Gunwharf choice

Stopped off for lunch today at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth where you can be spoilt for choice.
I’ve really only been there on shopping or simply ‘just visiting’ trips before, apart from a few maritime press conferences over the years, and with more than 90 outlet shops you cheerfully spend several hours there, even though you may not have visited for anything special.
But then, there’s lunch — according to the Gunwharf operators — there’s something like 30 restaurants, bars or coffee shops at the shopping centre on Portsmouth’s harbour waterfront.
OK. On a cold and chilly day in March you wouldn’t want to sit outside and eat, but come a couple of month’s time that will be par for course, and one of the reasons you might well make a day of it.
As an outlet centre, the shopping features seemingly all the well known  designer brands and discounts on regular shop prices of up to 60 per cent seem to be the order of the day.
But, as I said, lunch was the purpose of the day — to celebrate our grandson Sam’s 30 birthday. Imagine that, a grandson reaching the age of 30. Certainly makes me feel my age!
At least, he chose well and must have known of the old man’s love of moules mariniere, by opting for a speciality fish restaurant.  Pricey? Maybe, and not offering the same level of discounts as the outlet stores surrounding it. But enjoyable. And then, I guess the location alone is worthy of a premium and certainly won’t stop me coming again!  Maybe in the couple of months when you can  sit outside!