While recent years have proved difficult for business owners across the hospitality sector, some intrepid entrepeneurs have realised their dreams by opening new restaurants and bars in and around the city.
We’ve put together a list of some of the food and drink establishments which opened in the Portsmouth area this summer – and were previously featured in The News.
Here are 13 places to eat and drink which are new to Hampshire – or have re-opened following rennovation – for summer 2023:
5. Kumo Japanese restaurant - Fareham
Kumo officially opened on Sunday, July 2 – following a “soft launch” in June - and is situated at 10 West Street, Fareham - formerly the site of Ask Italian restaurant. It is owned and operated by Tao Peng and his wife Mao Mao. Pictured: Staff of Kumo, Manager Mao Mao with waitresses, Daisy Chapman and Natasha Hirst on Wednesday 12th July 2023. Picture: Habibur Rahman Photo: Habibur Rahman
6. The Panormus Pizzeria - 53 Albert Road, Southsea
The Panormus Pizzeria found a new permanent Southsea home in June, having served customers from the Outside-in food court in Middle Street for four years. Pictured is owner Vince Capasso at Panormus Pizzeria . Picture: Habibur Rahman Photo: Habibur Rahman
7. The Lightship - Haslar Marina, Gosport
The Lightship Restaurant and Bar – the first floating restaurant in the Solent - takes its name from its historic vessel structure and offers a high-end dining experience split across the decks of restored lightship the Mary Mouse 2, which acted as a floating lighthouse for other ships between the 1940s and 1990s. Cocktails and communal style dining will be served on the top deck from a chilled deli counter which includes seafood, charcuterie and cheese - while the fore deck and main mid deck restaurant offers more traditional a la carte dining in the non-traditional setting. Pictured is: Lauren Bayles, general manager of The Lightship. Picture: Sarah Standing Photo: Sarah Standing
8. Zaytoona Morrocan Restaurant - Marmion Road, Southsea
Zaytoona Moroccan Restaurant officially opened in Marmion Road, Southsea, on June 30, 2023. Pictured is: The Arrabetou family (l-r) Eissa, Hakem, Sammy, Yuniss, Hamoody and Zainab. Picture: Sarah Standing Photo: Sarah Standing