Right in the heart of Southsea just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, the historic Queens Hotel sits on the edge of Southsea Common in walking distance of Southsea Castle, the South Parade Pier, the D-Day Museum and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to attractions like HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and King Henry VII’s historic Mary Rose.

Originally built in 1861 as a large private home, the building was converted into a hotel around 1865 as a smart base for the Victorian tourists who had begun flocking here in droves. In 1902, the hotel was rebuilt after a fire, this time in a grand, Edwardian baroque style with brown terracotta exteriors and lavish, statement interiors.

After taking over the Queens Hotel in 2017, the current owners have spectacularly restored Southsea’s historic grand dame once again, commissioning a multi-million-pound redevelopment. The work included modernising bedrooms and returning grand public areas like the lobby, bars and restaurants to their former glory, uncovering gorgeous original features along the way.

Now the Queens Hotel is, quite simply, one of the best addresses in Portsmouth. Rooms are elegant, comfortable and bang up to date, many with spectacular panoramic views over The Solent.

Studio Kinford, a London-based team with projects for top hotels like The Corinthia and The Connaught under their belts, designed a ‘home away from home’ experience for guests. Think twinkling chandeliers, large leafy palms, traditional bespoke furniture and mid-century vintage items. The signature look continues in the restaurant, bar and conference and meeting room suite on the lower floor, a superb setting for weddings and special occasions.

Destination hotels of course need top restaurants. And the Queens Hotel certainly has one in Restaurant 1865 and its adjourning Duke’s Bar (a must for pre-dinner cocktails and G&Ts).

Geared towards a casual dining experience the Victorians might not have approved of (but modern guests absolutely will), Restaurant 1865 is big on local and seasonal produce. Meat comes from the multi-award winning Buckwells Butchers, right on the hotel’s doorstep, and there’s Hampshire’s Lyburn Cheese and Chalk Stream English Rainbow Trout on the menu, too.

In the kitchen, ‘Pompey born and bred’ Executive Chef Simon Hartnett has a pedigree of working at five-star hotels, including the Harbour Hotel in neighbouring Southampton, and is on a mission to help this “sleeping giant” achieve its full culinary potential.

Afternoon Tea is, rightly, something of an institution at the Queens Hotel. It has the same Southsea relaxed vibe as the restaurant and features a packed platter of treats – all lovingly hand baked. “Fancy but not too over the top,” sums-up Queens Hotel Head of Pastry, Chloe Barter. Sounds a bit like Muddy – and right up our street.

In summer, the Queens Hotel’s newly revamped garden is well used for alfresco drinking and dining and chilled-out Sunday Sessions, with live performers playing from 1 – 5pm. Eats include stone-baked pizzas and sizzling bangers, freshly made in the outdoor grill and kitchen. Yum.