New waterside restaurant, The Lightship, to open in Solent
09 June 2023
On 30th June, the Solent will welcome its most exciting new opening: The Lightship at Haslar Marina from boatfolk.
With an idyllic position on the English waters, this anticipated drinking and dining delight transforms Portsmouth’s historic 1940’s ex-Trinity House lightvessel to offer a restaurant with 1940’s gastronomic flair.
The Lightship will offer both a high-end dining experience mid deck that combines 1940s retro with contemporary touches and a more relaxed, drop-in spot on the top deck for seafood platters and cocktails with a vibrant atmosphere and a sunset backdrop. The boat’s iconic location boasts unparalleled views across The Solent and the historic Portsmouth Harbour.
The perfect spot for intimate suppers, the mid-deck restaurant has an ever-changing seasonal menu designed by Head Chef Jamie Fegan, inspired by The Lightship’s surroundings. Using fresh, locally caught fish and the finest seasonal produce, the menu is packed with an array of simple but perfectly crafted dishes.
Highlights from Jamie’s menu include British oysters served with a selection of dressings, Crab ravioli served with lobster bisque and samphire, Turbot fillet served with The Grange velouté, tempura rock oyster, pickled radish, asparagus and pea as well as Pig Cheek accompanied by chicory, apple, potato terrine, pea puree, cider jus.
The top deck can accommodate 80 seated guests and boasts a bespoke seating area built within the ship’s iconic tower, as a playful nod to this unique architectural detail of the venue. Meanwhile, the inside mid-deck can host 70 seated inside, with a further 30 outside.
The Lightship will offer an impressive range of drinks from local producers including wines from The Grange, local beers and ales from PowderMonkey, gin from Mermaid Gin and rum from Solent Spirit. Cocktails on offer will include a selection of modern classics with a twist, including the Lightship Collins and a Smoked Old Fashioned, as well as signature serves including the Spring Garden and Tom Cat.
The iconic vessel was removed from the water towards the end of last year and has undergone an extensive refurbishment with a brand-new dining space created mid-deck.
Bringing some 1940s glitz and glam to Haslar Marina, the interiors of The Lightship have been completely transformed by Tanya Lippuner of Isle of Wight based interior designers, Vivus. The interior scheme marries the branding of the Lightship with the history of the ship's service, which spanned from the 1940s until the 1990s. The outcome is a lightly retro-themed interior with a glamorous take on art deco and mid-century design, bringing together an amalgamation of key design periods of the time. The décor itself features vintage nautical elements as a nod to the ship’s history.
