The Crate Trafalgar — Restaurant in Portsmouth

Crate Scott!

What a treat.

If you're arriving by foot, it's going to feel like you're going the wrong way into the Trafalgar Wharf business estate. But you're not, keep going past the enormous concrete circles that you might recognise from the Portchester skyline (what are they? Hamster wheels? Christmas tree wrapping hoop for a Giant Redwood? Part of the channel tunnel that got lost?), and follow signs til eventually you get to the waterfront. The smell of delicious breakfasts and steaming coffee emanating from the corrugated iron box? That means you've arrived.

Inside the Crate is a dainty and glorious little cafe, with seats and smiles aplenty. On the outdoor decking is an extremely well stocked bar and some waterfront views that will make you happy it's summer/ envious it isn't summer.

The food I had was lush. The drinks also. And the service is second to none. I felt so at home. Also there were dogs inside, so if you have dogs or simply enjoy being near dogs, that's another bonus.

If I have any critical feedback it would simply be that an extra few chairs with backs to them would be welcome on the outdoor spot. I managed to score a deckchair but some of the other patrons sat on picnic benches had a gaze of envy locked in my direction. Tough luck, I got there first. Also the toilets are 10 seconds away from the actual establishment (gorgeous toilets that have a shower in them for some reason).

Otherwise, 10/10. It's going to be absolutely heaving once everybody learns about this place and realises it's better than the other upmarket waterside cafe in Portchester (rhymes with Malt Tafé). For now, get down there and enjoy this corrugated...

I'll start by stating that the coffee is great here(I can't speak to the quality of the food as i am yet to try it) had a cappachinoon my first visit and an iced latte on my second both were nice and it has to be said the atmosphere here is unmatched(despite it being in a somewhat obscure location) there is plenty of natural light coming in regardless of where you choose to sit, the theme of the place is inline with it's surroundings with a dock just outside and a shipbuilding warehouse to the right which is actually quite intresting to just watch as they go about their daily activities loading and unloading vessels into the water and such. Overall really unique little cafe if you know how to get here it's worth the drive, i'll finish by mentioning that they have a bar and subsequently bar nights with things like wine tasting, spanish themed night, various bands etc. But I am yet to visit during one of these events though if it's as good as this place is during the day I imagine i'll go to one...

Eclectic cafe bar in the middle of a working dockyard. Not sure if you get a discount if you own a Range Rover or BMW SUV but most of Britain’s imports of these vehicles are to be found parked badly in the car park. Using the white lines in the car park are seemingly optional. The food here is great and served with a genuine smile by the staff. In summer this is a glorious place to sit out and enjoy the Mediterranean vibes. From November you can do the same do the Baltic vibe with the wind and waves whipping across the ocean that separates the Trafalgar yard from Port Solent. The Crate is on the expensive side (and is it owned by the same gang as Salt?) but it’s the nearest you are going to get to the Malibu lifestyle in a Portsmouth post code. I would quite like to sample the Crate in the evening but SWMBO is binge watching Gilmore Girls. In summary: great place, great food,...