Where better to escape a grey and gloomy day than the glorious Restaurant 1865 at the Queens Hotel in Southsea.
And who better to share the experience with than Portsmouth City Council’s Head of Economic Development, Jane Lamer.
Grandeur on a decadent scale sums up the architectural confection that is the Queens Hotel. An Edwardian building, the hotel has been transformed by the owners who took her on in 2017 and their multi-million pound investment has saved a seaside gem for future generations to enjoy.
Scanning the menu, I was overjoyed when Jane said she would join me in a carb fest that would help to obliterate any thoughts of the storms massing over the Solent.
While the aubergine and cashew tagine was tempting, I was captivated by the idea of the Old Winchester &Truffle Double Baked Souffle with a side order of Truffle & Parmesan fries.
(There’s something so liberating about ordering the dish from the menu that you really fancy isn’t there? And it turns out Jane agreed too).
As Jane and I chatted about the Central South and all the opportunities there are for our wonderful region, we were able to take in the delightful décor of Restaurant 1865.
Design duo Studio Kinford (who have worked on such grand London hotels as The Corinthia and The Connaught) came up with the concept that retains all the Edwardian elegance and adds a contemporary twist.
The chairs are so comfortable, you wish you could enjoy a long, lazy lunch but sadly both Jane and I have meetings to attend.
With a flourish our souffles arrive, swiftly followed by the fries and the lovely waitress who served us bid us to enjoy the meal before us.
It’s just as well it was a starter portion – the souffle is rich and flavoursome with a red onion marmalade and chive cream sauce.
Double truffle is always worth pursuing in my book and the fries were a delicious accompaniment.
Replete, Jane and I picked-up our conversation and bemoaned the fact that business lunches have become a bit of a thing of the past.
Taking time away from the office to build business relationships is always worthwhile and if you can tuck into some delightful food at the same time, it has to be worth it.
As we’d both chosen a starter and no main course, it would have been rude not to sample a pudding wouldn’t it? Soooooooooooo we agreed to share a Crème Brulee.
Light and creamy underneath with the satisfying crack of caramelised sugar on top, we made light work of it and followed it up with mint tea for me and a coffee for Jane.
All in all it was a delight. Great company, delicious food, unfussy and friendly service… what more could you ask for?
Business South Champions can secure a 10% discount for lunch at the Queens – please quote Business South when you book.
