Southsea Beach Cafe Eastney: Dining on Portsmouth's Coast

Located on Eastney Esplanade in Southsea, Portsmouth, the original site of the Southsea Beach Cafe offers a casual seaside dining option right along the coast. Established in 2014 by Ian Clarke alongside Toby Woodfine and Adam Glyde, this venue sits in a quiet area overlooking the Solent. The space features a retractable roof designed for unpredictable British weather, as well as a mix of indoor and terrace seating that opens up direct views of the sea. It also acts as an event venue for up to 100+ guests, equipped with a grill, full bar, and lounge.

The menu focuses on locally sourced produce, home-cooked dishes, and seasonal ingredients, covering breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Morning offerings include poached eggs with avocado, traditional English breakfasts sourced from local butchers, fresh juices, and specialty drinks made with coffee roasted by local supplier Broadway Coffee. Breakfast is served until 11:30, after which brunch dishes continue throughout the day. Lunch and dinner selections feature options like local baker's bread sandwiches, salads, tacos, ceviche, and traditional dishes like fish and chips. For quick visits, there are artisanal ice creams from Baboo Gelato and sausage rolls supplied by local Portsmouth butcher Astles.

The cafe is dog-friendly, welcoming pets in both the indoor bar area and the side terrace. They provide a specialized "dine-a-woof" menu that includes treats, toys, and a Doggy Doggy Yum Yum frozen dessert made from banana, coconut milk, agave syrup, and peanut butter. The atmosphere remains relaxed and family-oriented, making it a common spot for dog owners walking along Eastney Esplanade.

Opening hours at this original Eastney venue run from 9:00 to 17:00 Sunday through Thursday (with food served until 16:00) and from 9:00 to 18:00 on Fridays and Saturdays (food service until 17:00). Keep in mind that hours can adjust based on weather conditions and private event bookings. While the owners recently launched a second location on Clarence Esplanade in June 2026, the Eastney site remains fully operational as a key part of their transition plan.