Loch Fyne Restaurant in Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth

After an intense afternoon of shopping, I persuaded Mrs. CJ to abandon the reconstruction of the make up and change of attire (which would have seen us undertake a 50 mile round tip) and go straight to an early evening dinner in the Loch Fyne Oyster and Seafood Restaurant in the Vulcan Building at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. (P.S. she still looked great despite the windswept look, but would she listen to me.... lol).

Set in one of the historic buildings along the canal in this development, this is a pleasant dining experiece. The Loch Fyne menu is as ever, standard, but none the less enjoyable. Head chief Ben Sylvester operates a kitchen which is efficient and the food arrived at an adequate time where we were able to enjoy a conversation about the day's battle with the outlets.
We were greeted by Alex Barnes, the manager who showed us to out table. We ordered drinks - Mrs CJ had a large bottle of Aspall Cider and I had a chose a glass of Château Les Arromans, Bordeaux – 2006/7 from the Wine list because again I had my car keys in my pocket. This wine is a smooth claret which complements the meat dishes on the menu and is reasonably priced at £15 a bottle and £4 a glass.
We both ordered the Classic smoked organic salmon as a starter. This was a revalation. I've often been reminded of the so called "colour chart" that some farmed salmon producers churn out. So the organic smoked salmon was neither orange or tasted as strong as other so called organic smoked salmon which we purchase from places like Waitrose or Marks and Spencer.
After an appropriate time, the main courses arrived. Mrs. CJ opted for the Bradan Rost (kiln-roasted salmon), char-grilled with a shellfish, mushroom and whisky sauce with a side order of Seasonal vegetables – cabbage, leeks and peas. I chose the Pan-fried Gressingham Duck with honey-roasted parsnips and red wine sauce and a side order of fries. Both meals were well presented and would be highly recommendeed. when visiting a highly respected chain of restauarants such as this one is concious of style and presentation, but taste is the key and this conbination of startere and min course did not disappoint.

My recommendation - A good, value for money experience. I like the corporate Loch Fyne look, the staff were very efficient and chatted with you at every opportunity without being intrusive.

Bonus - The electronic ordering service send orders direct to the kitchen. Staff management and meal control have been thoroughly reserached. Bravo.