Southsea Food Festival 2019

In what is now a regular and extremely popular event in Hampshire’s calendar, the Southsea Food Festival returned last weekend – and, once again, we popped across the Solent to join in the foodie fun. Thanks to Wightlink for the free ride!

Southsea Food Festival

The weather gods were smiling down on the Southsea Food Festival 2019. Earlier in the day there had been a hint of rain but, by the time we got to the catamaran it was sunny enough to sit on the ferry’s sun deck. A quick bus ride from The Hard and we were among the crowds looking for some street food lunch.

Fajitas, oodles of noodles and paella

Clearly Saturday had been a busy session, with some stallholders confessing that they had sold all their produce. They were sure to keep the hordes fed on Sunday though, with oodles of noodles, a positive mountain of chicken fajitas and a ginormous paella.

Pulled jackfruit pretzel bun by the Southsea Village

It wasn’t all meaty treats though. As to be expected vegan delights were everywhere, including this spicy pulled jackfruit burger in a pretzel bun by the Southsea Village.

Garlic

Alongside the food festival was the farmers’ market and the Isle of Wight was represented by Tomato Stall, Godshill Cherry Orchard and, of course, The Garlic Farm.

Pizza by Drift Southsea, and takoyakis balls

We watched as artisans made up pizzas and takoyakis balls.

Brisket brioche at Need Street Food

Matt’s head was naturally turned by 24 hour brisket. The queue at Need Street Food was long, but he joined up, eager to sample their Philly cheese dip roll.

Godshill cherries

Cat meanwhile bought a punnet of Godshill Cherry Orchard cherries as her amuse bouche. They were at the perfect state of ripeness.

German sausages

Did we mention the sausages??

Portsmouth Harbour

As we cruised back to the Isle of Wight we speculated whether something similar could succeed over here. There have been some great starts into this genre, with the I Love Wight food markets and Newport Harbour market. Although there might not be the footfall to keep a street market going; perhaps Southsea’s Outside-In food court model would be a more successful one? There is certainly plenty of talent among Island chefs and existing street fare purveyors.