The Lightship in Gosport

Relaxing drinks on the top deck followed by an excellent lunch on the foredeck in the sun. There can be no better location on the South coast. Very friendly and attentive staff, we look forward to returning when it reopens in the Spring.

The Lightship is clearly a unique place for that special meal. The service, food quality and attention by the staff was excellent but the choices were limited somewhat. In addition to that the cost for food was high end. A 10oz Steak (with chips only) came in at £35. The prices for drinks seemed reasonable for a restaurant and you could visit just to drink at the bar and sit on the upper deck which would be a great venue in the summer months. It was a special occasion for me, and the restaurant had been informed prior to our visit but nothing was done by the venue to mark this. I know of other venues that might mark it in some small way which just adds that special touch.

I hope the management take onboard the feedback & put on an appropriate menu. Your staff are friendly but you don’t know how to deliver menu/service/price point that makes any sense. Please give a passionate restauranteur the reigns to make this unique venue what it should be.

Brilliant location, shame about the ridiculous prices for tiny portions. I’m all for a pricy / fancy lunch but I walked away from starters a main hardly that full up. Staff were lovely however I won’t be going back unless the menu is updated and the portion sizes are increased pretty drastically!

We went for lunch and felt that the dinner menu offered was too heavy and pricey for lunch. So we opted to just have starters. We were really shocked by how small they were given the prices being charged. Whilst the food looked good and tasted ok it wasn't exceptional enough to support the prices charged. Three pieces of tortellini for 12 quid! Criminal. The chicken Caesar was over complicated and no better for it. Why mess with a classic. With coffee and a couple of beers the bill was over 80 quid for the 4 of us which normally would be totally reasonable for a hearty lunch but not for the nibbles we had. We saw some of the mains going out and they also looked small. Average price for mains was over 25. The staff were pleasant although disorganised and unknowledgeable about the menu. The venue is lovely. A good bistro lunch menu would be a good addition.

It's rare that I give one star. We were here last year with friends and had a poor experience. But it's changed hands since, and getting good write ups in the boating press. So when the same friends invited us to dinner when we sailed into Haslar marina we were looking forward to the 'unique dining experience aboard an iconic landmark' as billed on the website! We were not alone in our bad experience on Saturday 9th September. Guests at other tables could all see others not getting meals/drinks on time. The Management has put a 'Thumbs Up Thanks' to the last few reviews - maybe they're not bothered about taking onboard critical but well-meant customer feedback. Management please note - it is unfair on frontline team, like Mia who gets much praise in earlier reviews, and Laura assistant manager, trying to explain what has gone wrong. Pluses - on arrival, a pleasant greeting; glorious outdoor setting for a warm evening and a nice bottle of South African white wine with striking glasses. Negatives - I asked for 2 starters for my main meal to come out at the same time as mains. They didn't. The other 3 meals came out much later. We asked for some complimentary bread/oils while waiting an hour for the food and finally got some defrosted loaf at the same time as the meals eventually arriving. The food overall was expensive for what was served and not particularly good. I saw another waitress a couple of times drifting round with meals trying to find their owners!! Granted we were discounted 20% - but that is not the point. We gather the kitchen was having problems. Sounds like a team of 4 can't manage 87 covers? Maybe staff up - or make the menu less ambitious - or make the kitchen more accessible to the service team. Why are diners so polite? It's because we sympathise for the staff who are the frontline reps for a business and don't want to make them crack under the strain of a badly-run set up, or lack of training. If my poor review gets a thumbs up, it reflects a management team who might as well put up 2 fingers. Then I would advise other diners to not spend your money here, as they aren't prepared to improve the situation for either their paying customers or team under pressure. Which is a shame - as there is so much opportunity to bring the bad bits quickly up to scratch.

Bar staff are incompetent and clearly in need of more training. On two occasions it took over 15 minutes from placing the order to receiving the drinks. The bartender even had to look at step by step instructions to make a pimms! A stunning venue and the ship has had a great makeover so a real shame. We will not return for food after this visit

What a disaster, Saturday evening 25 Degrees , beautiful evening what a place to sit and enjoy a couple of drinks, how wrong can a place get it , stood at the bar for a very long time eventually asked what I wanted, listed my order, taking a bit by surprise when the lady replied you going to have to wait for that then went and served someone else. The lad was friendly but took for ever to make someone cocktails a light ship special apparently!!! Trying to squeeze kiwi fruit through a tea strainer , I said what a joke of a cocktail can’t it be pre-made?his reply was he’d like to throttle whoever invented it . Putting that to one side 25 minutes in got a pint and a couple of other drinks, there was some sort of manageress flapping about but didn’t seem to have a clue, As a berth holder in the marina it’s so disappointing to see so many customers pulling faces at each other obviously going through the same pain as us . It’s time to have a reality check managment , before the light ship follows the titanic

Sitting with lovely views of Portsmouth Harbour, this is a unique venue. The staff on deck are very friendly and efficient. As Berth holders in the adjacent marina we were looking forward to taking great friends there to dinner, despite having heard some negative comments about the food. Unfortunately we were bitterly disappointed both in the quality of the food, and the length of time it took to arrive. We witnessed the table next to us leaving in despair at not receiving any food at all. A return to a simpler menu with wholesome dishes and less fancy pretentions would be more appropriate.

It all started so well - a beautiful sunny evening and what looks like a perfect setting for a special meal. Within minutes we were up on the top deck but the problems started when we had to wait for understaffed bar to served us drinks. We had been allocated a lovely table as we had requested on the fore deck. Our waitress was very pleasant but clearly flustered from the off. We eventually ordered but there was confusion around what was available. Then we waited with our wine. And waited and waited. Eventually after a lot of prodding the starters arrived. Not great! Then we waited again but after 3 hours when the waitress couldn’t tell us how long our main courses would be - we left. The lady assistant manager was apologetic but clueless and blamed the fact that they were busy but had been let down by the 4 kitchen staff. As far as we could tell all the tables around us were having the same problem! Paid for the wine and cut our losses. Great location, great company ( and a very pleasant waitress who we felt sorry for). This “restaurant “ is sunk if they don’t pull their finger out. Whoever owns it needs to get involved and have a major rethink because in its location it has the potential to be great. Don’t go

We had been waiting a long time to revisit the restaurant after being refurbished but what a disappointment. It was completely disorganised and slow . We had a drink first on the upper deck but they had run out of several wines and the barman could of done with extra help. We asked the hostess to reserve our table but when we got there someone had taken it . The food was disappointing and overcooked,our friend sent hers back and it took forever to get a replacement. In their defence they did not charge for hers . It is such a shame as a lot of money has been spend on refurbishing the boat but they have a long way to go if they want to survive the winter.

I advised at booking that It was our wedding anniversary, and we went with our friends for lunch. We had a bottle of champagne to celebrate and the staff were very friendly and accommodating. What let it down was the food. It was cordon bleu style so not much in they way of good size portions and there were no vegetables served with the main course which we thought was strange. Everyone of us had a course which wasn’t very good, which is very disappointing as we invited them to join us. The sweets were minute. The cost was £300 which we don’t mind paying if the food is good. We thought they would have offered a cake or a drink for our special day. On the positive side, beautiful venue, but need to sort their menu to fill the ship with diners on a regular basis.w

Sundowners - Yes! A la carte - definitely not. Very sad to see this gem head in the wrong direction. The decor is certainly very nice, and the upstairs deck a great place to watch the boats and ships come in with a glass of something pleasing. However, the restaurant fare is now an overly thought through, overly pretentious, overly expensive pretender. We have been regulars of the Light Ship and the Merry Mouse since taking a berth in Haslar in early 2022. The previous incarnation had a good menu, with something for everyone, good choice and great tasty food. The current menu is ridiculous in its pomposity, minute in its generosity, and a sad turn for a wonderful location. Most telling was that on a stunning Saturday in late August, with blue skies, a round the world race poised to begin, and both Portsmouth and Gosport teeming with weekend folk flush with cash; and with the exception of those enjoying early sundowners on the top deck, and a private party at the front of the deck; the main restaurant was completely empty. Perplexed, but undeterred, we sat down, frowned at the scant menu with West End London prices and ordered. We will never return to this disappointment. It is obvious the new decor has to be paid for, but this was too great a price. Very sad.

What a fantastic Resturant. The Lightship has had a complete makeover and is absolutely amazing. Beautifully done, fabulous views the food was excellent and we had a brilliant waitress called Mia. She really went above and beyond to make our evening even better. We finished off with a drink upstairs on the top deck where we had a great view of Gun wharf at dusk with beautiful colours in the sky. A truly unforgettable evening and we will definitely be back.

Had a fantastic lunch with a friend at the Lightship on Friday. Fantastic spot on the top deck for a glass taking in all around. Food was fantastic but it was the service that made it amazing, attentive with a sense of fun. Will defo be back. Free mooring a bonus as well. We were also treated to a sail past!

Such a wonderful location, with incredible food and drinks. It’s truly an experience to eat here, with the unusual setting on a lightship, and seared in Portsmouth harbour area with spectacular surroundings. The food is delightful and flavourful, and the cocktail selection is superb. We...

A gorgeous venue, Alice our waitress was amazing, we had the seafood platter which did not disappoint, thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience

Last night was our first time dining here but definitely won’t be our last The food was absolutely fantastic the staff (especially Mia) were very happy to help us The whole evening was a wonderful experience and very unique The gate system works very well...

Delicious food, outstanding service and views to die for. We could not have had a better experience. One of our party is wheelchair bound and the staff were super helpful from the moment of booking right through the evening itself, with information regarding accessibility, getting...

Fabulous food and an excellent wine list. The service was top class. A special shout out to Laura for looking after us so well. The location is amazing. Easy to reach via the Gosport ferry or even better if you are lucky enough to own...

We visited the Lightship on a sunny Sunday afternoon with family for drinks and nibbles and it was wonderful! Beautiful views accross the harbour, great drink and food selection (the cocktails were delicious!), very friendly and lovely staff - a great experience 😊 would highly...

The lightship is a beautiful venue with lovely views of harbour. The drinks and desserts are delicious! The staff are proffesional, very polite and very welcoming. Perfect place for an afternoon treat! Looking foward to coming back for dinner and drinks with friends!

Fantastic evening! We had a wonderful greeting and was shown to what we think was the best seat in the house. We were sat outside over looking the sea towards the spinnaker tower. It was a perfect spot. Sophie was our waitress, she was lovely,...

If I could give more than 5*, I would. This is truly such a hotspot in the Solent area. Visited Wednesday for lunch, was greeted upon arrival and was seated in the foredeck area. The sun was shining, the views were amazing overlooking the boating...

Very good food and the staff was very friendly! We really enjoyed the evening, will be going back soon!

I have visited the lightship twice now, since its recent opening. Such a great experience both times, first a three course meal with family and then evening drinks to live music with my wife. All the staff are really friendly and help make the meal...

Family meal, food was well presented and delicious. Service was excellent, professional and approachable. Reasonably priced.

Great spot for waterside dining with attentive service and excellent food. We came by boat which was very easy as there are ample free berths right alongside making it even more convenient. The lightship is beautifully renovated and had a great atmosphere. We will be...

Amazing location, the views across the harbour are fantastic. We had the seafood platter which was delicious. The refurbishment is fabulous with an Art Deco style. Will be returning soon. Great cocktails too!

I have been so excited to visit the Lightship since it recently re-opened and it did not disappoint. We were able to enjoy drinks on the top deck before heading to the mid deck restaurant for dinner. We enjoyed several cocktails, a bottle of wine...

Well done team Lightship you have delivered a fantastic experience. Our meal was delicious and the attentive staff couldn’t have be kinder. Stunning Solent views from this incredible location, accessible by boat and ferry. Thoroughly recommend The Lightship, don’t miss a drink on the top...

Wow - the best new venue in the Solent ! Such a unique and exciting experience . Gorgeous decor, delicious food, great service , and fantastic views of all the boating action in Portsmouth harbour from the top deck - a lovely lovely place to...

What a great addition to the Solent ‘boat accessible’ foodie scene. Fantastic venue, a delightful conversion of this terribly interesting piece of maritime history. A really interesting and locally sourced menu with all dishes executed flawlessly - even though we were a large (11 adults!)...

Such a great vibe, really gorgeous venue. We had the tastiest cocktails on the outside deck before dinner in the boat! The salt and vinegar Cod and goats cheese tortellini were the favourites. The people are just the loveliest and couldn’t do enough for us....

Came with family and was seated by a lovely host. The decor of the restaurant is beautiful and there was a great live band on that day. We shared meat and cheese boards for lunch which were incredible. The venison cured meat was really different...

Came long last Friday evening for the live music and a few drinks, didn’t disappoint! Few drinks and a charcuterie cheese board made for the perfect evening. Great setting and lovely staff!

I came to the lightship 1 year ago and it was a nice experience. Coming back to the lightship is good memories as I went there a lot but it has changed alot in a great way. The staff are so happy as I spoke...

I Went to have a meal with my husband as I know it had reopened Recently, we get there and are waiting 10 minutes to be greeted and sat down, then when we sit down we are waiting another 20 minutes before our order is...

Great food. Great service. Great Location. Great venue. If I had to find fault it would be that the floor inside slopes slightly, so my seat was slightly lower than the wife's, maybe build a plinth! But that quirk in no way detracted from what...

This is a fantastic new addition to the Solent restaurant list! We arrived by boat from the Isle of Wight and, mooring up on the newly refurbished pontoon just outside the entrance to the restaurant is really easy. Drinks on the top deck with background...

Had an amazing meal, food was great (especially the fish) and staff were also really friendly and efficient. The most special place on the Solent by far and much better value than the Hut! Will be going back soon.

From start to finish this was really excellent. We arrived by boat and used the Lightship pontoon which was so easy. Sitting outside on the lower deck under the awning protected us from the wind and we were able to work for a few hours...

Great venue, Beautiful redecorations, but that menu ? £35 for a rib eye steak ? Ridiculous prices, change the menu, half the price and you would be packed. I think most people think the same. You could only visit here once for food. Will be...

I have visited the lightship a few times now since it has reopened . You couldn’t get a better location to sit and take in the views of Portsmouth harbour , they have done a fantastic job , spent a lot of money and it...

We were expecting great things from the relaunch of the Lightship after it’s refit and paint job, but sadly we were disappointed. The food was not that great and the Risotto was very poor. It is clear that if this restaurant wants to continue in...

This is such a good venue for sailors like me. We have now been a few times. This time an amazing upgrade to the interior, and deck and bar. The staff couldn't have been more attentive. All let down by the main point of an...

Having read the previous reviews I nearly cancelled our booking, but as we live 5 minutes walk away and are old and regular visitors to the lightship we decided to see for ourselves. Service was good - welcomed on arrival, pleasant waitress, drinks and food...

When for my wife's birthday, my initial thought was this does not look like fine dining as we where sat on stools with paper napkins and small table very close to adjoining tables. I had a starter for £11 which consisted of one ravioli with...

1) Ignore all reviews before 30/06/2023 as these were prior to extensive refurbishment , and different management. 2) Before booking read all the recent reviews . We were very keen to try out ‘The Lightship ‘ but can only concur with the recent poor reviews...

We attended on the opening night having seen a promotion on Facebook that day. We expected a bit of a fanfare to celebrate re-opening, welcoming glass of prosecco maybe, but nothing special offered. The welcome from the staff, however, was very warm. We thought the...

The lightship has just returned from an extensive refurbishment and the interiors looked lovely with comfortable and stylish decor. The staff were lovely, knowledgeable about the menu and the service was excellent. However, the food was really disappointing. The menu is pretentious and when the...

Lovely venue, shame about the food. After sending it back for a first time the second time was even worse. Inc sides just under £30 per head per roast! Awful, the young waitress was great. Shame about the kitchen staff, wouldn’t recommend and won’t be...

We were expecting better at the relaunched Lightship , sadly the food is not great but the views are good , we will return but not for overpriced food just for drinks .

Lovely venue, shame about the food, very small portions and limited menu. Lamb overcooked and crab ravioli with little crab !

The Turbot main course was smaller than a starter portion. Pigs cheek very tasty. Lamb good too. But to be told that the portion size had been commented on before was adding insult to injury...

Everything 100 per cent except the menu !!!! Please change it !! More choices and better value !! We asked for side salad and chips with our meal but neither on the menu so we ordered a ceaser salad and that truly defied description ?!...

Very dissapointing, my friend and I had the lamb risotto which was made with lentils not rice ,very small portion ,also a steak was ordered for our other friend which was anemic,no flavour, tasteless,with a bunch of watercress on the side( fine dining??) There were...

Great location beautiful evening lovely staff, bit slow, the menu is not extensive enough and needs more choices, the food was ok but expensive for what we ordered, lack of small plates to enjoy with a drink on the top deck, olives etc. Also no...

We had a fantastic evening on board The Lightship. Fabulous food with a great cocktail menu and super friendly staff. All this with beautiful views over Portsmouth Harbour. Will definitely visit again and can’t wait to try out the bar on the top deck next...

A usually lovely experience, but made for very bad one today because of a dark haired member of staff!

We had booked for a Friday afternoon, and took some older relatives with us, and... they loved the ferry ride to get there, they loved the 'theatre' of accessing via the jetty, and they were astonished at the accommodation, so... thankfully... the food was every...

The restaurant is unique and so enjoyable. We sat outside and the views are fabulous especially on a summers evening All of our meals were excellent and the staff were so pleasant especially David and Sue . Can’t wait to go back .

Arrived at 8:05pm, No one to greet you at first. Shown to a table. Waited over 15 mins before asking if anyone was going to take an order. Drinks ordered nothing arrived starter ordered nothing arrived. 8:45pm left with nothing. Other customers were given free...

Visited today and had burger Atmosphere lovely and staff helpful lightship has been beautifully refurbished However not impressed by the sneaky added service charge hidden in the small print at the very bottom of the menu Food average but I feel a little overpriced for...

I stopped off here for lunch for the first time and had a burger and the quality of the fior is to a high standard. Ever one was friendly even the chefs when passing then.

Wow what a place to go for an amazing meal with a view couldn't think of anything better to do on a Friday evening

A lovely quiet place to drink, with very polite staff, a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, drinks are reasonable priced, but could be a little cheaper, however we will definitely be going back.