, and head chef, Florin Constantinescu, features local ingredients, such as Portland crab and New Forest asparagus and strawberries, served in fine dining feel but in a laidback environment. Outside on the terrace, a more paired-back menu of Wagyu beef burgers, pizza and pasta is available.
Late afternoon/early evening is a popular time to visit for sundowners served from the sunset bar on the terrace (plus it’s Happy Hour from 3pm to 6.30pm), while every Sunday through the summer a DJ plays Ibiza classics from 4pm. Should you not be able to peel yourself away from the glorious setting, Pebble Beach has four bedrooms, including a penthouse, where you can spend the night (from £150 per room in peak season).
pebblebeach-uk.com
