Business Details
10 Years
experience
Family-Run Waterfront Cafe in Portsmouth Since 2016
Established in July 2016, we are a family-run waterfront eatery located in the historic Hotwalls Barracks in Portsmouth. Our enthusiastic team, led by experienced chefs, serves fresh, wholesome food using local, seasonal produce. We pride ourselves on our daily changing range of cakes, a delicious brunch and lunch menu, and a unique waterfront deck offering panoramic views of the Solent. Our commitment to hospitality extends to our community, with partnerships with local artists and a focus on sustainable practices.We operate a first-come, first-served queueing system, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere seven days a week from 8:00 to 16:00. As part of the Coastal Kitchen family, we strive to create meaningful connections with our customers, suppliers, and the wider community through transparency, respect, and exceptional service.
Services
Breakfast
Lunch
Takeaway
Private Hire
Ice Cream Hut
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We are a family-run business with a passion for local, seasonal produce.
- Our enthusiastic team offers a daily changing range of cakes and fresh meals.
- We operate a first-come, first-served system to ensure fairness and accessibility.
- Our venue provides a unique waterfront setting for private events and casual dining.
- We actively support the local community through partnerships with artists and suppliers.
What people say
Fresh, seasonal produce
Stunning waterfront views
Friendly staff
Delicious breakfast options
Unique event venue
Services
Breakfast
We serve a diverse breakfast menu from 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM, featuring items like our Canteen Breakfast Stack, poached eggs, and waffles. Our dishes use fresh, local ingredients, including seasonal berries and artisan bread. Perfect for starting your day with quality food in a relaxed setting.
Lunch
Our lunch menu runs from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, offering sandwiches, winter warmers, and sides. Highlights include the Chicken Katsu Burger and Smoked Sweet Potato Pie. All meals are crafted with seasonal produce, ensuring a satisfying and wholesome dining experience by the waterfront.
Takeaway
The full menu is available for takeaway, including daily cakes and hot drinks. We partner with Deliveroo and Uber Eats for convenient delivery. Ideal for enjoying our fresh, locally sourced food at home or on the move without compromising on quality or taste.
Private Hire
Our waterfront venue hosts private events for 4080 guests, with packages like canaps, buffets, and seated meals. The historic setting offers a unique backdrop for birthdays, corporate meetings, or celebrations, combining exceptional catering with stunning Solent views.
Ice Cream Hut
During summer, our Ice Cream Hut serves Judes Ice Cream in a variety of flavours. Located next to Studio No 1, its a perfect spot for a refreshing treat while enjoying the vibrant Hotwalls Studios area and waterfront views.
People
Gavin Wight
Head Chef
Gavin leads our kitchen team with expertise in crafting menus that highlight local, seasonal ingredients. His culinary vision ensures every dish at The Canteen reflects our commitment to quality and community-focused hospitality.
Dario De Santis
Head Chef
Dario co-leads our kitchen, bringing creativity and precision to our breakfast and lunch offerings. His dedication to fresh, wholesome food enhances The Canteens reputation as a destination for locally sourced, expertly prepared meals.
Paul Clansey
Head Chef
Paul contributes to our culinary excellence, ensuring every dish meets high standards of taste and presentation. His experience enriches our teams ability to deliver innovative, seasonal menus that delight our customers.
Sam Sewell
Head Chef
Sam oversees our kitchen operations, focusing on maintaining the quality and consistency of our menus. His leadership ensures that The Canteen continues to offer exceptional food that aligns with our family-run ethos.
Questions
What are The Canteen's opening hours?
We are open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, seven days a week.
Do you offer takeaway options?
Yes, our full menu is available for takeaway, and we partner with Deliveroo and Uber Eats for delivery.
Can I book a private event at The Canteen?
Yes, we host private events for 40–80 guests with tailored food packages. Contact us for details.
Are there payment options available?
We accept card payments and major digital payment methods for your convenience.
Is there a dress code for dining?
No formal dress code; we welcome all guests in casual attire to enjoy our relaxed atmosphere.
Do you cater for dietary restrictions?
Yes, we offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options across our menu. Ask our staff for details.
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