Source: City of Portsmouth
Organised by Portsmouth City Council in partnership with Hampshire Fare, the Queens Hotel, and Portsmouth Distillery, Eat the Island marked the official launch of the Southsea Food Festival. The event offered a unique platform for producers, retailers, and hospitality venues to explore new partnerships and strengthen the local supply chain.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibilities for economic development, said:
“Eat the Island is creating real momentum for Portsmouth’s food and drink businesses. We’re seeing more venues sourcing locally and producers expanding their reach both within the city and beyond. Events like this are key to building a resilient, connected local economy.
”It was inspiring to speak to so many thriving local businesses at the event, and also encourage them to think of any products they might want to produce next year to mark Portsmouth’s 100-year anniversary as a city in 2026.”
Attendees enjoyed product showcases from local producers, alongside opportunities to network and share ideas. The event also featured short talks highlighting success stories and practical insights into sourcing local.