Chimes in Portsmouth

Exceptional - and staffed by students!

We came here again before seeing the legend that is Rick Astley, and again had an amazing experience. The food was as good as you will get and the service sublime. The wine was also excellent, although it was spilt onto the outer edge. Everyone has to learn though. A great experience for both customer and waiting staff, and all at a very reasonable price. Thank you to everyone concerned, and we will definitely be back.

Amazing food, great price and supporting the next generation of chefs and wait staff in training. Been here a couple of times now and the menu, although appearing simple for vegetarians, has excellent fresh foods and tastes wonderful. Overall food and service is better than many places I've been at over twice the price!

Came here on Valentines day. The food was exceptional. Book well in advance!

Twelve friends visited for lunch, most of the party waited for an hour for their food. The staff, except for the manageress looked scruffy and unkempt. When the food did arrive it was very mediocre and certainly did not reflect the quality of food and service we had experienced previously. Four of us left were offered as a gesture of goodwill coffee or tea. When this arrived it was cold and we were told the coffee machine had broken. Has anyone heard of a kettle? If these students are being trained for a career in catering, heaven help them and us the poor customer.

I went to Chimes this afternoon to try their newly released Winter Menu, I chose Fish and Chips with a Home made Tartre Sauce which cost just 3 pounds and 50 pence. The batter was perfectly crisp and the fish was tender and flaky, the chips were well seasoned and crisp on the outside. Food arrived within 15 minutes and we were able to place our order as soon as we had looked at the menu, despite the restaurant being nearly full. I went on my lunch break so could not stay for dessert, so I took a Brownie back to enjoy at my desk! The Brownie was the BEST Brownie I have ever tasted- and I have had some good ones in my time! There is a food to go menu where meals are under 4 pounds each- great if you are stretched for time and have a tight budget. Well worth a visit and definitely keep an eye out for their theme nights- The Caribbean Night was truly delicious and very fun!! I will be using this as my lunch time pot from now on as it is much better that grabbing a meal deal from the local shops!

Tasty food, excellent idea for giving students on-the-job training

We had our wedding reception at Chimes and it was incredible. They provided hot and cold freshly prepared delicious food, catered to our needs including something for a gluten-free vegan. They made us a beautiful 3 tiered wedding cake to our specification, for a reasonable price. They served glasses of bubbly to my guests as they arrived and made everyone feel very comfortable, even providing high chairs for the many children involved. We could not have asked for more, and considering the price we paid compared to what we were quoted elsewhere, mind-boggling great value. They made our fairly low cost reception look and feel much more expensive than it actually was. They opened up on a bank holiday weekend especially for us, allowed my Mum to come in the night before and decorate, and generally made us feel very special. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone, 5 star service.

I have used Chimes several times over the last 3/4 years. Always lunch but I am ever hopeful I will be able to try it one evening. The decor is nice, it is always very clean, it is nice to have space between tables and not feel cramped or packed in like sardines. The service is always very good and the students are always very professional and nice. HOWEVER, I feel the choice and variety on the menu seems to deteriorate every year. The complimentary TAPAS have long gone, but besides that the choices do not seem as appealing or varied as they used to. The cooking and presentation is always top notch but menu very restricting.

My partner and I have just returned home from our first, but by no means last visit to The Chimes. My GCSE Catering students have been taking part in a Junior Chef Academy and tonight they showcased their talents by preparing a stunning three course meal. The food was as good as you can get for a fraction of the normal cost. Service was excellent and we just couldn't fault it. If you want to try fine dining for an affordable price you must try it. The students are so talented and proud of their craft. Absolutely brilliant.

This place is a little gem and is a must do if you like to try new things and encourage the youth of today to learn about how hospitality should be offered. This place is run by students, the chefs are students and the front of house team are students, all studying various hospitality courses. They are young and learning so be gentle with them but they offer great food, really honest service at a very reasonable price. The restaurant itself lacks atmosphere because it's a big open space but that aside, go and support the young people who are trying jolly hard, it's a great concept.

This little restaurant is not immediately obvious but is worth finding. Part of Highbury College, and also used by University of Portsmouth, it is run by students from the hospitality programmes overseen by expereinced staff. The menus change regularly and they often have special themes that are woth checking out. I had a very good breast of chicken on champ mash. Really good presentation and nicely cooked. The desserts could do with a bit more imagination this month. The Eton Mess was a bit disappointing and the ice cream seemed a bit ordinary for the price. Overall it was a very nice luch at a set price and I would return.

Lovely early Valentine"s meal. Prosecco upon arrival, choice of table, nicely decorated with candle and red carnation for the occasion. Lovely chicken parfait to start, huge strip steak for main. Good to see the plate was lovely and warm but the mash could have been somewhat warmer. Lovely filling chocolate orange garnache for dessert but the sesame tuille biscuit tasted odd and almost as if the oil it was cooked in needed changing. Finally coffee and tea. Wine was reasonably priced and supplied by the local camber wine merchant. Nice service, unobtrusive yet friendly. Check backs at appropriate points.not rushed, plates cleared efficiently and bill processed effectively. Well priced at £20 per head for the food. Wine reasonable at £14 for the bottle. Highly recommended.

I like the convenient location of Chimes in the centre of town. The food adventurous; nice to taste the experiment of the trainee chefs. I just thought the prices were too high for a learning college when the food is not always quite right and the service so so from the trainees,

We tried the xmas evening menu. Lacked real variety of choice - main courses excellent xmas pudding very small portion Out of stock of several spirit drinks.......... missed opportunity ! Coffee/tea fine .................. little mincepies sadly lacking. Sorry , as said - had high expectations........... but not realised. No where as good as the days at Cosham .

Came here for the French themed evening. To start was a smoked chicken consommé, not particularly hot or flavourful, and scant portion. Next was a fish and red wine stew.... Well this was LUKE WARM, the sauce was basically white with herbs (red wine?) it was over seasoned, given that this contained shellfish and fish and it was like warm, didn't think it was worth the risk in eating it, did taste the sauce, not nice, overall this course was revolting. The next course of chicken in cider sauce was good and by this time we were all hungry, hot enough, could have been more generous with the veg. The clafoutis to finish was OK as well, maybe the natter could have been a little thicker. The wines that accompanied the meal were excellent. The service was good. Overall disappointing for the cost.

A limited menu but the quality of the food was good and for the price was very reasonable. The student who served us was very nervous (maybe her first night) but the restaurant manager was always there to advise on wine choices etc. I had the vegetarian option for starter and main meal - probably too much food and could have done with more depth of flavour but fine.

Our son and daughter in law recently booked this venue for their wedding reception. The venue is well situated in the centre of Portsmouth and is easily accessible by train, car and on foot. The restaurant itself is well laid out and is maintained to a very high standard. The food was exceptional. We had a three course meal where each course was immaculately prepared, the flavours of each course being sensational. As for the catering staff, all round 5 star performance. Their attention to details was excellent. As for the price, 5 star yet again. Simply put, it could not be faulted.

Went with a friend for lunch. Poor, slow service. Menu looked interesting but the food quality was below standard. Expensive for 2 courses at lunch time. Will not go again.

Had lunch in Chimes restaurant Portsmouth today. I chose to have the warm chicken salad with mushrooms and pesto. It was delicious. I even tried to replicate it again this evening without success so will have to visit again soon! Service was outstanding and was really good value. Can't wait for my next visit. A+++

Top quality food and service from the Highbury College Catering Students this evening! Well done to everyone-especially Max and Jack who planned the menu, absolutely lovely . Great value for money too. Thanks! Looking forward to visiting again

Incredible food at such cheap prices including Tastecard 2 for 1! Lovely service from the students and all the food cooked to absolute perfection. Parking available in the roads opposite. Ideal for a lunch during a visit to town but also worth making the journey for. I regularly recommend to friends.

This was our first visit to Chimes & we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of service & of the food.The menu of the month is a 2(£9.00) or 3 (£12.00) course option, offering 4 or 5 alternative dishes in starters, mains & desserts. The dishes are imaginative, tasty & well balanced in flavours (see Chimes menu of the month www.chimes-restaurant.co.uk)Apart from our selected dessert being slightly spoilt in preparation, it was quickly replaced with an excellent alternative.This restaurant is a training platform for students at Highbury College. They tried very hard to please & succeeded. It offers superb value for money & we will definitely go again.

Lovely 3 course meal at this college restaurant. Food prepared,cooked and served by students in training and must say really nice to experience fine dining at very,very reasonable prices as opposed to pub type grub on offer at so many places.Staff extremely friendly and helpful but remember they are learning as they work so be patient and understanding, we all had to start sometime.Tip- they do take Tastecard which makes it even better value.

Having been to chimes in the past we were disappointed this time as we know it can be good, issues were the wite wine was not chilled not enough vegetables with the ala carte menu lack of correct table ware coffee machine was broken and lack of spirits, we have now addressed this with chimes and hope for better in the future

Works Christmas Lunch for a large group of us. Would certainly go again: the food was excellent; both quality (very tasty) and quantity, by which I mean they did not give us too much. Vegetables were already served when the meals arrived. Pear salad in a port based jus was unusual and very tasty; turkey main was very well presented and the sprouts were well cooked: never easy at the best of times. Puddings were all good. The service struggled at times: it was no more than OK: cranberry sauce turned up when the main course was 90% eaten; and coffee in particular took a long time to arrive and was almost cold when it did. But these are minor points: the team more than made up for them by their friendliness and willingness. Happy to go again.

Having been to chimes on numerous occasions we were delighted with our meals, on Wednesday the 3rd of December 2014 we visited chimes with a couple of friends and were very disappointed with our meal, it was certainly not up to the usual standard. What has happened????

Our first visit on friends' recommendation. The students did very well for newbies, but the stars were the beautifully presented, flavoursome food, the Gordon Ramsay trained chef and Jodie the restaurant manager. Jodie comes from one of our favourite restaurants - Abar Bistro, so we hope she gets the chance to make her vision a reality. A wonderful evening - We will be back very soon.

Have been a great fan of this restaurant and have been coming here for three years but have not been for a couple of months and great changes have taken place a whole new management team in place and extra charges for what used to be included in your meal no tapas no bread and you have to pay if you want veg I don't mind this as the quality of the food is very good and we like to be served by the waiters of the future but feel they would be better off to just increase the price of the whole meal. All in all we have a very nice meal and the service was excellent.

Went here for my mums birthday lunch. Food was very amazing and the price, for the quality and service, was fantastic. Only downside was the order was taken wrong and so we had to wait for one main course!Had a high chair for the little one as well, definitely recommend and will go again!

This is a college training restaurant in the centre of Portsmouth. The menu is varieD, the service very good and the quality of food excellent. The best bit is the bill which is extremely modest - about half of what you would expect to pay for a meal of this standard. Dont let the fact that it run by a college put you off - this is food cooked by tomorrows head chefs. For less than the price of a mediocre takeaway you can have a very good meal served by obliging young people.

I took my daughter to chimes today for her birthday as she has never been there before and she was so impressed with the service food and price she wants to go again The food is so different compared to other restaurants

Last Friday my colleague and I were taken to lunch at the Chimes Restaurant, our first visit there. From the excellent front of house greeting when we arrived to being returned our coats at the end the service was attentive, informative and welcoming. The salmon starter I had was delicious, well presented and melted in the mouth. The sea bream main and lemon dessert were of an equally high standard. A restaurant that we will be returning to and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting good food, friendly service and a great atmosphere. Congratulations to the students of Highbury College.

Wow spent a lovely evening at chimes, had a great meal, excellent service, food top notch. Considering students ranging from first to third years did all the cooking and service it shows food can be delivered to a very high standard and a reasonable price. Well done to Luke Radice and team for a great evening. Well deserved. Long may it continue, will certainly return again and again, like other regulars. Well done again every one.

Just had a great meal here', the service was excellent and the meals was top notch, a great thank you to Luke rediche,Kayleigh wells and team a great evening thank you.

I went today to Chimes for my birthday lunch and have to say it has to be the most enjoyable meal I've ever had the food was top notch the service was very good and friendly when you consider that the restaurant is staffed by students it makes the experience even more pleasurable knowing that sitting eating a delicious meal you are helping young people along the road to fulfilling there dreams. If today is an example of the standard that these young people in training can achieve I can't wait to eat in the Restaurants they go onto work in once qualified. well done to everyone working today and thank you for making my birthday memorable.

By eating here you are helping to support the education of the catering and hospitality students at Highbury College. The food has always been excellent and very good value for money. It's a limited menu because of the nature of the enterprise but I'm vegetarian and there is always something for me on the menu and it has always been very tasty and not just an afterthought, which is sometimes how it feels in commercial restaurants.Mainly a setting for lunch as the evening services are very early and limited to 2 nights a week but you won't regret giving it a try.

I don't know whether the students were poorly supervised, or what the problem was, but I and a group of friends had a very disappointing meal, with some very poor food served with a considerable lack of finesse. I don't know how much training these students had done, but it clearly wasn't enough.The pear in my pear and goat-cheese starter was supposed to be caramelised but wasn't; the bouillabaisse was frankly appalling - just a few lumps of fish on a bare plate. Where was the unctuous, garlicky stew? Where was the rouille mayonnaise? Had any of the students seen a real bouillabaisse - or had their tutors, even? This one was a complete, appalling travesty. Apparently the duck main course was very good, but that was no consolation to those of us stuck with our unadorned lumps of fish. The vegetables were overcooked. The Paris-Brest dessert was also nothing like the real thing - just a very small, mean pastry ring with a smear of cream inside and a few bits of fruit.As for drinks, the (not cheap) wine only came by the bottle, and was very inexpertly poured. We had to keep asking for more water, and for more bread.What a disappointment. And for this dreadful pastiche of a French meal we paid £20 (not including coffee). Their cooking and service at lunchtime may be better (it was very good the one time I tried it) but this was frankly awful. Please put these students, and their supervisors, back in the classroom for some urgent professional training.

Had a wonderful meal, however it was ruined by a group of 12 people who were excessively loud. They were told 4 or 5 times by staff to quieten down but never did, unfortunately the staff could've asked them to leave or ban them (as they upset every other table in the restaurant) We were then confronted by members of this table as they thought that our table and complained.Ruined our meal completely, it would've been nice for the staff to take a more proactive stance in order to make sure the rest of their customers had a nice night too.However, the food was lovely.

If you live local to this restaurant I cant recommend it enough. Even though we travelled from bexleyheath for the event. The kitchen was run by students from the university doing a charity dinner for the British heart foundation. It was a set price per person £20. Aperitif on arrival followed by canapés, bread rolls, Starter, Main, Dessert and tea/coffee with biscuits. This is my second visit. The food was out of this world. Presentation was la carte standard. Would recommend visiting this restaurant for any occasion. Staff were amazing polite, and very helpful. 5 stars in my eyes. Perfect if you fancy a beautiful meal out.

First visit to the Chines. Clean and light restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and nice decor. The lunch menu had four choices each for the three courses, so something for everyone. The food was really very good and amazing value for £10.95 for three courses. A real treat! I'll be back again soon

The Monday Drop-In Club volunteers have held their annual lunch here on two occasions and both were exceptional, with regard to both the service and quality of food. Would highly recommend for any occasion.

Have eaten here a few times as a couple and in a large group for a Christmas lunch.The food has always been very good, and very well presented, with nice extra touches such as tapas with the bread, or mulled wine on arrival at Christmas. There is a varied menu with 3 or 4 options for each course.Bearing in mind that the staff are students in training, the service is very good. It may not always meet top restaurant standards, but they are learning and our experience has been that they are always very attentive and keen to do well.The restaurant is in one of the college buildings, but is well set out and has a present and relaxed atmosphere.At £10.95 for a 3 course lunch this is excellent value and we will definitely be back!

The students were absaloutley lovely and really had an eye for detail. The food was cooked perfectly with care and was beautifully presented. Im definately coming back. I highly recomend this place if you want an enjoyable meal with such lovely staff.

Wow my husband and I went for a nice evening meal had a real nice experience. The students were excellent. Top notch food. Excellent service. Made to feel welcome. Good value for money. Thoroughly recommend a visit, will be going again. Thanks to all involved in making this event. It was great

Thought we'd try Chimes for Valentines night and so glad we did. We had a beautifully cooked and presented 5 course meal accompanied by some lovely live music by the accomplished John Royston-Ford. Highlights were the Cheese Soufflé and Braised blade of beef. Nice bottle of Torrontes and such lovely young people who worked hard to give us a lovely evening. Can't wait to book another evening!

I very much enjoyed a three course dinner at Chimes. This was my first time of dining there and certainly won't be my last. The restaurant is fresh, clean and modern. The staff were attentive and courteous - never too intrusive. You can select from a choice of four starters/mains/deserts - one or two more choices in each section would be my only recommendation for improvement. The food was spot on - very tasty, good quality, piping hot and very well executed. The rack of lamb was just superb, as was the warm orange and poppy seed cake. Best lamb I've had for a long time. The fresh vegetables were also well cooked. I was pleasantly surprised too by all the extras - tasty tapas and lovely fresh bread before the starters came out, finishing with petit fours with tea/coffee. Pricing is also very reasonable, including drink prices. Portsmouth town centre is so lacking in good eateries...well done to all at Chimes for making a difference.

I haven't been to the Highbury College restaurant since it was located in Highbury in the nineties. It was good then but the yesterday I was amazed by the quality of the food, the service and the price. Bearing in mind that everything is done by students, it was as near perfect as you can get, We were greeted well, our coats taken and were sat at a table for four which was a good size with quality cutlery and a crisp linen serviette. The decor and atmosphere was good too. We were brought some hors d'oeuvres and water while we chose from the menu. We ordered some wine by the glass which was reasonably priced and of a good standard. The three course meal was amazing! It was accompanied by warm fresh bread and we had coffee and petit fours afterwards. The service was excellent from two first year students who were very personable. The thing that topped it all was the price, £10.95 for a stunning three course meal. Go there soon, you really are missing out on great food and service..

I booked up for seven of us to go to chimes this year for our christmas meal it was different We had so much to chose from it was faultless for £19.25 for a three course meal with coffee and mince pies afterwards the young man from rumania I cant remember his name who served us made the day as he was so obliging we will definitely go again

I recently visited Chimes with my wife and friends for our annual Christmas menu meal. We have visited several times over a number of years and have never failed to have a first class experience. I can recommend the blade of beef and hake from this years menu. The quality of both the food and service reflect very well on the standard of teaching at the college. It is true some of the serving staff can be a bit nervous, but it has never impacted on my enjoyment.

The kitchen is Itchin and there's not a ketchup bottle in site. The staff is crack a lacking and are down with the shiznits with not acting like snobs or commoners . The food is rad aswell as the booze. The seats are also comfy for your tushie and it's perfect for fine dining darlings.

Great dinner tonight as always. Presentation was excellent and each course was cooked and served with a true passion for food. Nice to see it busy on a Monday night. Always a pleasure to be be looked after by the caterers of tomorrow.

High standard of food for a very fair price. A good variety of choices on the lunch menu so there is always something I can't choose between! The students are helpful and it's great to see them getting experience. The petit fours with coffee are always a nice treat to finish off with. A hidden gem in the city centre.

When I visited it was absolutely Atrocious. We got served stale bread. Also the water was spilt all oves us and the table . Dreadful experience. Never again.

We have eaten lunch here a couple times a month, and have yet to have a bad meal, food is of such good quality and it really is fine dining the wine list is. excellent and very well priced. The students work very hard to get things right and are always helpful and friendly we love it here and Alison the person in charge really know her stuff.

I have been patronising Chimes for lunch over several years. I choose to eat there a couple of times each month.The basic 2x course business lunch at £8.50 is excellent with interesting choices. It includes canapes and bread. I usually choose a starter and main, finishing with coffee and petit fours for an additional £1.50. Desserts are also available.The restaurant is of modern styling and table decorations are attractive.Students are well supervised. I look forward to trying their afternoon teas in the autumn.

The food is first class - the students work hard to maintain a high standard! I just love fine dining. It is very reasonably priced at lunch time and in their theme evenings! It is well worth a visit. I love it so we go a few times a month.

The starter which was parsnip soup and main meal was fish was really lovely and well presented except for the pudding party treats which was horrible it was so hard I couldnt eat it The student got confused laying out the cutlery they need more training before they serve the public

Our grandson is a trainee chef at this college restaurant, they recently had a Rat pack evening. There was six people in our party, and a good time was had by all. The food and service was very good, and the crooner that sang throughout was superb. We recommend you visit this restaurant not only at theme nights but anytime as the service is good and the food even better

This was my second time at Chimes - it is run by students of Higbury college- the food is excellent the students are very attentive if a little unexperienced...but thats the point!! they are students. They provide an evening experience and we had a lovely girl sing at the Black & Gold night great voice with no music! take friends and have a great night which is unexpensive but great quality.

I came in on a wednesday lunch for a christmas experience in chimes as my friend invited me along and i have heard many good thing about this place but i was very dissapointed as the service was very poor i am fully aware that the students are learning but the girl that served me was very smartley dressed so i assumed she was in charge but when i spoke to her and asked if she could change my cutlery as it was dirty she was very rude and abrupt about it. the one thing i will say is the food is excellent.

Have been here twice for dinner and three times for lunch with a further "5 course dinner with wine" eagerly anticipated. The concept of giving catering students a chance to showcase their talents whilst also providing the public with a very good and reasonably priced restaurant is excellent. Have thoroughly enjoyed all my visits with both my wife and other couples.

Went for a meal on Thursday lunch time, and I must say we were very impressed, with the service and the meal, three courses for £10.95 was very good value for the excellent meal we had, and a good bottel of wine only £10. We were recommended to go here by a friend and were not disapointed,and will go again.

Following a recommendation from a friend, we ate at Chimes, the Restaurant of Highbury College in Portsmouth, and had the dinner menu, on the evening of 18 October 2012.We found the 7 courses for £21.00 to be of excellent quality and value. Drinks are also very reasonably priced.The opening hours are limited, 12.00 to 1.15, lunch in the afternoons, and 6.00 to 7.15, dinner, in the evenings, monday to friday, (but, it is a college, and the students can't be expected to work normal restaurant hours).The setting was excellent, you do feel that you are in a restaurant, (as it is set at the side of the college building in the centre of Portsmouth). The service was very good, (considering that the waiting staff are students learning their trade, hence, you do need to be polite if they make minor errors, as this is how they learn). The students are supervised in the setting, by their Tutor. The menu had a selection of meat, salad, vegeterian options, and fish dishes, plus desserts and a cheese option.You need to book in advance, but, it is well worth a visit. Our group of 5 were much impressed, and would not hesitate to eat here again.

We had been meaning to try this venue for a while and were not disappointed. At 12.30pm the restaurant was empty apart from a ‘master class’ of crepe suzette-making involving the tutor and a couple of students. Our orders were taken and water glasses promptly filled followed swiftly by (complimentary) canapés and fresh crusty bread & butter. Our first courses of celery soup and paté with toasted brioche were very tasty. Main course of herbed rack of lamb with Hollandaise was well presented and tender. We were asked how we would like the meat cooked but we left it to the chef and when it was served it was delicious. Desserts were orange steamed pudding and a raspberry & beetroot mousse with kirsch sorbet, again very tasty & just the right size. A couple of minor points such as no spoon with the sauce and watermarks on the cutlery would have to be addressed in a ‘real’ fine dining restaurant but the students did well and we enjoyed our experience. Three courses were £10.95 and well worth it!

Food quality is 'fine dining' standard but prices at lunchtime are lower than pub food. We're vegetarians and the vegetarian option we had was really imaginative and on a par with the best specialist vegetarian restaurants we've been to. The student waiting staff are still learning but they're very keen to make sure you have a good experience. Highly recommended.

I have eaten at Chimes many times and feel lucky to have experienced such fine dining at such a reasonable price. The students and chefs who prepare and serve the food make the experience even more enjoyable as their dedication and concentration are apparent throughout your meal.

This food in this restaurant is cooked and served by the students from Highbury College - it is fine dining with regularly changing menus. When we went we were the only 4 people there (a quiet night) and we had the BEST service and food ever. We will definitely make this a regular haunt of ours