Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</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/17/2022/08/The-Queens-Hotel-Southsea-exterior-min.jpg" alt="The Queen's Hotel Southsea Portsmouth Hampshire" class="wp-image-27943" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/The-Queens-Hotel-Southsea-exterior-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/The-Queens-Hotel-Southsea-exterior-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/The-Queens-Hotel-Southsea-exterior-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/The-Queens-Hotel-Southsea-exterior-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/The-Queens-Hotel-Southsea-exterior-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>One of the grandest addresses in Portsmouth, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-queens-hotel-portsmouth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Queens Hotel</a> dates back to 1865. It was originally converted to be a smart holiday destination for well-to-do Victorian tourists. Then after a fire in 1902, it was rebuilt in a grand, Edwardian baroque style with brown terracotta exteriors and lavish, statement interiors.</p>



<p>Over the last few years this grand dame of a hotel &#8211; close to the beach and pier on the edge of Southsea common &#8211; has been extensively refurbished once again as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment. Indoor and outdoor dining and a year-round programme of events and destination restaurant makes the modern-day Queens Hotel a buzzy city spot to eat, play and stay.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</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/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-lobby-min.jpg" alt="The Queen's Hotel Southsea Portsmouth lobby reception area" class="wp-image-27938" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-lobby-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-lobby-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-lobby-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-lobby-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-lobby-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Checking in with my husband and our nine year-old son, we’re pleased to find ample free parking on site. (Always a bonus in a city location). Restored to its glorious heyday, the magnificent Edwardian reception area impressive. You can totally imagine the opulent parties that went on there all those years ago.</p>



<p>As we’re here slightly early, we leave our luggage at reception and stroll over to Gunwharf Quays for a spot of shopping, followed by a spot of lunch at <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/abar-bistro/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abar Bistro</a> (recommended), just minutes from the hotel. Really making the most of the location, we also wandered around the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. After, we went on board HMS Warrior – which my son raved to his mates about.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">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/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-Dukes-Bar-min.jpg" alt="Duke's Bar at The Queen's Hotel Southsea" class="wp-image-27937" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-Dukes-Bar-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-Dukes-Bar-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-Dukes-Bar-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-Dukes-Bar-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-Dukes-Bar-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Back at the hotel it’s a quick freshen up, then across the landings and down the sweeping staircases (amazing banisters to slide down – shh!) where we find the rather splendid Dukes Bar for a pre-dinner cocktail. </p>



<p>The mojito (my choice) was delicious. Mr H had a well-executed Negroni (his fave). And Master H had an orange mocktail which got the nod of approval. Worth booking a table though – especially at weekends. The bar is popular and it gets busy with guests and locals in here pretty early. If you like to party, there&#8217;s also a fab fun <a href="https://queenshotelportsmouth.com/whats-on/winter-lodge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Lodge</a> here open throughout December.</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/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-1865-restaurant-min.jpg" alt="Restaurant 1865 The Queen's Hotel Southsea Portsmouth" class="wp-image-27935" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-1865-restaurant-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-1865-restaurant-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-1865-restaurant-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-1865-restaurant-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-1865-restaurant-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Equally stylish – a mix of old-world opulence and modern interiors chic – Restaurant 1865 is a really beautiful setting. Staff welcomed us warmly. Like the rest of The Queen&#8217;s, there&#8217;s none of the fuss or stuffiness you sometimes find in grand hotel dining rooms. (After you’ve ordered, pause for a moment to admire the beautiful high ceilings).</p>



<p>The menu, it turns out, is also a relaxed affair. Executive chef Simon Hartnett (proudly Pompey born and bred) has worked at a number of Five-Star hotels. He&#8217;s big on modern British dishes and casual classics made using good ingredients from local producers and suppliers, which shine through on the menu.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="713" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-hotel-burata-starter-min-1000x713.jpg" alt="Burata citrus salad Restaurant 1865 The Queen's Hotel Southsea Portsmouth" class="wp-image-29334" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-hotel-burata-starter-min-1000x713.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-hotel-burata-starter-min-800x570.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-hotel-burata-starter-min-768x547.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-hotel-burata-starter-min-737x525.jpg 737w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-hotel-burata-starter-min.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For starters, I opt for a melt-in-the-mouth burrata salad with palate-cleansing citrus. Hungry after his adventures, Master H tucked into good old chicken and chips from the kid’s menu.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1425" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-Burger-min.jpg" alt="Queens burger Restaurant 1865 Southsea" class="wp-image-29332" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-Burger-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-Burger-min-800x760.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-Burger-min-1000x950.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-Burger-min-768x730.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-Burger-min-553x525.jpg 553w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>On to the mains and it was a whopper of a Queens Burger with melted cheddar for me. Yep, it really does come with crispy bacon and really good chips &#8211; a real weekend treat.</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/17/2022/12/QueensHotel-restaurant-1865-min.jpg" alt="Restaurant 1865 pork and scallop dish with roast celeriac purée, lyonnaise potato terrine" class="wp-image-29335" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/QueensHotel-restaurant-1865-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/QueensHotel-restaurant-1865-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/QueensHotel-restaurant-1865-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/QueensHotel-restaurant-1865-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/QueensHotel-restaurant-1865-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Mr. H had a superb pork and tender scallop dish with roast celeriac purée, lyonnaise potato terrine, stuffed savoy cabbage and honey and mustard sauce.</p>



<p>I’m not a big fan of puddings but Mr. H is persuaded when he spies the old-school spotted dick served with Portsmouth rum custard on the menu. Must have been all those adventures in the Historic Dockyard earlier.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">STAY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1106" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-Bedroom-min.jpg" alt="Bedroom The Queen's Hotel Southsea Portsmouth review" class="wp-image-29331" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-Bedroom-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-Bedroom-min-800x590.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-Bedroom-min-1000x737.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-Bedroom-min-768x566.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-Bedroom-min-712x525.jpg 712w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Most of the rooms at the Queens Hotel are now fully refurbished and many – including our Superior Family Room &#8211; have spectacular panoramic views over The Solent. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1485" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-hotel-bathroom-min.jpg" alt="Bathroom The Queen's Hotel Southsea Portsmouth review" class="wp-image-29333" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-hotel-bathroom-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-hotel-bathroom-min-800x792.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-hotel-bathroom-min-1000x990.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-hotel-bathroom-min-768x760.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Queens-hotel-bathroom-min-530x525.jpg 530w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Big comfy beds are very welcome after a busy day. The fluffy white towels and smart bathroom to relax in is too, with modern Edwardian-style white tiling. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">DOG FRIENDLY</h2>



<p>Yes &#8211; the Queens Hotel has dog friendly bedrooms and dogs are allowed in the bar and communal areas, just not the restaurant.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>The hotel is access friendly. There’s a wheelchair-friendly entrance around Osbourne Road adjacent to the hotel lift and accessible bedrooms.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="770" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Mary-Rose-with-child-min-1000x770.jpg" alt="Boy on the mast of HMS Warrior Portsmouth Historic Dockyard" class="wp-image-29330" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Mary-Rose-with-child-min-1000x770.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Mary-Rose-with-child-min-800x616.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Mary-Rose-with-child-min-768x591.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Mary-Rose-with-child-min-682x525.jpg 682w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Mary-Rose-with-child-min.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Right in the heart of Southsea, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, the Queens Hotel sits on the edge of Southsea Common in walking distance of the <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://www.historicdockyard.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portsmouth Historic Dockyard</a>, home to attractions like HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and King Henry VII’s historic Mary Rose. </p>



<p><a href="https://southseacastle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southsea Castle</a>, from where Henry VIII watched his beloved Mary Rose sink, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. <a href="https://www.spinnakertower.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Spinnaker Tower</a> is also less than a mile away and can be seen from the hotel bar and garden. In summer, Southsea Common plays host to some brilliant events, including the mighty <a href="https://www.victoriousfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Victorious Festival</a> and the International Kite Festival.&nbsp;For more information, check out <a href="https://www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Visit Portsmouth</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp;Girly shopping and cocktails, get togethers and families with not-quite teens who’ll love the historic location. There’s some beautiful reception rooms you can hire which are great for special celebrations.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:&nbsp;</strong>The Queens Hotel is really popular with locals and has a busy, city vibe, especially at weekend, so not somewhere you’d pick for a peaceful retreat. As it&#8217;s a very old building, rooms here have different layouts – so worth checking before you book.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Rooms start at around £250 for a twin room with sea views, rising to around £500 for a large double and £550 for a superior family room like ours. In the restaurant, mains are between £14 and £26.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://queenshotelportsmouth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Queens Hotel</a>, 2 Osborne Road, Clarence Parade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3LJ, Tel. 02392 822466</em></p>


Review: The Queens Hotel, Southsea

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