Cheap Eats

No one wants to splash the cash on pricey restaurants this month so we’ve pulled together a selection of our favourite cheap but chic eats across Hants and IoW. Aren’t we helpful?

Outside-In, Portsmouth

If you’re in the mood for something cheap and cheerful, but can’t quite decide what to pick then a trip to Portsmouth’s famed Inside-Out food court will see you right. From the epic burgers from trendy London-outfit One Tonne Burger Co. to delicious Venezuelan treats from Arepa2Go, you’ll be able to try a bit from each spot without rinsing the coffers. AND, there’s free parking outside as well.

The Art House, Southampton

The cafe at the Art House is a mecca of tasty treats – for a fraction of the usual vegan pricetag. With a full Middle Eastern Mezze platter a snip at £10.95 and the renowned Chipotle Chilli Enchilada for the same price, you’ll get a lot of bean for your buck on a visit here. Plus, with a calendar full of spoken word and other quirky entertainment, you’ll be hard-pressed for a cheaper evening out.

Ditch the super expensive takeaway pizza and instead pop along to Three Joes. These spots serve up delicious authentic wood-fired, sourdough pizzas, complete with Somerset mozzarella, Dorset pork and chilli oil from Wiltshire. Even their crockery is from nearby Surrey! As well as a hyperlocal vibe, the most expensive pizza on their menu is an absolute snip at just £9.95.

Salix Cafe, Shanklin

With a super simple menu featuring baguettes, baps and jackets, the Salix Cafe may not be the fanciest spot on the Island, but the reviews don’t lie. People love this little spot on Small Hope Beach for its good vibes, cozy log burner and brilliant view of the beach.

River Cottage Canteen, Winchester

The River Cottage is famed for it’s back to basics food offerings and love of British produce. And, Winchester’s very own River Cottage Canteen brings that right to the city’s doorstep. With a menu featuring spiced tomato & yellow split pea dhal and pan-fried hake fillet for a pocket pleasing £12.95 for 2-courses, you’ll be getting plenty of value for money with a visit here.

The Rockstone, Southampton

Tipped as a country pub in the city, The Rockstone has garnered quite the reputation for its hench burger offerings. They are HUGE, weighing in at whopping 10oz a patty. Featuring locally sourced beef with a huge range of toppings, the menu also has some other crackingly named food on its menu (honestly, I can’t stop giggling at the Squid-Life Crisis and the Smother Theresa). With the majority of mains coming in at under £15, you’ll be coming away with a smile on your face and plenty of coin in your purse afterwards.

Forte Kitchen, Winchester

Another Winchester entry is the Forte Kitchen on Parchment Street. With an eclectic breakfast and lunch menu on offer, choose from pocket-friendly options such as hot smoked mackerel, topped with poached eggs, spinach, slow roast plum tomato, dished up on sourdough toast and confit duck Scotch egg – all £13 or less.

This may not seem like a super-swish place to snack but don’t be fooled. The Festival Street Kitchen is often touted as one of Basingstoke’s best places to eat. With a range of burritos, burgers and jackets, they also have their daily ‘Big Pan’ special. If you grab a bite here expect to get change from a ten-pound note, so plenty more cash for mooching around the shops.

Tucked down on the southern stretch of the Island is No64 in Shanklin. This spot is renowned for its fantastic drinks menu and thrifty, but fabulous, Deli Boards. For just £7pp you can have a platter of all sorts of meats, cheeses and other goodies to pick at. This is the ideal place to stop while you explore the quaint sights of Shanklin.

Now, I would very much like to nip to Mauritius for dinner but it certainly won’t be budget-friendly (more’s the pity). However, for a taste of sunshine mixed in with a good dollop of homely cuisine then you must check out Lakaz Maman in Southampton. Not only do they have an amazing range of exotic dishes for you to try while you envision yourself on a sunny beach, but mains start at just £8.95. Also, for another bit of added kudos, it’s owned and run by BBC Masterchef winner, Shelina Permalloo. Very cool.