Play up Pompey!

Over the weekend of 29-31 May, I led a party of 21 Rotarians and their partners on a weekend of exploration and enjoyment based in the Queen's Hotel, Southsea (we rated it "Excellent). Our destination was the choice of President Derek Knight (we have a "President's Weekend" away every year). Assembling during the course of Friday and following dinner in the hotel we were treated to the talents of Madeleine Salvetti, a Blue Badge guide who came to us through Portsmouth’s excellent Information Services. Madeleine took us on a virtual tour of Portsmouth through the ages, which proved to be an invaluable tool for our time in the city.

Saturday was spent in and around the Historic Dockyard and Spinnaker Tower. The gorgeous weather gave us the perfect setting for a day outside – don’t miss either of these if you’re in the area. We have absolutely no hesitation in recommending our dinner venue either, Bistro Montparnasse was a truly exhilarating end to the day – this must be one of the (if not THE) top restaurants in the area – food was imaginative, exciting and the service impeccable. This place must be in line for a Michelin star at some stage. Tell them we sent you!

Sunday saw us over to the Isle of Wight on the hovercraft, on the Island Line train to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and thence by a short coach tour to Osborne House for lunch and the afternoon. The continued superb weather was perfect for another day mostly outside enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of England (ah that nostalgic whiff of coal and steam smoke that took us all back to the bygone days of our youth!). Dinner in Annie Croft’s cellar at Lemon Sole provided yet another fitting culinary end in a very different setting to an excellent day. If you love fish – go here.

And so back to reality on Monday for all of us. A group of Rotarians doing what comes naturally – enjoying each other’s company and fitting a lot into a short time!