Gifted Food
This fab cafe, now called The Clubhouse, has been sitting on the Southsea Common for a good few years. Last year, it was taken over by the original owner Liv of Little Coffee Southsea and it usually resides across from the Queens Hotel. Providing top-notch coffee early doors to sea swimmers, dog walkers and people getting in early exercise before work, this little black van has become a well-loved stop-off for hot drinks and sometimes as a landmark to meet friends for a walk and catch up.
Speaking to the new owner of the eatery, Liv, who took over the cafe last May, she said, “I didn’t really have owning a cafe in Southsea on my list of things I was going to do in life but when it came up as an idea, I decided to take on the challenge. I haven’t looked back. I love the location and the building. We have spent time lovingly restoring the cafe to keep original features but make the cafe an inviting space.”
The history of this area is fascinating. Did you know that Clarence Esplanade was built by convict labour in 1848. It was named after Lord FitzClarence who was once a military governor of Portsmouth. The council took over Southsea Common in 1922 and introduced the tennis courts. This means this little stretch has had tennis on its mind for the last 102 years!
One Saturday morning in January, I went to The Clubhouse for breakfast to see all the new changes, and interiors as well as meet the new owners.
Sitting neatly amongst the tennis courts, you can see this is a great location for a cafe. It has a vast space that has always been ideal for dog walkers (as dog-friendly) and families who want to stop and rest their legs after all the fun activities they have done locally during the day.
About The Cafe
Open daily from 9am with different food options, the Clubhouse offers enticing breakfasts and fantastic salad bowls for lunch. During the week, they also offer deals where you can grab a coffee and breakfast bap for £6.00, which is great if you are a coffee lover. Bearing in mind the owners have built a fab reputation for their coffee at Little Coffee Southsea, so you know you will be getting a good quality deal. With cool little nooks and comfy sofas for hanging out dotted around, you could work from here during the week. There is lots of seating if you fancy sitting more upright or with a group of people. Having an extensive menu for breakfast, brunch and lunch means you have a great choice to choose from when visiting.
What I Ate
Toastie of the day is on the menu, but I like the options I saw which were Marmite Crumpets for £3.95 and also the Eggs on Toast for £5.50. I opted for the Full English on my visit which was a hearty choice. Comprising of Bransbury Park sausage, bacon, free range egg, portobello mushroom, baked beans and toast. The quality of the meat stood out which was nice as this is something I worry about when ordering sausages.
My friend ordered a gluten-free option Full English breakfast and he said it was really nice. The staff were very attentive and made us feel welcome. My other friend opted for the Winter Salad Bowl as she didn’t feel like a huge meal and we were all pleasantly surprised when it arrived. Packed with roasted squash, golden beets and crumbled feta, it looked very tempting and something I will consider on another visit.
The children’s dishes are no more than £4.50 and you can always add on extra food like beans, egg, avocado or halloumi.
I have always loved this location but the fact that a well-loved independent that has nestled itself into the community over the last few years has taken this eatery on board, makes me feel like I want to head there for meetings, family catch-ups and just chill after a walk along the seafront. I highly recommend this place and can’t wait for sunnier days when I can venture back!
Look on their socials for future events coming up and deals they may have for you to try.
