Southsea LIFESTYLE
AWHY SHOULD I SET UP A LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY?
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is an important legal document which enables you to choose someone to have the authority to make decisions on your behalf in the event you lose capacity in the future.
There are two types of LPAs; one for Property and Financial Affairs, the other for Health and Welfare. By setting up your LPAs it gives you the peace of mind to know that someone you have chosen can help you in the future if the need arises. These are powerful and personal documents, so it is important to instruct someone who will work directly with you to create them.
As a Freelance Solicitor, I have the freedom and flexibility to work around your plans. I can arrange appointments outside of standard hours, tailor my services to your needs and work at your pace, instead of being driven by targets or timescales.
Freelance Solicitors are fully qualified lawyers and are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. If you would like more information or to book a free no obligation appointment, please email me at:
Annabelle@acjlaw.co.uk or call 07591 527713
SOUTHSEA LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Produced by Southsea Lifestyle Ltd
Editor & Creative Director: Zirrinia Austin
Social media: Urban Salt
Marketing & Operations: Elios Stone
Web design: Daniel Sweeney
Southsea LIFESTYLE
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, we are delighted to present our June/July edition. Competitions are back. You have the chance to win tickets to music events at the New Theatre Royal and the Kings Theatre (see page 32). Additionally, LANO is offering fantastic prizes for two lucky individuals interested in exploring yoga (see page 30).
This issue focuses on enjoying the outdoors. The Southsea Food Festival is returning on the 5th and 6th of July – see page 34 for details. Portsmouth Guildhall shares information about their summer concerts in Guildhall Square (see page 38). The Solent Wave invites us to engage in outdoor activities to raise awareness and funds for the protection of marine wildlife in the Solent (see page 42). Happy reading!
CALLING ALL BUSINESS OWNERS
Southsea Lifestyle is the only lifestyle magazine delivered to people’s homes across the city. Affordable advertising rates and a loyal readership, no wonder 75% of our advertisers have been with us for 2 years or more. Just request a media pack for our August/September edition email: info@southsealifestyle.com www.southsealifestyle.com
Zirrinia Austin
SECURING YOUR LEGACY WITH A LIFETIME TRUST
Navigating the uncertainties of life can be challenging both for you and your loved ones, but securing the future of your loved ones need not be. With a Lifetime Trust you can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that your assets have been safeguarded and will benefit your chosen loved ones exactly as you intend.
Many still believe that Lifetime Trusts are only for the wealthy, but this is no longer the case with ordinary folk now owning their homes and looking to protect their assets. Westminster Law has made Lifetime Trusts an affordable and practical solution and has made it possible for anyone to secure their family's future with the same protection and foresight that the wealthy have enjoyed for centuries.
WHY CHOOSE A LIFETIME TRUST?
• Avoid the cost and delays of probate: Grant immediate access on your death to some or all of your assets held in trust without the need for probate.
• Control and protection: Claim full control over your assets and shield your family’s inheritance from divorce, creditors, and other predatory challenges.
• Ensure future care of your beneficiaries: Guarantee that the trust capital can assist your loved ones for generations; for example, for education, health care, and first homes.
• Retain more of your wealth: Strategically reduce or even eliminate potential inheritance tax liabilities for yourself and future generations.
Many believe setting up a trust means losing control; however, the reality is quite the opposite. With the right planning, a Lifetime Trust allows you to maintain full control over your assets both during your lifetime and after death. A Lifetime Trust ensures that your wishes regarding your assets are meticulously realised with precision and care.
By setting up a Lifetime Trust you can preserve your legacy, ensuring your intentions are fulfilled not just for the present, but also for future generations.
Westminster Law assesses the circumstances of couples and individuals and arranges the Trust that will provide the best protection for them, their loved ones and their assets
EMOTIONAL FATIGUE DOESN’T TAKE A BREAK IN THE SUMMER
Elios Stone
When I first started working with Joanna, she thought there was something seriously wrong with her. Sometimes she would experience the darkest thoughts – the kind you wouldn’t even dare speak out loud to yourself. No amount of summer light could make them dissipate.
IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING SADNESS OR ANXIETY, YOU’RE NOT ALONE Although summer can offer some relief, the underlying issues often remain unseen, hidden in the shadows. In Joanna’s case, her mind went into overdrive from years of stress and anxiety – anxiety that began in childhood and persisted throughout much of her adult life. Some days, she was almost paralysed with fear, unable to move, just shaking and sweating, yet she still felt the need to push through to meet the demands of work and family.
IT MAY SURPRISE YOU THAT ANXIETY AND STRESS AFFECT NEARLY EVERYONE AT SOME POINT You may feel
expected to self-soothe and power through to keep up with the relentless demands of family, work, and friends.
OVERTHINKING IS MORE THAN A MENTAL HABIT It’s a nervous system response. The brain constantly scans for danger, and when that vigilance goes into overdrive, it can lock the body into a fight-or-flight state, flooding it with cortisol and adrenaline.
OVER TIME, THIS WEARS YOU DOWN It accelerates ageing, disrupts hormones, and drains your energy. Even if you seem to be coping, the pressure builds. And when burnout hits, it’s not just tiredness – it’s a total crash that’s hard to ignore. It isn’t a matter of choosing whether to face it now or later.
Eventually, you’re given no choice when you find yourself hiding in the toilets at work, leaving early, or calling in sick because you can’t bear to go in. Those moments mark a dangerous downward spiral – but it doesn’t have to be that way.
In the end, Joanna’s patterns reached such a crisis that she was unable to function most days and had to stop working almost entirely. That’s when she began working with me.
Joanna (name and details changed for anonymity) made enormous strides in releasing old, pent-up patterns – and in many ways, her story reflects that of so many of the clients I support. She found a way to calm her nervous system, let go of the past, and begin enjoying her life by developing true presence.
“I doubted that I could ever get “unstuck” from old patterning, negative thinking, stress and anxiety. After actually being taught how to breathe properly and meditate I was finally able to move through my thoughts and feelings and have a lighter way of looking at my life” – Joanna, Southsea
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR? You don’t need to suffer in silence. There are simple techniques that can help. Learning to control your breath can bring calm into your day, and deeper breathwork practices – like connected breathwork – can help release pent-up emotions. I work with a very limited number of clients in this
in-depth way. They come from all walks of life – from highlevel executives quietly battling stress behind the scenes, to homemakers carrying the weight of past childhood experiences while managing daily family demands.
One of the best ways to find out whether breathwork, meditation, and shadow work could help you is to book an initial consultation. You’ll get a chance to experience the power of this work firsthand, and we’ll see whether we’re a good fit to work together
“The morning after my breathwork session with Elios was the first morning I’d woken up in months and not felt anxiety and dread for the day ahead.” – Sara, Southsea contact@eliosstone.com | 07825 686065
WINNERS OF THE ‘SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR’ AWARD!
Having worked so hard in their focus on sustainability, the team at Charlotte Cornelius Jewellery Design were thrilled to have received this award at the Portsmouth Business Excellence Awards at The Portsmouth Guildhall. Guided by ethical practices in every business decision and action, they are extremely grateful and proud to win this accolade.
From Charlotte: “As a bespoke jeweller it has always been our mission to work ethically and with integrity in a sometimes opaque industry. We are truly a team and we could not possibly have achieved these levels of sustainability and traceability without all being invested, making changes and suggestions which all add up to make a difference. We hope this can encourage even small business like ourselves with eight employees to be a changemaker within your industry and community.”
SO HOW DOES A JEWELLER WIN SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR?
Here are some highlights: Certified by Positive Luxury with the Butterfly Mark; earned by evidenced sustainability and ethical practices, this certification assures their customers of continuous high standards of innovation within environmental and social performance. Championing circularity; Promoting
Remodelling, Repairs, and Restoration to increase in job count each year, reducing the need to use new metals and gems. They practice and raise awareness of ethical precious gems and metals procurement
More information about their sustainability efforts can be found here…
Celebrating over 25 years of business & 10 years in Southsea, Charlotte has built her Award Winning team of Designers and Goldsmiths with a vision to make bespoke jewellery design welcoming and accessible to more people. Each piece is uniquely created with artistry, skill and care from their Workshop and Boutique in the heart of Southsea.
To be part of the circularity, have you considered remodelling sentimental jewellery; full of memories and emotion but not worn as it’s not your style? Restoration, cleaning and inspection are also great ways to ensure your precious jewels are kept as sparkling and wearable as ever. Charlotte and her team can help and they offer free design consultations, visit charlottecornelius.co.uk or call 07880 705981 to find out more! Or drop in for their free clean and inspection service every Saturday at their 87a Marmion Road shop and workshop.
Ring stack remodelled from client’s own jewels
Team CC
MMOVING TIPS
Neil Maxwell
oving home is one of life’s most stressful experiences, and getting your house ready for market can often be the hardest part. Those niggly little jobs that you’ve been putting off for ever, suddenly become desperately urgent and are completed so quickly you are left wondering why you put them off for so long.
One tip I’ve learnt over the years, is to keep on top of those storage areas that you have in the house on a regular basis. Unless it’s Christmas decorations, or camping gear, if you’ve not used something for six months or more, it needs to go.
In this way clearing your home regularly can save days of anguish when you’re prepping for sale.
It’s a tough mindset that you need to adopt but in the long run you’ll feel so much better and be able to claim back space and prevent having years and years of accumulation to tackle. Bear in mind though, if you’re tackling the loft, spring is the time
to do it when it’s not too hot up there!
With interest rates coming down people are definitely considering moving, the number of valuations have gone up and the number of sales are ahead of last year, as people take advantage of the better interest rates.
Another deciding factor for second home-owners has been the 100% increase on second home council tax which has led many people to decide to give up their second homes, although this hasn’t produced an avalanche of properties in Southsea to sell, especially compared to some areas in the UK.
It may be that in some of these areas, the desired effect of freeing up properties for first time buyers is starting to come to fruition creating more homes for local people, without having to build on green sites.
With Summer coming, we can look forward to more people relocating to this beautiful part of the world and hopefully some will be buying their first homes.
CRINOLINE GARDENS, SOUTHSEA -
£825,000
• Superb four bedroom townhouse in private, gated estate with sea views from upper floors, offering versatile living including garden room/bedroom 4 and study.
• Luxury fitted kitchen and spacious lounge/dining room with stunning views across the Solent and Isle of Wight, plus master bedroom with en-suite.
• Driveway, garage and lawned garden, beautifully maintained throughout – ideal for those seeking a secure coastal lifestyle.
EPC Rating: TBC
GLOUCESTER VIEW, SOUTHSEA -
£635,000
• Exceptional end-of-terrace Grade II listed home, beautifully restored with period charm and contemporary finishes throughout.
• Spacious kitchen with bi-fold doors opening to a landscaped garden, plus versatile living spaces including snug/5th bedroom, study, and double reception.
• Four bedrooms, three bathrooms and garden cabin with heating, lighting, and power – ideal as a home office, gym or studio.
EPC Rating: D
GARDEN LANE, SOUTHSEA -
£825,000
• Extended 1930s four-bedroom semi-detached home in a sought-after Southsea cul-de-sac, blending period charm with modern finishes.
• Spacious kitchen/dining room opening to the garden, plus lounge with bay window, feature fireplace, and log burner.
• Master bedroom with en-suite, garage, off-road parking with EV charging point, and south-facing courtyard garden.
EPC Rating: C
Living the Dream in Pembroke Park: A Southsea Sanctuary
By Lizzie Burt Associate Director at Chinneck Shaw
Have you ever noticed how TV dramas make private residential communities look idyllic? Tree-lined streets, kids on bikes, neighbours chatting over fences. It’s a familiar picture and one that can feel a world away in some areas. But in the heart of Southsea, Pembroke Park quietly delivers on that dream.
At the centre of this story is Chadderton Gardens, a beautiful home recently sold by Chinneck Shaw in record time. Why? Location, lifestyle, and a little secret ingredient: community.
Nestled within the highly sought-after Pembroke Park development, Chadderton Gardens offered more than just a house. It offered a way of life. With landscaped communal grounds, residents here enjoy something increasingly rare in the UK: shared green space that’s truly cared for and well-used.
Why community gardens matter
Green spaces like the one in Chadderton Gardens aren’t just decorative. They’re restorative. Access to shared outdoor space improves mental health, reduces isolation, and encourages social interaction—benefits especially valued in a post-pandemic world. Here, residents aren’t just neighbours— they’re part of a living, breathing community. You’ll often see children playing outside while adults share gardening tips or enjoy a quiet moment on a bench in the sun.
Spotlight on Southsea’s open spaces
Pembroke Park isn’t alone in offering lush, open-air living. Across Southsea, residents are increasingly prioritising proximity to parks, seafront walks, and leafy residential pockets. From Canoe Lake to Castle Field, the value of open green space in urban areas has never been clearer.
Finding a place to belong
Choosing a house to call your home is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about knowing your neighbours, watching your children grow up surrounded by nature, and enjoying the simple pleasures of a slower pace of life. The quick sale of Chadderton Gardens shows just how much people value that sense of connection and community. It’s the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come around often and doesn’t stay on the market for long.
As Southsea continues to thrive, the Pembroke Park story reminds us of the enduring value of community, green space, and the kind of neighbourhood where people don’t just live—they belong.
If you’re interested in finding your dream property for your next stage in
we’d love to hear from you.
We’re looking for passionate local voices to share stories, insights, and reflections about life in Southsea and Portsmouth.
WHY WRITE FOR US?
• Reach thousands of readers across Portsmouth and Southsea
• Build your writing portfolio with published, professionally edited articles
• Share your passion, knowledge, or local insights with a wider audience
• Become part of our growing community of contributors
• Opportunities to be featured regularly or write one-off pieces
• We’ll support you with editing, feedback, and guidance.
READY
TO GET STARTED?
Email elios@southsealifestyle.com to receive the writer guidelines and apply.
We can’t wait to hear your ideas!
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF TUTORING IN SOUTHSEA AND BEYOND
By Howard and Linda Jones, Founders of I Love to Learn
This summer marks 20 years since we began tutoring children here in Southsea – and what an incredible journey it’s been.
When we launched our tutoring business in 2005, it was just the two of us – Howard and Linda Jones – working with a handful of local students. We had a simple but powerful vision: to help children learn with confidence, to support families with integrity, and to always tell the truth about what a child needs to succeed.
Since then, our small venture has grown into our own brand and something much bigger. Today, I Love to Learn operates in three thriving centres – in Portsmouth, Fareham, and Havant – and our team has grown with us. We’ve been fortunate to bring on a group of talented, passionate tutors who share our vision and have become partners in our mission. In Fareham, Grazia Naylor leads with warmth and excellence. In Portsmouth, David Byrne, Adam Ashworth, and Maxine Burch each bring deep subject knowledge, energy, and care to the children they teach. This goes for all the tutors in our team –they’re trusted educators who work closely with families to help children overcome obstacles and grow in confidence.
What makes I Love to Learn different is our commitment to being honest with parents. We believe in building a true picture of each child’s learning – what’s going well, what needs work, and how we can help. There’s no sales pitch, no inflated promises – just clear guidance, grounded in years of experience and genuine care.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of seeing many of our former students go on to achieve wonderful things. One such student, Tom Malbon, came to us struggling with English. With hard work and support, he’s now an engineer at Caterpillar, developing electric-powered construction machinery. Another former student, Mary Amalathas, now runs her own accountancy firm, Accountants247 Portsmouth. These stories remind us why we do what we do. Every child has potential – it’s our job to help unlock it.
Thank you, Southsea, for 20 years of trust and partnership. Here’s to the next chapter!
See our ad on the facing page: “I Love to Learn – Find Out What Happened to Some of Our Ex-Students.” www.ilovetolearn.co.uk
Helping children love learning since 2005.
WERKROOM BARBERSHOP
BUILDING TRUST WITHIN THE COMMUNITY SINCE DAY ONE
Located on Albert Road, WerkrooM Barbershop is a multi-award-winning barber’s that combines years of tradition with modern grooming. As an all-gender local barbershop, it prides itself on creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Once one of the town’s first barbershops, it has since evolved into a contemporary space — with a skilled team experienced in both barbering and hairdressing — committed to providing quality service to the local community. Since opening in 2021, WerkrooM has become a well-reputed barbershop in the heart of Southsea, known for its distinctive approach, warm atmosphere and top-notch service.
HAIRDRESSING & BARBERING SERVICES
Precision cuts, beard grooming, and more.
The small team prioritises precision and style, focusing on personalised service tailored to each client’s needs
WerkrooM provides a full range of hairdressing and barbering services — from traditional scissor cuts, tailored trims, and beard grooming to contemporary styles like skin fades, modern mullets, and tapers. Their booking system is available 24/7 and completely free to use, making it easy to book, cancel, or reschedule at your convenience. Recently, WerkrooM expanded its service offering to include perms, hair colouring, beard dyeing, and specialised scalp and hair treatments — perfect for clients looking for a fresh look or something a bit more bespoke. WerkrooM ensures a relaxed, unrushed experience. Booking is simple — just scan the QR code below to secure your spot. WWW.WERKROOMSHOP.COM
A PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE & EXCLUSIVE OFFERS
Students: 10% OFF Monday to Thursday and affordable Student memberships.
OAPs: 10% OFF Monday to Thursday.
Loyalty Offer: 10% OFF every 5 visits for all clients.
Werkroom Barbershop
Albert Road
Southsea PO4 0JW
Open Monday to Saturday
DENTURES WORTH SMILING ABOUT
Life feels easier when you’re not worrying about your teeth. Sandra discovered this when she had her teeth redesigned and her smile ‘refreshed’ at The Dental Wave.
Sandra and her husband Phil are retired and living and loving life in Southsea. But for many years Sandra struggled with poorly fitting dentures that had worn down and loosened over time, causing discomfort and insecurity The obvious issues are bad enough, like the risk of teeth slipping out at the wrong moment, or even just coping with a bit of dribbling, a lisp, or a faint whistling sound when you speak. But the emotional effects can be profound. Sandra received her new teeth over five years ago, and with regular checkups, she’s continued to enjoy a secure, comfortable smile – without the constant worry she used to feel – thanks to the expert care and friendly support she found at The Dental Wave.
“For years, I was told I couldn’t have implants because my bone wasn’t good enough. Then The Dental Wave took over – they sorted out all the problems, created a brilliant dental plan, and supported me every step of the way. My teeth have been fantastic ever since. Thank you for giving me my smile back!” – Sandra, Southsea
Holistic health is just as important as great dentures. It’s not just about comfort – it’s about confidence, care, and trust. You can receive the highest standard of treatment when the professionals looking after you are paying attention to the finer details. Which might include spotting early signs of infection, changes in gum health, or even the subtle indicators of something more serious, like oral cancers.
Dr Sybille McMay, known for her calm, unhurried approach, has worked in dentistry for nearly two decades. She moved to Portsmouth 15 years ago, where she met her husband while he was posted
Phil and Sandra
with the Royal Navy. They fell in love with the area, made it their home, and are raising their children here.
Sybille has noticed that many of her patients, once they begin treatment, don’t just regain their confidence or enjoy eating more comfortably – there’s often a much broader shift in their overall wellbeing. They tell us, they’re able to live life to its fullest again.
Teeth can have such an enormous impact –not just on how you feel, but on how you look. When dentures are fitted well, they place less stress on the mouth and facial muscles, which can even lead to fewer wrinkles and improved skin tone. (Disclaimer: It’s not the fountain of youth –
just the power of good oral health).
You might be thinking that all of this sounds quite expensive – but what many clients don’t realise is that a truly well-made set of dentures, which can last for many years with proper servicing and check-ups, often costs less than a week’s holiday abroad. It’s a small investment for so much peace of mind.
Your care is provided by highly qualified staff – from reception to surgeon – and we’re committed to ensuring you receive the highest standard of service and support at every stage. Our front-of-house team is always on hand to answer your questions and help you understand the next steps in becoming a patient with us.
Drop into the clinic or give us a call. Whether you're thinking about getting new dentures or transferring your denture servicing to The Dental Wave a knowledgeable member of the team is ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have.
The Dental Wave
27 Highland Road Southsea PO4 9DA 023 9282 8193
thedentalwave.co.uk
Dr.Sybille McKay
Heirloom restoration - Antiques for the future
• Timber furniture repairs, restoration and refinishing
• Mid-century vintage furniture repairs specialist
• Furniture making commissions
www.artabellefurniture.co.uk isabelle@artabellefurniture.co.uk
Isabelle: 07973 269 673, Mike: 07546 497 945
Home of Comfort Nursing Home
We are a charitable registered Nursing home located in Southsea founded in 1896
Residential nursing and care home
• Registered Nurses and Care Assistants on duty 24 hours
• Long and short stay welcomed
• Single rooms, all with nurse call system and profiling beds
• Good quality care and the comfort of home feeling
• Good, wholesome home cooking –special dietary needs catered for
• Reasonable rates
Visits welcomed at any time
For information or a viewing please contact the home
The Matron or Administration Manager on 02391811365 option (3 or 4) or email us on email@homeofcomfort.org.uk or visit our website www.homeofcomfort.org.uk
COMPETITIONS & PROMOS
At Southsea Lifestyle magazine, we love celebrating the brilliant businesses that make our community thrive. In every issue, we team up with local favourites to bring you exclusive competitions and giveaways – with prizes that showcase the very best Southsea has to offer. Whether it’s a luxury treat, an unforgettable experience, or a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, keep an eye out… you won’t want to miss what’s up for grabs.
WIN A LANO SOUTHSEA INTRO SPECIAL, WORTH £99
We have two Intro Special prizes available. To take part, check out the LANO website https://lano.life and answer the following question: What do the letters L A N O stand for? Now scan the QR code or go to https://southsealifestyle.com/category/competitions/ to register your answer.
The competition closes at midnight 17th July and is only available to people new to LANO Yoga. The winner will be drawn at random by a member of Southsea Lifestyle from the names submitted - with the correct answer. The winners will be informed within 24 hrs by email, if the prize is not accepted within 3 days another winner will be drawn.
SEEN BY 70,000+ SOUTHSEA LOCALS EVERY ISSUE
LOOKING FOR MORE LOCAL CUSTOMERS?
We’ve already helped dozens of small businesses grow through trusted, high-visibility print. Now, we’re looking for more service providers – such as personal trainers, life coaches , pet sitters , cleaners , and dog groomers – who want to build their reputation and client base with Southsea Lifestyle magazine.
Delivered to 14,000 homes across PO1, PO4 & PO5
Kept in homes, cafés & shops for weeks
Advertisers stay with us year after year
HALF PAGE ADS FROM JUST OVER £100 / MONTH – No online algorithms, just trusted print seen by your neighbours.
Just 24 small business ad slots per issue. Why? We limit the ads to stay a magazine and not a directory (Read by more, collected by some, rarely straight to recycling)
Use the QR code to book a free discovery meeting or email elios@southsealifestyle.com
Three incredible stage shows are coming to Portsmouth in the coming weeks - and three lucky Southsea Lifestyle readers will be going to see the show of their choice for FREE!
New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth, presents award-winning Elvis Presley concert show A Vision of Elvis on Saturday, 5 July, and the celebrated Dolly Parton tribute production The Dolly Show on Friday, 1 August. While Kings Theatre, Portsmouth, presents the Hip-Shakin’, Hot-steppin’ Flaresflappin’, Platform-poundin’, Cooldiggin’ Disco Inferno concert show on Friday, 11 July. Here’s what to expect:
A VISION OF ELVIS Sat 5 July Put on your blue suede shoes and come celebrate the music of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll with the UK’s supreme Elvis – Rob Kingsley – and his talented cast at New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth.
This breath-taking recreation of a live Elvis Presley concert takes you on an epic audio-visual journey through time.
Including hits, like It’s Now or
Never - Burning Love - In the Ghetto - Suspicious Minds - The Wonder of You - American Trilogy and many more.
THE DOLLY SHOW Fri 1 Aug As seen on BBC 1, ITV This Morning, Channel 5, Sky, and ITV London; featured in The Times, Daily Mail and Metro, and voted the UK’s BEST Dolly Parton Impersonator, West End star Kelly O’Brien is country legend Dolly Parton in The Dolly Show. Kelly is the only Dolly Parton impersonator endorsed by The Parton family. The Australianborn performer possesses stunning vocals and flawless comic timing.
Accompanied by the UK’s finest musicians, Kelly and her band play 9 to 5, Jolene, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You and more
DISCO INFERNO Fri 11 July Let’s dance, let’s shout, come and shake your body down to Kings Theatre, Portsmouth, with the electrifying show that screams glitter balls and good times all the way.
Featuring the hits of the Bee Gees, Village People, Jacksons, Sister Sledge , Rose Royce , ABBA , Donna Summer, Barry White, Kool and the Gang, Earth Wind and Fire, Gloria Gaynor, Billy Ocean, Weather Girls, Candi Staton , The Trammps , Gap Band, Wild Cherry and more.
Pitch-perfect harmonies, a tight-asSpandex band and slicker than Saturday Night Fever choreography combine in one night at the disco you’ll never forget.
To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to see your chosen performance, explain why you think you deserve to be given seats for the show, using the lyrics of songs by the featured artists.
We will need: your name and address, email address, details of the performance you wish to attend. The entry that gives us the biggest chuckle wins. The editor’s decision is final, there is no cash alternative.go to to https://southsealifestyle.com /category/competitions/ by 10th June 2025
TASTE OF THE SUMMER! SOUTHSEA FOOD FESTIVAL
The popular Southsea Food Festival returns to kick start your summer on 5 and 6 July with over 60 food and drink stalls from top regional producers.
As one of the largest food festivals along the South Coast, Southsea Food Festival is marking its 17th event with an even greater range of local producers. Many of the traders will be offering free samples plus there will be family entertainments and a live acoustic music stage.
New for 2025 supported by Southsea Deli, Waitrose and Express FM is the Kitchen Stage where chefs and restaurateurs from local businesses including The Briny and Natty's Jerk will showcase their specialities, offering tips and tasty treats.
The two day event takes place in the heart of Southsea, forming a vibrant hub of activity around Clarendon Road, Palmerston Road, Osborne Road, and Avenue De Caen. Food lovers can discover churros, takoyaki, ice cream, cannelloni, BBQ, condiments, local wines, brewed beers and even Portsmouth's award winning aged rum. From local suppliers to inspiration from far flung corners of the world, there will be plenty of options for veggies, vegans and even pet dogs.
Southsea Food Festival is part of a programme of activities to support small businesses in Portsmouth. The event celebrates the thriving and diverse food scene of Portsmouth & Southsea's independent restaurants, retailers, and communities.
Get ready for a great foodie day out!
Find out more at rediscoverportsmouth.co.uk
WHAT’S ON & BUSINESS DIRECTORY
BLACK DYKE BAND
The Portsmouth Grammar School will be hosting the Black Dyke Band, one of the oldest and best-known brass bands in the world, this will be the fourth time they have visited The Portsmouth Grammar school. The day will consist of masterclasses for pupils during the day, then in the evening the Black Dyke Band will be performing a public concert. With the last three concerts being a sell-out, we look forward to an evening that promises to be a wonderful musical concert given by one of the worlds top brass bands. Tickets are available from try booking at www.trybooking.com/uk/ECLT For more info. about the day please email info@pgs.org.uk Sat 28 June 7pm St Mary’s Church, Fratton, Portsmouth
HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKET
Sun 15 June, Sun 6 (Food Festival) & Sun 20 July10am-2pm Palmerston Rd precinct. Southsea PO5 3QE www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk
LOVE SOUTHSEA MARKET
Sun 2 June, Sat 5, Sun 6 (Food Festival) & Sat 19 July Sat 2 & Sun 3 August 10am-4pm Palmerston Road precinct. Southsea PO5 3QE www.lovesouthseamarkets.co.uk
Southsea Lifestyle is published and printed in Portsmouth. All of our editorial content is written by members of the community.
We aim to reflect everything that is enjoyable and stimulating about living in Portsmouth and Southsea, giving a platform for the city’s arts, business, sport and culture.
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Email: info@southsealifestyle.com for a Media Pack today
SUMMER CONCERTS IN GUILDHALL SQUARE FEATURING JOHN WILLIAMS’
FILM MUSIC AND THE MUSIC OF ABBA ARE SET TO BE THE EVENTS OF 2025!
Two spectacular concerts coming to Guildhall Square this summer are set to be highlights of the musical year, in an exciting, new addition to the city’s event calendar!
Featuring the full Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the live outdoor concerts promise to be magnificent extravaganzas culminating in fantastic firework finales, with Portsmouth’s Guildhall as a befitting and stunning backdrop.
On Friday 1st August, an evening of film music by the legendary composer, John Williams, from big screen classics Star Wars, Jurassic Park, JFK, Jaws, Saving Private Ryan, Harry Potter, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler’s List, ET and more will fill the air.
Take your chairs, or a seat on the Guildhall steps, and enjoy an electric full orchestral performance of some of the greatest scores ever written.
On Saturday 2nd August, a party atmosphere is guaranteed as Guildhall Square comes to life with the music of ABBA!
pop superstars featuring all the hits including Waterloo, SOS, Voulez Vous, Super Trooper, Fernando, Mamma Mia, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and Dancing Queen and more.
Performed by a quartet of West End singers, accompanied by the full Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, this is ABBA as you have never heard them before!
With full access to the Guildhall’s bar, catering and toilet facilities, VIP upgrade packages are also available which include early entry, private bar and lounge access and pre-show and interval refreshments. Discounted tickets if attending both evenings are also available.
Presented by long-standing partners, The Guildhall Trust and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Summer Concerts are some of the first ticketed events to ever take place in Guildhall Square, promising a magical live outdoor concert experience!
Don’t miss the events of 2025 and get your tickets
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CYCLE , SAIL , WALK
Join the Solent Wave to protect and restore the Solent
In Portsmouth this June, Blue Marine Foundation and the Solent Seascape Project are launching a fundraising event to raise awareness and funds to help protect and restore marine life in the Solent. Taking place on Saturday the 21 June, participants can choose from three activities: cycling 130 km from London to the Solent along some of the UK's most picturesque cycling routes, sailing 15 nautical miles across the Solent with James Harayda, Managing Director of the Gentoo Sailing Team or enjoying a nature walk through Chichester Harbour.
For those choosing to walk along the beautiful south coast, Climpson & Sons coffee stops will be available along the route, with volunteers from –Solent Seascape Project partners- Blue Marine and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust stationed at various points. Children can also get involved in an arts and crafts project along the way.
Participants will have the opportunity to meet members of the Blue Marine and Solent Seascape teams throughout the day to learn more about our work in the Solent and beyond. The event will conclude with a celebratory BBQ at The Boat House in Chichester Marina. Kids eat free at BBQ if they come along with parents.
“The Solent has been home to the Gentoo Sailing Team for five years, so I’m delighted to invite you to join us for The Solent Wave as we sail from Bramble Bank to Chichester Marina in support of Blue Marine Foundation and the Solent Seascape Project,” shares James Harayda.
The Solent is a dynamic network of harbours, islands, estuaries, and sandbanks, home to an incredible diversity of wildlife and habitats, including seagrass meadows, saltmarshes, and internationally important seabird nesting sites.
However, vital habitats across the region are being lost, and the biodiversity they support is in decline. The Solent Seascape Project, a collaboration of ten partner organisations, has been recognised as an official United Nations Ocean Decade Action. Its long-term vision is to restore the region from a degraded state to a thriving, interconnected, and naturally expanding ecosystem.
The Solent Wave is not just a chance to enjoy a day out in one of the country’s most stunning natural seascapes, but also an opportunity to contribute to its protection and future wellbeing. Entry fees range between £275 for cycling to free for the walk, with the option to just join the BBQ for £50 which includes a donation. See further details online.
To register, please visit https://justpedal.com/solentwave / and join the waterfront celebration to help protect our seascape!
CYCLE FROM LONDON, SAIL WITH EXPERTS OR ENJOY A SCENIC WALK THROUGH CHICHESTER HARBOUR.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WITH COFFEE STOPS, ARTS & CRAFTS FOR KIDS, AND MARINE CONSERVATION EXPERTS.
FINISH THE DAY WITH A BBQ AT CHICHESTER MARINA, RAISING FUNDS FOR THE SOLENT SEASCAPE
RECIPE
Summer Vegetable Paella with Saffron & Lemon Serves 2 Vegan
A vegetarian adaptation of the traditional Spanish dish, paella rice is readily available but use short-grain brown or Arborio if you can’t find it. Saffron threads give the dish its unique flavour.
INGREDIENTS
Sunflower or light olive oil, for frying • 1 onion, finely diced • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped, grated or crushed • 1 red pepper, deseeded & cut into 5mm-thick slices • 1 yellow pepper, deseeded & cut into 5mm-thick slices • 200g paella rice – calasparra paella rice if you can get it • 100g mushrooms, finely sliced • 3 tomatoes, diced • 1⁄4 tsp smoked paprika • 1⁄4 tsp paprika • 2 pinches of saffron threads • 1litre of good veg stock • 100g green beans or sugar snaps, or a mixture of both (if using beans, top, tail and chop into thirds) good handful of parsley, chopped 1 lemon, cut into wedges • salt and pepper
PREPARATION
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy-bottomed paella pan or large frying pan or flameproof casserole. Add the onion and fry gently on a low heat for 10mins, stirring now and then.
Add the garlic and peppers to the onion and stir for 2mins. Add the rice, mushrooms, tomatoes, both types of paprika and saffron. Pour in three quarters of the stock and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 30mins, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the liquid and top up with a little more stock or water as needed (you might not need it all). The paella shouldn’t be sloppy at the end so add liquid sparingly during the last 10mins.
While the paella is cooking, boil the green beans for 3mins, then refresh them in a bowl of very cold water. If you are using sugar snaps, you can simply throw them in raw towards the end of cooking (see below)
After 30 minutes of cooking, check the rice is tender and cook a little longer if needed. If there is any excess liquid, turn up the heat and stir to boil it off. Then cook very gently without stirring, to create a crust on the bottom (it’s not very easy to achieve without a proper paella pan, though). Stir in the beans and parsley. Turn off the heat and leave to stand for 2 minutes, then check the seasoning and serve with wedges of lemon.
VARIATION
You can use any sort of green beans in this; try double-podded broad, sliced runners or flat green beans.
For more recipes & tips visit: www.riverford.co.uk/recipes
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THE RENAISSANCE CHOIR: “MISERERE MEI”
7.30pm, Saturday 12 July, Church of the Holy Spirit, Fawcett Road PO4 0DY.
Time for something completely different?
Two hours of dream-time music to chill out to, to relax you and to take you to a calmer place in your mind.
We present a diverse collection of unaccompanied religious works on the theme of reflection, salvation and mourning from the 16th through to the 21st century. We will perform both Allegri’s Miserere and MacMillan’s Miserere, plus works by Pärt and Palestrina.
Each piece reflects a strong sense of the spiritual, either by recalling acts of devotion or asking for blessing and forgiveness. We offer a myriad of
sound worlds within a set of related themes, capturing the beauty of the human voice.
The programme of delights comes from the award-winning Renaissance Choir, regarded by many as the amateur choir’s version of The Sixteen. The concert will make good use of the gorgeous cathedral-like acoustic of Southsea’s Church of the Holy Spirit.
Full price tickets £15 until and including Saturday 5 July, then £17.
Children/students: £2. Further info from https://renaissancechoir.org.uk.
THE SPIRIT OF THE SEA: WORLD GIN DAY – 14
TH JUNE
Ah, gin. The clear, botanical elixir that’s lubricated everything from naval traditions to awkward Tinder dates. Today, it’s a classy staple of Southsea’s cocktail bars and artisan distilleries, but its journey from Dutch medicine to Portsmouth pint glass is as wild as a sailor on shore leave.
DUTCH COURAGE & ENGLISH CHAOS Let’s start at the beginning – or at least, somewhere near it. Gin’s roots lie in the Netherlands, where it was known as jenever, a juniper-based medicinal spirit. English soldiers, fighting alongside the Dutch in the 17th century, sampled the stuff before battle and dubbed the warm, bravemaking sensation “Dutch courage.”
Naturally, we brought it back home and promptly turned it from medicine into menace.
Under William of Orange, gin became dirt cheap in England – cheaper than beer. Cue the Gin Craze of the early 1700s, when London was basically a booze-drenched, juniper-scented soap opera. Mothers gave it to teething babies. Street vendors sold it from wheelbarrows. One advertisement famously promised gin would “cure colic and make children go to sleep.” It also made them, er, stay asleep. Forever.
Let’s just say health and safety wasn’t really a thing.
ENTER
THE NAVY: PORTSMOUTH’S GINIUS MOVE Now, what does all this have to do with Portsmouth and Southsea? Everything.
Portsmouth’s connection to gin flows through its saltsoaked naval veins. As the Royal Navy’s HQ and busiest port, Portsmouth was where officers came to refit, resupply, and responsibly regret their choices in shore leave drinking establishments. Here’s the kicker: it was the Royal Navy who popularised the gin and tonic
British officers in India were required to take quinine to prevent malaria. It tasted awful. So they mixed it with sugar, lime, and gin – because of course they did – and voilà: the G&T was born.
And where was that quinine-heavy tonic water first loaded onto ships? Often right here in Portsmouth’s docks.
THE SOUTHSEA SIP Fast forward a few centuries and gin has gone from mother’s ruin to hipster’s delight Southsea, never one to miss a trend (or a good excuse for a festival), has embraced the gin revival with open arms and extremely garnished glasses.
Local distilleries , like the beloved Portsmouth Distillery, now produce small-batch gins flavoured with botanicals foraged from the coast. (Yes, you can now drink seaside air in liquid form.) Some even honour the city’s heritage directly – HMS Victory Navy Strength Gin packs a punch that’ll make you salute involuntarily.
And every summer, Southsea plays host to gin festivals that draw juniper enthusiasts from all corners. Picture this: live music, gin stalls, seagulls nicking your crisps –and a crowd of people debating whether rosemary or cucumber is the correct garnish. (Answer: it depends on how pretentious you feel.)
FROM RUIN TO ROYAL NAVY RESPECTABILITY Gin has come a long way. What started as a medicinal shot of bravery turned into a social problem, then into a naval necessity, and now? A stylish Southsea staple served in a balloon glass the size of your head.
So next time you sip a G&T in a Southsea bar, raise a glass to the sailors, soldiers, smugglers, and sippers who helped gin sail from catastrophe to class act. It’s a journey worth toasting – with just a splash of tonic and a wedge of local history
