The Botanical Port Solent in Portsmouth

Ok. So I came here about 3 weeks ago. The service was fantastic. The table we had was next to the fire on a cold day. The food was very good although the choice was limited. Tonight we came back in a group of 6. This time the service was a little disjointed, they had run out of some food and the chairs were so uncomfortable. This time the meal was served on plates that were too small, and I noticed stains on the sofa near us and another broken. It just felt cheap tonight and a little disappointing. I wouldn't choose to come back to be honest. Edit... Having just read other reviews, I noticed that people complained that deposits were not taken off the bill. My wife was sorting the bill so I mentioned it. She said that they had not but she noticed it. Since it had been raised several times before I can only conclude this is done on purpose hoping people don't notice. Not good! I'm not very happy and won't be back.

Excellent leaving celebrations, team were friendly and efficient. Food was delicious & drinks were flowing. Thank you to the whole team.

Friendly greeting on arrival, had to ask to order drinks, when the food came out the burger had cheese on it but this wasn’t stated on the menu so it had to be sent back, three of us had burgers, one had tomato and the other two didn’t. We’re not offered puddings, music then went very loud and we had to ask twice for the bill. I don’t think my party will be returning anytime soon which is a shame as we were told it’s a great place.

Alicia was so helpful with planning a meal for 17 people. We did a lot of changing things around and non of it was any trouble for her. We all had a really good night. Food was lovely, service was great! Thank you

We went for dinner 6pm Saturday night which soon became really busy & loud. We loved the atmosphere but others might not. Food was nice & service friendly

Great place, 3rd visit in a month. Love it.

We went as a family for a bottomless brunch. The food was lovely, the staff extremely attentive and the drinks absolutely wonderful. Really pleased with our experience and I highly recommend.

Had the best time enjoying Bottomless Brunch with friends. Cocktails were great, music and DJ were great, food was lovely. We will definately be returning!

Went Sunday lunchtime left Sunday evening 😋 . Had a lovely time really enjoyed the atmosphere, muisc, the staff have made us feel so very welcome, will definitely be going back again 😀.

We visited on a week day lunchtime so it was almost empty. Very pretty venue and the food was excellent. Our server was lovely, I only gave 4 stars for service as it was 10 minutes after we were seated before they came back for our drinks order.

Big thanks to Carl and the team for an excellent Xmas lunch yesterday. All requests were met, food was hot and plentiful and the staff were brilliant. Thanks again Derek.

Fantastic Salvation Army Christmas Appeal on 18 Dec - it was great to see so many people enjoying the event, without getting soaked from all the rain! We booked a table and had superb Christmas food. The ambience, and staff were excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed everything.

Had a great visit for drinks with live music, the staff were all great especially Chelsea who served us with a smile and was very friendly. We will be back

Standard bottomless brunch - food was lovely, drinks flowed nicely! Wasn’t rushed out to leave once our time was up. Our waiter was fab!

Really enjoyed the drag bottomless brunch. Fab food, lots of choice for drinks and the entertainment was hilarious. So funny and entertaining. We all had a fabulous time. 10/10. Would highly recommend.

Had a table booked here for a Christmas do manager was very rude on the phone telling us we had to pay for a meal that we hadn't yet received when letting them know in advance that one of our group couldn't make it then cancelled our booking on the phone Because we didn't want to pay for a meal that we wasn't eating was happy for them to keep the deposit for it but they cancelled our table rudely and not offered our deposit back leaving us us with no booking

We had a table booked here and paid our deposits unfortunately two of our group wasn’t able to make it due to personal reasons we called them with notice on the first one they said we would just loose the deposit when calling on the second about half hour before to let them know so they don’t cook the food they said they will be cooking the food regardless even though we hadn’t even arrived and we would have to pay for the meals I said that’s not fair for us to pay for a meal we’re not eating if we’re telling you now you can keep the deposit still the manager was very rude about it and had told us not to bother coming then if we’re not going to pay for the meal that they haven’t yet cooked so he’s kept our deposit and cancelled our table

We went for Drag Bingo,no food so couldn't rate it.We had a marvelous time defo going to do it again.👍👍👍

As again . what a brilliant night. Playing drag bingo with my friends. The food was a bit on the expensive side for what we had on a shared platter. Not something we would have again. But we would definitely be back for the bingo roll on next year.

Brilliant venue for our works Christmas party! Food was great, service was fab and the entertainment was spot on!

Christmas work party yesterday, the food was lovely, the lady manager with tattoos was amazing ensured everyone was looked after and organised everything so well. Will definitely boom again x

We booked for Sunday roast. My turkey roast was good, but my husband's and son's roast beef were very tough, almost raw in the middle and cut very thickly, almost steaks. Consequently the beef was difficult to cut and not pleasant to eat. The gravy was also very gloopy, as if it had been kept warm for a long time and had become very thick and sticky in consistency. The vegetables were all good and well cooked. Sticky toffee pudding desserts were good. Waitress service was excellent and friendly, although we mentioned the problem with the beef to the waitress, she said she would talk to the chef, we didn't however, hear anything further from the kitchen. The restaurant itself is comfortable, clean and pleasant. I checked out the menu for vegetarian options for another family member, however there did not seem to be many vegetarian options. Would have given 4 stars if the food had been better.

Anyone had a great night !!! lovely food and great atmosphere defo recommend

Very nice place with good atmosphere and music.

Food was a little on the expensive side. Attended a drag bingo night. Found the bingo cards so small I couldn't reed the print. The drag artist was telling us the songs before they were played, would liked to have guessed what they were first. Would have a liked a bit more singing from the artist as had a great voice. But overall a good night out and we would come back.

Expensive food,bought 2 cocktails on offer for£12 a pint of Guinness and a portion of cheesy chips was charged £26.95 day light robbery. Service very good, atmosphere excellent but let down with costs

Food was very good. Sadly loud, live music spoilt the meal.

Food was cold, it was delivered by someone on a push bike. Took about 20min to get to us.

Outstanding service . Beautiful food and great entertainment

Everything was lovely, now and the previous time too. Thank you !

We had booked for 11am originally and was called to say they had a bottomless drag show brunch at 11:30 so did we want to join that, come in earlier or get a refund. We decided to come in earlier, the place was empty, before we even sat down we were asked if we wanted drinks without looking at the menu, then the entertainer was preparing for their show so the music was put on, they were singing over it. We felt rushed with our food and getting the bill, wait staff kept coming over asking if we wanted anything else, got the bill and left. Was in there an hour but felt unwelcome from the start, they had put a sign up in the door to say something like not open due to the show, if they didn’t want people in before the show they shouldn’t have had the booking option open and then when they called me should have said sorry but can we move you not give me an option of coming in earlier.

Lovely evening out with friends. 2 Coctails for £12 before 9pm 👌🏼

We had a great Saturday night , food was spot on , cool sounds and the staff worked really hard …

Pleasant venue for a coffee or light lunch

A fantastic place with a fantastic atmosphere and great food.

We had a nice evening here, food was lovely apart from my finance's moules (muscles) they tasted horrible, the staff were brilliant though and changed the main meal promptly, later found out they are cooked in pernod, a very strong aniseed liqueur, just didn't go well. The waitress was excellent though and sorted it. The cocktails were delicious, and live music was good, would defo go back.

First off, there is no email address anywhere on their website. Seems odd, so can't complain directly. Our waitress was very nice, the rest of the staff seem disinterested, disengaged and aggressive. We were snapped at twice in the dining area while waiting for friends to arrive. We all ordered Thai Curry only to be told, no curry left. They got our drinks order wrong 3 times. We were initially charged for drinks we did not have. We were not offered a desert or desert menu. The samosas were microscopic, the burgers, were OK, but bland. We had to ask for salt, vinegar and mayonnaise. All in all a pretty mediocre experience, and costly for what you get. Lastly, when the DJ kicks off, forget any form of conversation! We won't be rushing back.

Fantastic as always, great views, superb atmosphere, eveything you need for a night out with a meal.

Sunday roast dinner was perfect, live ambient music playing and a lovely friendly atmosphere

Had a fantastic Drag Bottomless Brunch with Lucy Caboosi. Everyone had an amazing time! Food was lovely, cocktails were great! (Proper cocktails not just jugs) and the whole booking system was easy and organised. Thank you! Will definitely come again.

Music outside not ideal for a restaurant however not restaurants fault.

Staff were lovely, great atmosphere. Beautiful decor.

I love Botanicals and they didn’t let me down this weekend with gorgeous food, friendly, attentive, fun and amazing staff, brilliant DJ who got us all up dancing, the lovely bouncers who looked after us all and just an amazing venue for a brilliant birthday. Thank you x

Such a good bottomless brunch!! Definitely will be returning.

Only had drink, perfectly pleasant staff

Lovely place. Good food and great service.

Saturday night, dj. Had a great evening with cocktails flowing.

Held my daughters birthday at the Botanical, there was 24 guest we had pre-ordered our food, so everything came out together food was hot and delicious, the staff where very efficient, helpful and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble for them. We will definitely be going back, totally recommend you give them a try, you won’t regret it.

Had such an amazing get together with the girls here on Saturday for a bottomless brunch ! The team were attentive and fun, cocktails were incredible and food was delicious !! Excellent service , excellent venue , excellent food ! We will all be back !

We had a lovely meal and then stayed for the Bingo really good evening.

Drag brunch was really good fun, cocktails great, staff great ! Defo booking again!

Lovely food as always. However, despite booking ahead and asking for a window for 4 people there was no reserved table and settled for a table for 4 that was not set up and despite telling staff we had precooked we had to send the bill back as deposit was not taken off final settlement. Staff were friendly as always and nothing was too much trouble. It was a birthday but did not feel special as no table reserved as requested. Otherwise would have been 5 stars all round.

We booked a meal not realising that it was quiz night. But a good time was had by all. We didn't win the quiz. The food and staff were lovely.

Terrible service, booked for bottomless brunch was told can't sit outside, also menu for branch is just sandwiches. Decided to order from main menu but then been told they don't do thit till 5 either. Terrible service and staff not helpfull at all. We just had some drinks and left. Been there for dinner before and had no problems but wouldn't recommend for lunch.

Fantastic service from the young lady with dark hair - we asked about a dessert we had previously which was no longer on the menu. She went and asked and actually managed to get them for us. So impressed, we'll be back soon

We planned to attend this establishment solely due to the generous 'buy one get one free' offer during the Euros. The offer was displayed on a board outside the establishment when we arrived at 15:30 and also on their social media pages the day before. A group of us arrived and we were told that this offer WOULD NOT be honoured. Very very poor service. There was no valid explanation. I wouldn't return or recommend this establishment to anybody. As Roy Hodgson once famously said in a BBC interview...let's not take the piss here. The Botanical certainly did.

Advertised ‘Happy Hour’ between 4-7 throughout the Euros tournament, and it was anything but happy. Upon entering the venue, still with bunting up and advertising the event, we were told they are no longer doing it, and even removed advertising whilst we were stood there. Then allowed a group of Neanderthals to watch the game on a separate device which was ahead of the main showing, ruining the experience for others. When complaining about this, was told ‘tough’ by one of the staff. Crestfallen with my experience.

Awful business! Putting promotions on to get customers through the door and then not honouring them, despite having a sign up outside advertising it and posting it all over social media! Even better they are now deleting the posts on social media, fortunately took screenshots of them at the time. Terrible dishonest behaviour. We have a group booking here in a few weeks, I’ll talk the organiser into going elsewhere now. Might wait until 5 minutes before to let them know though!

Absolutely flabbergasted. This place is run by a con artist. Do not ever go

Advertised buy one get one free beer during the euros from 4-7pm. Then on the day of an England game decided at 4pm they no longer wanted to do this even though advertising outside the bar and on social media. Scandalous

Very disappointed with our Father’s Day meal, roast was cold, only 2 bowls of vegetables between 9 people, no entertainment as advertised. Staff were lovely and efficient, manager very understanding and did accommodate our complaint satisfactory but has put us off coming again, we came on Mother’s Day last year and was fab so was expecting the same this year, overall very disappointing

What a strange place. Attracts older clientele in their 40s etc. Plays mix of older music, combined with brand new heavy base stuff. Both at about 200 decibels. Impossible to talk or shout. Tries to be a nightclub. Can't decide who the client base is though. VERY EXPENSIVE DRINKS. Only good for those who want to dance in a very small space, can communicate in sign language, and don't mind being deaf the day after.

Lovely place, tucked away from the main hustle of Port Solent. Had a guy playing guitar and singing which was brilliant. Check it out guys the place is lovely. Old Fashioned was made to a tee!

Really nice place , friendly staff and went out there way to find a candle and a free drink for the birthday girl

Had an amazing time for my sons 18th birthday at the drag bottomless brunch.mary o'kart was amazing,food was fab and drinks were spot on. Absolutely brilliant!!

Staff were amazing and checked on us regularly. We don’t the drag show bottomless brunch which was brilliant the host was fab and atmosphere so much fun. Highly recommend.

We cannot thank the team at The Botanical enough, for their immense effort in making our wedding reception so memorable. We fell in love with The Botanicql years ago, and when it came to choosing a reception venue, we had our heart set on this. Although this was the first time the venue had catered for a wedding of this size (we had around 150 people), you would not have known. Throughout the planning stage for this, Carl (the manager of the Botanical) was on hand to answer questions for us, and discuss options. He would continually arrange meetings with us, and spend so much time explaining the different ways we could host this for our friends and family. Never once did he make us feel as if we were an inconvenience, and he would continue to accommodate as our budgets changed and we needed to work out how best to utilise our funds. Even when my parents would I visit and ask multiple questions, he would find time for them. It did not feel as if it was a standard service, this really felt above and beyond, and allowed us to make the day so personal. On the actual day, we arrived to the venue beautifully decorated and everything set up. We had opted for a more casual style reception, and wanted to have a party with a buffet. The children’s buffet was set up and ready for them as they arrived, welcome drinks on hand and the staff were just so enthusiastic. It made such a difference for us, as we really felt it was more than just a job for them. Following this the main buffet arrived, and really exceeded our expectations. It had been so beautifully presented, and all we heard were compliments about the quality of the food. We opted for large curried, burger slides etc. and all had been set up so professionally for us. Home made scones, cream and jam followed, as well as an ice cream machine for the children. I loved how Carl made suggestions we had not even thought were possible throughout the whole planning process, and we were able to find what worked for us over time, there was no pressure to make an immediate decision. And as for the staff, they really do have an incredible team linked to the Botanical. Unusually, I have had guests messaging since, about individual staff who were so attentive. Nothing felt like a burden, and they could not do enough for our guests. Throughout the evening, whenever a leading staff member went on break or had finished a shift, we were given a handover, giving us a new member of staff to use as a point of call. Anybody who has ever got married, knows that timetables go out the window, and things change as the day progresses. This was so helpful for us, as we always knew who to turn to. Even when we needed to change what was happening, nothing was too much and it was adapted within minutes by the venue. Myself and my new husband both work in the customer service industry, so have seen both good and bad service throughout the years. We do not have anything we would have changed and any negative comments to make, you really did make our day magical and we could not be more grateful or impressed with using The Botanical as our wedding venue. The venue itself is beautifully decorated as it is, but Carl was also able to recommend an events company (Sassy Events) who allowed us to add so many special touches and really have the venue as we wanted on the wedding day. Again, they met with us multiple times before the wedding, and Hayley was always on hand when we had any questions or ideas for what we wanted for the day. Our budget and ideas kept changing, but she was still very enthusiastic to decorate the venue for our wedding. I have attached images of how beautifully this was all presented for us. Sassy and her team were all there when we arrived at the venue, and made sure everything was ready. She is meticulous with detail, and has a real talent in this area. Our guests were so impressed with the displays, and we thoroughly enjoyed working with her to plan what we wanted. It really was lovely to see how much she enjoys her work, and we really felt it was all tailored to us.

A nice venue with a great range drinks. Booked for dinner and the “entertainment” was far too loud for early evening dinner. Staff couldnt hear when taking orders, couldnt hear guests I was with so there was no atmosphere amongst ourselves. Food seems a bit over priced for some items. £6 for 5 tiny bits of whitebait. Wanted to order dessert, was brought a menu but left then for 20 minutes with all staff too busy at the bar and felt a bit abandoned as they seemed more interested in serving drink rather than those still eating. Got bill, paid and left. I feel the “entertainment” should maybe kick in at 9pm when it starts to get busier with people arriving for drinks and not dinner. Also, if you like to check menus before you arrive at a restaurant, don’t bother, the website is incorrect!

October was brilliant. She definitely knows how to get a good time going. Will be visiting again definitely, so much fun. And the cocktails were amazing too! Wish they done a deal on shots tho.

Family of 10… speedy service, super friendly, food lovely, this was our first visit and super impressed… will be back again soon ☺️

Fantastic atmosphere. Food was good, service was great. Cocktails were buy 2 for £12 in the evening.

Second visit, we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thank you, we’ll be back x

First time here for the drag brunch, great atmosphere. The only criticism I have is you were not informed prior to the event that you had to pay a service charge on top of the event price (a little naughty really) £35.00pp was more than enough then to be charged 10% extra.

We ordered 5 roast beef dinners, as beef was the only meat left, how disappointing it was fatty stringy and difficult to cut, we asked for more beef but it was exactly the same as what we had, service was good but we left hungry!

Bit average to be honest in terms of service. The restaurant was not hugely busy but they were slow to take any orders, and our main meal turned up before our first drink and that took a very long time to arrive after ordering. Very lacklustre sadly. Won’t be hurrying back 😔

We probably after seeing the menu should have left as its limited but we like the surroundings so decided to stay burger was less tasty than a rustlers microwave burger Beer was naff but they changed it for me my partners wine was rank but she liked and enjoyed her muscles deserts were not pleasant but staff are polite although didn't get what I asked for hey-ho

4 of us attended brunch. All your staff were brilliant, especially our waitress whose name I forget but had an amazing tattoo in her next. She was so attentive, making sure we had everything we needed.

Got there at 7.30pm ordered food and drinks within 5 mins. 25 mins later still no drinks when we asked all we got told was they was busy and there had been confusion. Food was ok nothing special. Service was ok except the waitress kept playing with her hair when talking to us.

Actually this place place was great. The staff were excellent and I don't give an excellent very often. They made all the difference. Great place, great cocktails but excellent staff. Well done team.

Went for a bottomless brunch but due to some restrictions my friend has, she was unable to take full advantage. They were very accommodating even though we were not expecting any special treatment, which meant a lot to us.

We had a very nice meal and time at the Botanicals.very good service but it was a little cold in the restaurant

We went for bottomless brunch we all agreed it was one of the best in terms of value for money. The food was delicious and the cocktails were very nice. We had excellent service from the moment we walked in. We couldn’t fault anything.

We had the bottomless brunch which was amazing. Definitely good value for money with impeccable service. There were 9 of us and we were never without a drink. Thank you

Overall we had a “nice” time as we were celebrating my sisters birthday. The food wasn’t great, all our starters were cold and had to be sent back, main meals were ok, but nothing to write home about. Veg was more that Al dente and cold, burgers were over cooked and dry, we didn’t mention this as we didn’t want to ruin or create an atmosphere as we were all trying to have a good time celebrating. Everyone was in agreement to just get on and enjoy ourselves. The waiting staff were really friendly, helpful and couldn’t fault them, it’s a shame the kitchen let them down. We also had issues with the Tonic water, we found out there had been an issue and was resolved the previous day, but we all found it tasted funny/like fizzy water with no taste, so we had to change a few drinks over, which the bar staff were good about, and they apologised, but this limited what people drank as had to have something that didn’t need tonic water. Probably not somewhere I chose to eat again.

We booked a table in the restaurant for our work do and were all very looking forward to it. I phoned up 2 days before to amend the amount of people going. I was not asked for a deposit. I was one of the last people to arrive at Botanical so went straight to the bar to order a drink. 3 members of staff stood at the entrance to the bar and they were bitching about our table booking - how we had not pre ordered, not paid a deposit and one even commented that they just knew we would be a nightmare. It was quite shocking to hear them speak like that, not only is it very rude, but also very unprofessional- staff should not stand in front of customers and moan about them. We work in a customer based industry ourselves, and we would never dream to be that rude and unprofessional in front of our customers. We were not rowdy, we were not rude, we were respectful and we had only just arrived. It completely ruined the night for us, so much so that most of us decided not to eat in the end, and some of our team left early. It was such a shame, the bar staff were great, the food that was ordered was delicious and the atmosphere was really good - the dj was great. Those 3 members of staff completely ruined what would otherwise would have been a great night for us. We do not get together often as a team so we were very much looking forward to it. Botanical ticked all of the boxes for us; food, drink, cocktails, dance floor and dj, so we really expected to have a great night. Unfortunately this was not so. We will not be returning and we would not recommend Botanical.

Had a wonderful Mothers Day lunch with my family. Food and staff fab, singer gave the afternoon an amazing atmosphere and lovely extra touches like free prosecco for us Mums and a photographer. Just perfect. Thank you xx

Went in on Mother’s Day and had the worst experience. The food was terrible. Would even feed to a dog. I’ve sent an email to the restaurant already and still had no reply?

The Sunday roasts were lovely. As good as the last time we visited. It was very nice to have the vocalist towards the end of our time there.

Lovely food but felt the service received really let it down.

Fabulous and an enjoyable experience

Lovely place amazing atmosphere friendly staff

Valentines meal. Not going to critique too much. Food was a bit dry/over done. Skewers very tough, steak dry, maybe just a one off, did get a slight deduction off overall price. but nice place, nice people too.

Morning. Ruined. Worst breakfast ever, so much oil the food was swimming. Hashbrowns soggy. Herbs everywhere. Bacon still alive. Wouldn’t recommend unless you want a sad morning.

Average food served by good staff in an environment that was not conducive to a relaxed eating experience.

What a fantastic venue. However totally spoilt by the so called DJ-Great crowd to start then it thinned out by 10pm due to the appalling DJ-I cant understand when everyone leaves the management don't realise its due to a mess up on the decks sounded like he was building a shed!!-Com on guys lets get a DJ that can mix and keep the vibe going -Your turnover will quadruple

We had gone to the drag bottomless brunch, and I can say that 7 of us had the best afternoon, staff were amazing, entertainment was fantastic. The drinks just kept on coming. A brilliant venue, a must if you enjoy a good time!

Nice breakfast. I've had evening drinks there at it has a very good vibe about the place

Great friendly waitress, and food was outstanding

There were 7 of us for a birthday breakfast. We all had full Englishes.. waited an hour for the door from ordering for it to mostly all be stone cold.. only thing hot was the beans.. We were the only people in there at the time so unsure why everything was cold. Complained and was told it was the chefs skill set.. and that there was a delivery the same time we were in? Standards were very low and very poor. Had to push for money back. Bill was £88 and paid £24.. We all left hungry and disappointed but glad we got our money back but ruined the special morning for the birthday. UPDATE- Alicia the assistant manager phoned me to discuss the above, she was absolutely amazing and invited us in for a complimentary breakfast. 3 of us went and it was perfect. Service was 100%, food was piping hot.. no issues whatsoever and she really made it a complete turn around on our thoughts. She is a credit to the business and knows how a place should be conducted!

Great girls night out. Good service and plenty of room for a dance after our meal. Good DJ.