The Club House — Restaurant in Portsmouth

A 90 minute drive along the coast from Brighton to Portsmouth, industrial wind and driving rain conditions.

Arriving in the city on the day of the south coast run, spending another hour finding somewhere to park the car only to get a parking ticket. Stand in the rain for 2 hours get separated from your companions and family. Ending up bedraggled and dripping wet cold and moody.

This was not conducive to a dining experience.

Arriving at the Clubhouse on South sea commons, with this mindset I was already predetermined to have a bad afternoon.

My first impression was not great, I'm thinking an awkwardly laid out dining area, the ambient noise pollution in an echoed high ceilings. Children's noise, loud talking and the impression of unorganised chaos.

So let me clarify, that was definitely more my mindset than the actuality.

We arrived for our booking at 3:00 p.m. it was very busy but our table for nine people was ready after a very short wait.

This was the first Sunday of them providing a double sitting, to say that the staff were working very hard to accommodate everyone's needs is an understatement. Fabulous waiting staff, great personalities and engagement.

Professional but not over formal, I like that.

No I won't pretend that everything was perfect it wasn't, I could go on about the table was a little sticky, but listen they were very busy that day so I overlook it.

Waiting time for our food was uncomfortably long, however we entertained ourselves and it was a nice time spent with friends and family. So actually that was a good thing. The again I recognise they were very busy, the staff also recognise that it was an uncomfortable waiting time for our service and without prompt remove the cost of our drinks from The Bill. This is a highly commended action and went a huge way to make us feel appreciated for being there.

Now the most important part

"THE FOOD".

O.M.G x 2 = OOMMGG.

I had a traditional roast beef Sunday dinner.

Untraditional "Cheese Donut" starter.

Gravy and a Beef Rague, Cauliflower Cheese Bake and Of course Potatoes and Veg.

No need to go into micro details,

IT WAS THE BEST COMBO ROAST DINNER FLAVOUR KICKING ROAST SATISFYING EVENT FOR YEARS.

IT KICKED ASS.

It shouldn't of, didn't look like it would, I didn't want it to, I wanted it to fail badly.

Great work everyone. I will happily drive again in wind and rain to eat there on a...

Really disappointed with our visit to The Club House. I was expecting good things as it's such a lovely venue and location but it seems that they really haven't found their feet yet. Children's meal of sandwich (full size, most not eaten), crisps (not the usual kids choices) and drink - £7. The latte was nice but seemed small (£3.40) and so were the bacon rolls (£3.99 I think) and chips (about £3.50-4) but nothing spectacular and not the cheapest. The menu is really limited, which is fine as they are just starting out. However most had weird ingredients that put me off - e.g. pickled turnip, cheese pancakes! We missed the delicious smoothies and cakes from Watkins days. There were also no sun-shades at the outside benches and inside lacked any atmosphere at all - plus plastic cups and canteen style crockery. They are really missing a trick. They need to get a good selection of freshly made icecream to get the punters in. There were so many people at the splashpool and on the common - they need to do something to get people in. Service was slow but fairly friendly. Though everyone looked stressed. Perhaps invest in an interior designer too - fake marble tables and plastic plants don't...

I've had the pleasure of visiting The Club House many times since its opening and wanted to share my experience. Amidst some unfair reviews, I believe in giving new businesses a chance to shine. This café has impressed me with great coffee, delicious food, friendly staff, superb location, and inspiring journey.

The menu is a delight, offering a unique range of options. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared using fresh and local ingredients. The café has friendly staff who are committed to creating a hospitable environment.

The location is perfect, offers views of the common and is a stones throw away from the beach.

I'd like to emphasise the journey this café has undertaken. Starting with limited revenue, their unwavering dedication and hard work is beginning to pay off. It's inspiring to witness their commitment and growth.

I implore everyone to support this café and appreciate the hard work that goes into building something new. Let's cherish the magic of a new hidden gem...