The Southsea Deli has been in our hearts for 4 years now. From the opening of the original site with its wonderful atmosphere to then moving and making bigger premises on Elm Grove, it really shouts local produce from a great height. Being proud of sourcing food and drink from small producers across the South Coast means this classic delicatessen really lifts the community. You know when you venture here that everything has been well thought through from the cheese on the deli counter to the coffee being served. Preparing and serving fresh food every day means this business has built a strong reputation around food quality. I love popping there to pick up a slice of quiche for lunch and one of their freshly baked baguettes that makes you feel like you could be in Paris and not Southsea!
All of the renovations of what was previously a bank happened during the lockdown and was a tough time for an independent business to be able to still offer excellent service for its customers. Working on creating an enticing space that would wow people back after a long stint of being at home was important to the deli team. The finishing touches were just right and customers loved being able to pop there and eat inside as well as gather ingredients or purchase gifts for that home-loving cook back at the ranch. The public appreciated the work that had gone in to not only lift the cafe but the road itself by drawing in other independent businesses to reside here too. Southsea loved the changes and the Southsea Deli won most hard working lockdown business in the Southsea Folk Awards last year, proving that even in one of the toughest years a business can still grow.
Fast forward to now and the success of the deli and the opportunity to knock through to the rest of the bank premises meant that Dan the owner could see great opportunities with the relaxed cookery workshops he had been working on for over 3 years. Suddenly there was a new space that would allow for more students, more workshops, and more supper clubs which is how the Southcoast Cookery School was born.
Opting for an on-trend kitchen design that sits comfortably in the building means the cookery school has a calming effect with navy blue units and a lovely parquet floor like the ones you see on all of the Pinterest photos. Opting for brushed gold fittings and concrete worktops makes the room feel like the furnishings have always been there. This room is used during the day as part of the cafe but after the last customer has left it turns into a space for learning about food and also a great event space!
Having a demonstration Kitchen means that it has all the tools to produce some great quality classes. I love all the cookery books sitting on the shelf and as Dan is a calming influence on the Deli already it is so good to see him shine when he practices the workshops and classes that happen here. One of the most exciting things I have seen this year is the introduction of new chefs that have their own indie businesses around Portsmouth and bring their own expertise to the workshop classes that are available to join.
Do You Know The Bagel Man is seen around town introducing his bagel delights at various events but joining the class at the cookery school allows you to meet him up close and personal and find out more about his skills so that you can achieve similar results at home.
From Spice Island Chilli to Grate Catering and Will's Bakeaway (who I had never met before he started doing classes here and has a huge love of baking), there is a wide choice of artisans and culinary entrepreneurs happy to share their love of food and how to get the best out of what you are cooking or baking!
Looking at all the upcoming events from taco building to yoga and brunch, there is so much choice so pop onto the website here and have a look to see what takes your fancy!
Chatting to Betty who has @drunkenchefuk Instagram handle and attended quite a few workshops already, she said “South Coast Cookery Workshops which are based in the amazing Southsea Deli are such fun, fresh classes with super tasty and easy step by step recipes PLUS you get to enjoy your dishes at the end with everyone in the class, accompanied with a glass of wine or a nice cool beer!
You don't even need to know how a kitchen works as they are for any level from the super novice cook to the dab hand at home chef! Totally recommend booking a class and giving it a go, you get to meet such fun people too, especially Dan!”
Check out the website and Social Media links below for more details on the cookery school and how to book.
