Monday 3 December 2012

The Chambers, Landport Terrace

Finding somewhere stylish around town to lounge over a relaxed breakfast/brunch is quite a challenge. Well not any more.  Please may I welcome you to 'The Chambers'.  It's urbane environment makes it a perfect choice for a weekend treat with friends.

Located at 27 Landport Terrace The Chambers has only been open a few weeks, and seems to be making waves in the right ways.

Rather than plump for the obvious choice of a Saturday night booking, I thought I'd pop in for a spot of breakfast last Saturday morning as I'd seen them advertise breakfast between 8am-midday.

The choice is good.  Full English, eggs Benedict, eggs Florentine, grilled Kippers to name a few.  I'm a sucker for eggs Benedict, so I ordered that, but requested to have it with smoked salmon rather than ham.  This was not a problem and the helpful confident waiter made the amendment.  It was great to kick back in a wing back chair and read the papers on offer whilst sipping Earl Grey and waiting for the food to arrive.

It is much bigger inside than you think.  They can seat over 70, and it has a section upstairs too.  It's elaborate layout will certainly appeal to the well heeled crowd of Portsmouth.

But is it style over substance?  Not at all!  This seductive newcomer totally wowed me with the best Hollandaise sauce I have ever had anywhere locally - it was a delight!  The dish was rich in colour and taste (from the good quality egg yolks), creamy and well thought out, I was impressed the chef added hints of chopped fresh tarragon to elevate this smoked salmon version.  Now that's what I call care and attention to detail.  My muffin was slightly over toasted, but nothing worth complaining over, and as for the price my dish came in at a very reasonable £4.75, (when compared to a Gunwharf chain that charges £5.75 for their ordinary version).

So all in all I'm loving what I see and eat.  The main menu has some nice additional finds for people who just want to go along and soak up the atmosphere in the lounge area (such as a bottle of house wine and a choice of Moules-Frites or Nachos with Guacamole and toppings for £20).  They also offer a 'Champagne and Oyster Friday' consisting of a bottle of house Champagne served with oysters for £39 for 6 Oysters, £45 for 12 Oysters.

Have you been for a main meal here - what did you think?  With this establishment and The Garage Lounge in Albert Road I hear myself saying.....

  "Finally - restaurants with a bit of decadent style in Southsea!"....watch out Brighton!!!!