Eating Ashore Gosport

Channel Sailor

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Portsmouth (UK)
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Those that visit Gosport occasionally will I am sure will know about the The Castle pub which you trip over when walking out from the marinas, the cafe opposite and The Great Wall (if still there). Is there anywhere else a short walking distance that is worth a try for good value crew hearty food? The entire Clipper Round The World fleet is based there so I cannot believe those hungry crews all fit in one pub. Make it easy for the moderators, no negative comments just positive.
 
I had a mooring off Gosport and never found anywhere decent, but that was 1987 on for a few years.

It's not that drastic to get the ferry, there are lots of good places in the Quays and Old Portsmouth / Southsea.
 
Based upon experience, I'd go back to the:
1 - Castle Tavern
2 - Crew Mess Cafe (daytime)
3 - The Great Wall (if still open)
4 - The chippy below The Great Wall (can't remember the name)
5 - Can't remember if Nelson's Bar did food: a long night)
6 - Sultan's Grill (a lot of a walk but great kebabs)
7 - Gosport Masonic centre (a well kept secret...)
8 - The Victualler (expensive on opening night, probably improved since)
9 - T&J Chinese
 
Based upon experience, I'd go back to the:
1 - .......
3 - The Great Wall (if still open)
4. ........

I've got to say the Great Wall is one of the worst slop shops I have ever had the misfortune of eating in. Sorry for the negativity, but it's really really bad!
 
I've got to say the Great Wall is one of the worst slop shops I have ever had the misfortune of eating in. Sorry for the negativity, but it's really really bad!

It used to be nice 20-odd years ago, I suspect Gunwharf killed it?
 
It used to be nice 20-odd years ago, I suspect Gunwharf killed it?

I think that's right, Gunwharf has decimated the restaurants and bars on both the Gosport and Portsmouth sides. My kids are a perfect example; off the boat and onto the ferry without caring to even consider local options.

To add something to the list: The Boat House Cafe in Premier Marinas is good for breakfast, lunch, and also dinner if one keeps away from the fancier offerings. It is however rammed by the Clipper trainees on whatever days they run their courses.
 
Is anywhere a short walk from the visitor's pontoon in Gosport? Last time I got the short straw and had to go and collect the take away from the marina reception, which was a hike in itself. That attractions ashore are, well, unattractive, Gosport is definitely a place to provision well for eating aboard.
 
Is anywhere a short walk from the visitor's pontoon in Gosport? Last time I got the short straw and had to go and collect the take away from the marina reception, which was a hike in itself. That attractions ashore are, well, unattractive, Gosport is definitely a place to provision well for eating aboard.

It's probably quicker to take the tender across to the Bridge Tavern or the American.
 
It's been a while since we were in clarence marina but a quick google shows that the G's (which used to shut at random times even if customers were still in the bar) is now "The Victualler" and Red's (comically dire service and random food) is now "Arty's". Anyone got any experience of either?

I note that the Pizza place that used to deliver to Clarence from Fareham has closed down. Anyone got a recommendation for decent (ie not dominos or pizza hut) pizza delivery options to the Gosport marinas?
 
I live in the area and have always found the Castle famous for a gert big plateful of hearty grub. In fact I would say if you are not hungry don't eat there! The Chinkie at the great wall has gone down hill but the takeaway chippie was always reasonable although a long time since i got a takeaway there as Lee-on-Solent where I live has the best chippie in the area........
 
I can't remember ever having a good meal in Gosport town centre but I have had good dinners at Pebbles on the beach at Stokes Bay and at the hotel in the centre of Alverstoke village.
 
"Trinity's" (Haslar lightship restaurant) is fantastic and I greatly enjoy watching the shipping passing by from the window—you feel the wake gently rocking you a few seconds later. It is pricy though.
 
I've always found the lightship a bit unwelcoming. If you were "in" all well and good but otherwise they acted as if they were doing you a favour by serving you and taking your money. I've not been there for about seven years. The brasserie across the road from the Haslar Marina Entrance passed though a couple of hands over the years but has always had a reliably welcome attitude and although a little pricey, last time (£14.00 for fish chips and peas) it was excellent and the beer was good, although they did rely on "Presser pap" rather than "Real ALe".
 
We were in lightship at Haslar aka Mary Mouse after the wives of the marina founders over weekend It has recently been refurbished over winter and was much improved. Now offering tapas style courses s well as steaks etc plus real ale in real barrel and good selection of wines. The table space has also increased and it's all looking much brighter so definitely worth a try if you are visiting. We haven't been back to Hardy's now run by same management of late but recent acquisition might have improved the offerings. Plus one also for Pebbles on beach but a cycle or car ride away. Otherwise as mentioned the cafe at next marina down is fine . Best place to eat if time permits and fancy some sightseeing etc is to catch the ferry to gunwharf and visit the brasserie restaurants on far side if Loch fyne doesn't appeal or further along travel to southsea which has budget eateries aplenty near the kings theatre in Albert road environs. For those looking for something special you can book the Warrior for that special birthday dinner etc and spinnaker tower has a good cafe if looking for a snack with a view.
 
I've always found the lightship a bit unwelcoming. If you were "in" all well and good but otherwise they acted as if they were doing you a favour by serving you and taking your money. I've not been there for about seven years. The brasserie across the road from the Haslar Marina Entrance passed though a couple of hands over the years but has always had a reliably welcome attitude and although a little pricey, last time (£14.00 for fish chips and peas) it was excellent and the beer was good, although they did rely on "Presser pap" rather than "Real ALe".

I think you should give it another go, if passing—the staff have always seemed very friendly and welcoming to me, and indeed although I go in perhaps twice a year at most, they often seem to recognise me, which is impressive by any restaurant standards!

Regards
William
 
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