Once a solicitor's office, The Chambers is a fine dining restaurant in Southsea, with over 100 covers throughout the multi-floor dining space. It's no surprise, given the venue's prior occupancy, that the decor and feel in The Chambers is very similar to that of a gentleman's club, with antiques, rich colours and taxidermy on display.
Owing to the fine dining aspect at The Chambers, the menu takes partial inspiration from French flavours and traditional dishes. The a la carte starters include a deliciously rich French onion soup with gruyere and croutons, a smooth ham hock terrine with toasted croutes and spiced apple chutney, and pan seared scallops in a bed of creamed leeks and with pancetta. Indulge in a pan fried chicken supreme with garlic roasted new potatoes, green beans and wild mushroom and sage jus for your main meal, or an incredibly hearty bowl of cajun sea bass, crayfish, tomato and spinach risotto. With a more classic, British feel, there are some finer takes on pub classics found on the menu, including a beer battered hake with hand cut chips and pea puree. The pork belly pairs perfectly with bubble and squeak, honey glazed carrots and a rich wholegrain mustard sauce, and the lentil and sweet potato cottage pie will warm you up on a cold winter’s day.
The desserts are just as indulgent as the starters and mains, and include a selection of tasty favourites like sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream, and a cheese board with chutney and grapes. But the star of the show for us would be the chocolate and orange bread and butter pudding with a creamy vanilla custard – scrumptious!