The pavilion at Southsea Tennis Club
There aren’t many places around town that guarantee a spot in the sun but the Club House Southsea is one of the best. Those who know me, know that I love being outside and I’m rarely home. Weekends in Southsea revolve around food, coffee, beer, friends and exercise and the Club House incorporates all that, especially as they now have their very own run club. On the day of their first birthday, it’s about time we tell you more.
Located in Southsea Tennis Club’s pavilion on Southsea Common, this bright and airy cafe is home to the original Little Coffee Southsea, a mini espresso van where I spent most mornings during COVID. The sense of community Olivia (Liv) and her dad Steve created during that period was fantastic and many of the regulars still gather there today.
I was super excited when Olivia announced she would be taking over the pavilion (from Watkins and Faux) with her dad still running the Little Coffee van. It was a huge project, a big space to fill and jam-packed summers, what with the splash park outside. Not to mention the tennis players, in which my other half Carlos is one.
Liv has done a fantastic job at creating a nice environment for all occasions. I often meet Carlos for an iced coffee after our weekend exercise and I regularly meet my mummy friends there too, as the space is big enough for groups and young families. On a hot summer day, we can often be found in the garden enjoying a glass of wine or freshly squeezed orange juice, a favourite of mine.
The creamiest coffee
Now let’s talk about the coffee. Their oat milk latte is the creamiest coffee in town and the flat white is quite rightly small yet punchy. I opt for one or the other depending on how many other coffees I’ve had that day. One of the girls, Emma, is the most consistent barista I’ve ever met, I’ve never had a mediocre coffee from her. The last time I asked, their beans were from Moonroast which were the first beans I ever bought when I first got into my coffee. To this day I’d say they are one of the most versatile, likeable coffee beans I’ve come across.
Seasonal menu
The food has evolved a little since the Club House opened with a change in chefs having a bit of an influence. The first chef Carey used to do these killer pancakes which unfortunately aren’t on the menu anymore. They often reappear as weekend specials, although I haven’t tried them since he left. It’s on my list to do so! These days, my go-to dish is the salad which changes seasonally. I’ve had countless winter salads this year – a filling bowl of kale, spinach, beets, feta, roasted butternut, seeds and walnuts. Hearty and nutritious.
Mid-week deals
My friends are a big fan of the mid-week coffee and bap deal which is £6 and I’ve heard, on more than one occasion, that the bacon baps are the best in Pompey. Talking of deals, there’s more. I sometimes make use of their Business lunch deal which includes any dish from the menu and two coffees for just £10 Monday to Friday. This certainly gets me away from my home office. Tennis club members also get a discount on food and coffee.
There was a brief period where there was no vegan cake on the counter much to the dismay of my mother, but I have news – their new in-house baker previously worked at Hunter Gatherer and is cooking up some fantastic homemade vegan bakes. I recently tried one of the daily cinnamon buns which are huge and make a fantastic breakfast. I’ll be heading there soon for a vegan treat with Mum.
Club House Southsea
Liv and her team do a good job at keeping things fresh and people returning again and again. The specials board changes weekly and features a handful of innovative colourful dishes, like slow-roasted vine tomatoes and whipped goat’s cheese on sourdough. For those after a more simple, beige brunch, then I recommend the full English which a few Portsmouth Bloggers referred to as “an outstanding, quality fry up” and features meat from local Bransbury Park butchers.
It’s been nice watching the Club House grow through its first year of trading and I am excited to see what’s next, like new cakes and vegan dishes and pop-up events like the jazz afternoon we recently attended. The Club House Southsea is fit for the whole family, so if you haven’t been there yet, rally up your clan and enjoy the big garden!
H x
Ambience 7
Quality 8
Value 8
Service 8
Overall 8
Return? Yes!