Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE? </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Exterior.jpg" alt="On the 9th Hole at The Tenth Hole cafe and golf course Southsea Portsmouth" class="wp-image-35681" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Exterior.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Exterior-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Exterior-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Exterior-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Part of Portsmouth’s independent, family-owned Coastal Kitchen group, The Tenth Hole tearooms is adjoined to a 9-hole golf course right on Southsea Seafront. Open for breakfasts, lunch and pop-in tea and coffee with super tasty cakes, the popular spot is always busy, especially at the weekend, though friendly and capable staff mean regulars and visitors never need to wait long for a table or service.</p>



<p>While the tearooms have been around for over 30 years (revamped by The Coastal Kitchen Co. in 2014 and again in 2024), the golf course here was founded decades earlier 1914. In fact, it lays claim to being the oldest Pitch and Putt course in the world. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<p>Judging by the crowd of people dining alongside us on a busy Sunday morning – not to mention the fact that it was voted as Best Hampshire Café in the 2014 Muddy Awards by an army of loyal fans – The Tenth Hole is as popular today as it’s ever been.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1310" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Corner-table.jpg" alt="Table at the Tenth Hole cafe Southsea" class="wp-image-35678" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Corner-table.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Corner-table-800x699.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Corner-table-1000x873.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Corner-table-768x671.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A world away from identikit coffee chains, The Tenth Hole is full of personality. Recently revamped interiors are light and friendly with potted plants dangling from the ceilings and local maps, prints and photos of smiling cake-scoffing children and adults on the walls. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-counter-hero-image.jpg" alt="Cake cabinet at The Tenth Hole cafe tearooms Southsea" class="wp-image-35679" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-counter-hero-image.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-counter-hero-image-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-counter-hero-image-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-counter-hero-image-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Star of the show is the enormous glass fronted counter beside the kitchen and till, full of a huge selection of tempting treats, freshly baked in-house.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-English-Breakfast.jpg" alt="English Breakfast cafe" class="wp-image-35680" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-English-Breakfast.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-English-Breakfast-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-English-Breakfast-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-English-Breakfast-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Popping by for breakfast, Mr Muddy started the day off with a plateful of bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, egg and beans while I had a loaded Veggie Butty. Tasty vegan sausage, egg and hash browns were sandwiched between two enormous, soft doorstep-loaf slices with chewy crusts from local baker, Portsmouth Commercial Bakery. Delicious.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Brunch.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35676" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Brunch.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Brunch-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Brunch-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Brunch-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Having perused the Tiny Tenth Holers children’s menu, Miss Eight invokes weekend privileges and insists on a double sugar hit of pancakes with Nutella and a hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-hot-chocolate.jpg" alt="Hot chocolate with whipped cream flake Southsea Tenth Hole cafe Portsmouth" class="wp-image-35683" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-hot-chocolate.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-hot-chocolate-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-hot-chocolate-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-hot-chocolate-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If you’re here for lunch, the menu has loads to choose from. Like freshly made soup, pie of the week, doorstep sandwiches, toasties, winter salad and wraps. Special mention too for The Tenth Hole’s famous Mac and Cheese, with added toppings like bacon, tomato and pesto or onion if you fancy them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-golf">GOLF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Golf-entry-1000x667.jpg" alt="The Tenth Hole golf course Southsea Portsmouth Hampshire" class="wp-image-35682" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Golf-entry-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Golf-entry-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Golf-entry-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Golf-entry.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Suitably carb-laden, we collected some clubs and a score card and headed out for a few holes of golf. Despite the inclement autumn drizzle it was a really fun way to spend the morning. With friendly encouragement from the family, my beginner whack-it-and-hope-for-the-best approach sent balls flying both a little short and way, way too long. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Millie-Duncan.jpg" alt="The Tenth Hole golf course Southsea Portsmouth Hampshire" class="wp-image-35684" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Millie-Duncan.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Millie-Duncan-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Millie-Duncan-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Millie-Duncan-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Mr. Muddy fared better with a couple of near hole-in-ones &#8211; but he also fired one shot skyward right into a tree. Then it was time for a new game of hunt-the-lost-ball-among-the-fallen-leaves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cake">CAKE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-cake.jpg" alt="Cake at The Tenth Hole Southsea Hampshire cafe tearooms" class="wp-image-35685" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-cake.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-cake-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-cake-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-cake-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>After playing (most of) the 9 holes, we headed back to the café to warm up with a spot of tea and share an utterly delicious strawberry-topped jam-laden sponge and a rich chocolate cake from the cabinet. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Cake-2.jpg" alt="chocolate cake The Tenth Hole cafe Southsea Portsmouth Hampshire" class="wp-image-35677" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Cake-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Cake-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Cake-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Tenth-Hole-Cake-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If time (or appetite) doesn&#8217;t allow, you can always get a slice or two boxed up to go. The Tenth Hole also sells whole cakes but you&#8217;ll need to call up in advance to order.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly-nbsp">KID-FRIENDLY?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Very – the Tiny Tenth Holers menu is full of kid pleasers and the delicious loaded hot chocolate is perfect for café-loving kids. Children have to be over six to play golf and there’s no pushchairs allowed on the course.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-dogs-too">AND DOGS, TOO?</h2>



<p>Dogs are welcomed in the covered terrace beside the golf course and the café is popular with locals dropping by after a walk along the beach. There’s no dogs allowed inside the café or on the golf course.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disability-access">DISABILITY ACCESS</h2>



<p>The Tenth Hole is all ground floor and wheelchair access is possible. No wheelchairs are allowed on the greens.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/Spinnaker-Tower-Portsmouth.jpg" alt="Spinnaker Tower Portsmouth views attractions Hampshire" class="wp-image-27643" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/Spinnaker-Tower-Portsmouth.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/Spinnaker-Tower-Portsmouth-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/Spinnaker-Tower-Portsmouth-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/Spinnaker-Tower-Portsmouth-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/Spinnaker-Tower-Portsmouth-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There’s loads of cool and quirky shops and weekend markets around Southsea’s Palmerston and Marmion Roads. Attractions-wise <a href="https://www.southparadepier.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Parade Pier</a>, <a href="https://theddaystory.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The D-Day Story museum</a> and <a href="https://southseacastle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southsea Castle</a>, from where Henry VIII watched his beloved Mary Rose sink, are all nearby. Slightly further afield, <a href="https://www.historicdockyard.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portsmouth Historic Dockyard</a> is home to The Mary Rose itself, HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and the Action Stations Commando Museum. Or have a mooch around the designer shops in Gunwharf and get a birds-eye view from the iconic <a href="https://www.spinnakertower.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spinnaker Tower</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Weekend brunches and delicious coffee, tea and cakes at budget friendly prices. Adding on a round of golf is a really fun way to spend a morning with the family.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> If you don’t drive, you might find the location a bit tricky to get to via public transport. The nearest train station (Fratton) is around 30 minutes’ walk. Younger kids will find plenty to eat but the golf is better suited to older children and teens.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Breakfasts and lunches cost from £9-£13. A round of golf is £5 per person/£4.50 for concessions.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.thetenthhole.co.uk/">The Tenth Hole</a>, Eastern Parade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO4 9RF.</em></p>


Review: The Tenth Hole, Southsea

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