The Canteen is ideally located on the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour, inside the historic hot walls that used to be part of the defence set up. Now a waterfront cafe, it has a passion for local, seasonal food, and serves up fresh food with a focus on quality.
Started by the Coastal Kitchen Family, who also own Abar, The Briny and Camber Wines, the group has perfected the seaside eatery feel, with relaxed decor, nautical vibes, and plenty of natural light. What were originally spaces used to shoot guns from, are now windows to admire the view through, with the best seats in the house overlooking the water and ferries coming into port. When the weather permits, there’s a deck area that is a must see to get the best view of the harbour, and the glistening sea shimmering underneath the sun, making it the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of wine.
There is both a breakfast and lunch menu available, showcasing local produce in classic dishes, from locally caught fish to Spice Island hot sauce. For breakfast, expect scrambled egg with hot sauce, yoghurt and sourdough, and waffles with streaky bacon, maple and pecan butter. Then for lunch, think crab mayo open sandwiches, Guinness welsh rarebits and a canteen ploughmans with sausage roll, cheddar, sliced ham, devilled egg, pickled onions and cornichons. Aside from the main menu, there’s a servery that displays options such as sausage rolls, cheese, chive and bacon scones, and a selection of daily changing cakes that are made fresh in house.
The Canteen came as a much needed addition to the neighbourhood, and has found its home within the renovated hot walls that also boasts ‘The Hut’, an ice cream stall located just along from the cafe, that spends the summer months serving a selection of Judes Ice Creams.