The Lightship is a new culinary offering that accompanies the luxurious parade of yachts and motorboats that moor in the marina. Opening in June of this year, this floating dining spot has transformed the city’s historic 1940s ex-Trinity House lightvessel into a culinary destination with 1940s gastronomic flair.
Unique in its offering, its opening has elevated the dining scene of the Solent, whilst taking full advantage of its expansive waterfront setting. A smart interior filled will plush, dark green velvet booths can be seen downstairs where we sat. Whilst upstairs on the deck is a smart spot to enjoy a drink and snack overlooking the water, and to watch the sunset across The Solent and the historic Portsmouth Harbour.
With inspiration taken from the local area, at the helm is head chef Jamie Fegan who is constantly curating ever-changing seasonal menus that utilise locally caught, fresh fish and high-quality meat, for sophisticated, smart dishes. As the sun dropped beneath the boats, we sat up on the top deck for a pre-dinner aperitif, watching the city wind down whilst fellow nautical guests hopped off and on The Lightship from their own boats.
Downstairs and settled in one of the large, comfortable booths that you’d most likely find in a spacious restaurant (rather than a historical vessel) we ordered highlights from Jamie’s menu of the season. Starting with rich British oysters which we ordered alongside our waitress’ recommended crispy hoisin duck bon bons and a smoked chicken Caesar which a baby gem lettuce, elegantly served with a beer crumb and anchovy gremolata.
Conscious to not miss out on the variety on offer, we shared the main dishes. This included a lamb rump on a wild garlic risotto, with braised pearl onion and samphire with a cod loin served with a salt and vinegar terrine, pea puree, a clever tempura samphire and a warm tartare sauce. Other highlights include pig cheeks with chicory, apple and a potato terrine, a 10 oz rib eye steak, or true to the seaside surroundings a seafood sharing board for two people.
Fusing fruity and sweet flavours, desserts include a passionfruit and pomegranate Eton mess and a blood orange tart with pickled rhubarb. There is also a dark chocolate delice with a salted caramel ice cream and honeycomb and a stylish Italian style affogato which is served under a shot of hot espresso.
With its own mooring spaces situated just beside the renovated vessel, The Lightship welcomes seafarers for sophisticated, post-sailing drinks. In line with the locally led menu, the bar menu also highlights offerings from nearby producers. This includes wines from The Grange, local beers and ales from PowderMonkey, gin from Mermaid Gin and rum from Solent Spirit. Meanwhile, notably impressive cocktails are a twist on modern classics – from the Lightship Collins and a Smoked Old Fashioned, with signature serves including the Spring Garden and Tom Cat.
In continuation of the local theme, the design concept of The Lightship has been led by Isle of Wight designer Tanya Lippuner of Vivus. Tanya has celebrated the ship’s heritage which spans between the 1940s and the 1990’s with a subtle retro touch to the interior. Featuring vintage nautical elements which act as a nod to the ship’s history, she has applied a glamorous take on art deco and mid-century design to blend key designs from across the decades. This results in an elegant dining destination that plays on its past, for the discerning diner of today.
With a view of Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower, The Lightship (formerly known as Mary Mouse 2) had an integral job of guiding light to ships travelling off the coast of Portsmouth. A true beacon of the Hampshire coastline, the reimagination of the ship allows visitors to step aboard a historic ship and sample one of the Solent’s finest new menus that embody the fruits of the south coast in a setting that celebrates an unparalleled history.
The Lightship is one of the latest openings that supports Boatfolk’s goal to reinvent the modern marina and create inclusive communities that serve a new generation of boaters. Dedicating themselves to supporting the planet and the seas, their team believe that through people and places, they can inspire, educate, and influence behaviours to make a positive impact on the marine environment and the planet.
Factbox
Address: The Lightship, Haslar Marina, Gosport, PO12 1NU
Phone: 023 9400 6170
Website: thelightshiphaslar.co.uk
All imagery credit: The Lightship
