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:
13. Chiquito - Gunwharf Quays
The Gunwharf Quays branch of Chiquito – which specialises in dishes like burritos, fajitas, quesadillas - unveiled a multitude of changes to its menu and decor in July, following two months of closure. The eatery is now the brand’s ‘flagship’ location. Photo: RICHARD BROWN
14. The Lawrence Arms - Lawrence Road
The Lawrence Arms, Southsea, had a triumphant reopening in July following it's closure in February due to a car crashing into it. The vehicle smashed through the pub's wall in the middle of the night, and it needed entensive repairs to get up and running again. Ali and Dev Wearn - landlady and landlord. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (jpns 080723-14) Photo: Chris Moorhouse
15. Baja Mexicalia
Baja Mexicali officially opened its doors to customers in September 2023 and is proving to be a hit with locals. The restaurant has a sister in Whiteley Shopping Centre and it offers a combination of Mexican and Californian food including nachos, wings, tacos and burritos. Pictured: Matthew Wortley, Martin Sanz and Nick Bell at Baja, Stanhope Road, Portsmouth on Wednesday 13th September 2023 Picture: Habibur Rahman Photo: Habibur Rahman