The Belle Isle – Southsea

Whilst I was out in Southsea the other day, I stopped off for lunch at ‘The Belle Isle’, Portsmouth’s new bar situated in Osborne Road.

My first impressions of the place were good, it is a nice airy feel to it with lots of natural light coming in through the wall to ceiling glass front panels. The attention to detail of all the branding was impressive and definitely helped give the place a laid-back surfer ‘vibe’. The furniture still left a little bit to be desired though – once again it seems a Portsmouth bar has opted to buy up a load of mismatched uncomfortable old school chairs rather than actually invest in something better – however it did all fit in with the style of the decor and there did seem to be a few sofas tucked away.

The menu head-chef Dave Wooly has put together was impressive and reasonably priced. I could have quite easily selected several dishes off the menu that took my fancy and none of them would have been over a tenner. I think I would probably describe the menu as pre-dominantly Mexican but with a selection of various other dishes from around the globe and a couple of fresh seafood dishes (which is always welcome considering where Portsmouth is!). A few notable ones I jotted down include jerk chicken curry, mango chicken salad, warm chorizo potato and halloumi salad & shipwreck mussels. In the end though, I opted for a Chilli Beef Burrito. When the food came it was beautifully presented and came with all the trimmings I was hoping for: salsa, sour cream and guacamole. I eaten a far view Burritos in my time and this was definitely up there with the better ones. The consistency was thick without being to sticky and the tortilla was crisp rather than soggy. For £6.95 the Burrito was a decent size and did a good job of filling me up for the rest of the day. If I had one gripe I would say it could have been a bit hotter spice wise, but I understand that that is more personal preference than a real criticism. My partner opted for a lunch-time bagel filled with cream cheese and chives and for only £3 she was equally impressed.

Considering the surprising lack of real diversity and quality of pub cuisine in both Portsmouth and Southsea, The Belle Isle is a welcome addition especially considering how reasonable the prices are too. I will definitely be putting this on the list of affordable eats along with The Vines, A Bar Bistro, Cafe Parisian and the 10th Hole. I am yet to experience the venue with just drinking in mind, but judging by the clientele, the style of the venue and the people who run it, I’m sure I will be soon.

http://www.thebelleisle.co.uk/