Something nice... Garage Lounge - PORTSMOUTH

So another tribute to Portsmouth!!! Garage Lounge is a vintage Café at the start of Albert Road and is open from early in the morning till pretty late at night.  This was my most favourite place in Portsmouth to be. I can’t quite put my finger on it but Garage always reminded me of London and with free wifi and the most chilled atmosphere it became a sanctuary for me this year. Whether I was going for a bite to eat with a friend or grabbing a hot chocolate solo to work on my blog, this spot NEVER disappoints.

 

Garage Lounge has a very unique menu when it comes to food and drink. They do not serve alcohol but have tasty teas and smoothies. I love trying something new every time I go – and that’s another great thing, their menu often updates as they have new creations all the time. My favourite is their Eggy Bread (basically a cheese and ham toasty but on a whole different level!) or the all-day breakfast…. Yuuuuuum! In fact their pulled pork and apple sauce ciabatta… hmmm or their spicy chorizo ciabatta – In fact I can’t choose everything is so amazing here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They have literally the MOST scrumptious homemade cakes too. From Triple tiered Vanilla Rose to Baileys’ and Guinness Chocolate cake (also my fav) they have something that would temp everyone. Every visit there is always a surprise in the cake cabinet!

 

Another place you MUST GO if you are ever in Portsmouth… and you MUST try their HOT CHOCOLATE!!! It is the best I’ve EVER had hands down. Words can’t even explain my love for their hot chocolate!!!

Like a Kid in a Candy Shop… Hong Kong Charlie’s – PORTSMOUTH

Seeing as I live in Portsmouth (and have been for the last  4 years) I had to dedicate my first post to this city! And what better venue to tell you about than Hong Kong Charlie’s! Whenever any of my London friend’s come down to visit I always make sure I bring them here – it has become a bit of a favourite :)

 

Found in the heart of Southsea, this little place earns 10/10 for the novelty of their drinks menu. HKC’s is the only Vodka Bar in Portsmouth and they produce all of their own shots using real sweets and vodka! Starburst, Lovehearts, Foam Bananas, Coca Cola Bottles, – you name it, they probably have the vodka for it! The best ‘shots’ are their frozen chocolate ones! Malteaser, Twix, Toblarone and many more… ‘Corkys’ is no comparison for these babies! More importantly, they have a great selection of COCKTAILS including some of the usual, such as Purple Rain, and some which are not so usual, such as Jelly Baby. Jelly Baby (the one on the left) consists of grenadine, pineapple juice, Smirnoff Red, Archers, Malibu and is topped of with Bols Blue Curacao. It is a seductively sweet cocktail - just the way I like it. And the best part… HKC’s is GREAT value for money! £10 usually gets me a  drink and 3 shots!

 

HKC’s offers a relaxed and chilled environment during the week which is perfect if you’re wanting to go out with a few friends and try something new. Is also great on a Friday/Saturday night before going clubbing – very lively atmosphere and the music is pretty up to date. There is an additional seating area on a basement floor which is perfect if you want to reserve and have a ‘private party’. My friends actually arranged a surprise 21^st for me at this bar last year.

HKC’s is a must visit if you are ever in Portsmouth!