It’s not very often that I can say I have eaten lunch in a 18th century boathouse.

A stone’s throw from the imposing HMS Victory and nestled among the cobbles of Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard, Boathouse No 7 is a unique dining experience.

Set in a converted boathouse, where the sails of the great warships of the newly created Brish naval fleet were once constructed, this vast space is now home to a contemporary restaurant.

Laid out as a self-service style eaterie, simply grab a tray and select your food from a selection of hot and cold choices.

We tried the specials of the day, which were a pasta bake and a shepherd's pie. The pasta bake was creamy and jammed packed full of vegetables and was accompanied by a slice of freshly home-baked bread.

The shepherd's pie was delicious with lashings of light fluffy mash and a good sized portion of broccoli and carrots.

There is also an extensive salad bar, sandwiches, baked potatoes with various fillings a soup available.

The real highlight for children is the treasure trove lunchbox. For just £4.50 smaller shipmates can select five items from a fridge burstiing with healthy options. Choices include Babybels, ham or cheese bagels, fruit juice cartons, milkshake, fruit, yoghurt, jelly, dried fruit and pieces of eight (gold chocolate coins) as a special treat.

A winner with younger diners as they can take delight in choosing their own food and parents are safe in the knowledge that what they are putting into their lunchbox is nutritious.

Special mention must be made to the excellent baby changing facilities which are some of the best I have ever seen in a public place. Plenty of room, changing mats, nappy bins, etc, all in immaculately clean surroundings.

So if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Gunwharf and its chain restaurants, Boathouse No 7 offers a nearby alternative with a real eye for detail on healthy, nutritious food at a more than a reasonable price.

Open every day of the year apart from Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Boathouse No 7 also serves afternoon teas and snacks. There is also a licensed bar that can be hired for private functions.


EMMA ALLEN
Boathouse No 7
Victory Gate, HM Naval Base,
Portsmouth
PO1 3LJ.