Only I could plan to open a restaurant on April fool’s day, but in this business if your humour fails you then you’ve lost. We are opening the latest Brasserie Blanc in Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. Housed at the base of an imposing tower modestly named No 1 Gunwharf, I have discovered the locals call it “The Lipstick”, a much more fitting and female name I think.

Gunwharf is a fantastically well run complex in the old naval yard, though I admit to a certain pang of conscience, this was, and still is, the home of HMS Victory. I am sure you remember this ship was involved in some sort of battle long ago, one the English just won on penalties after a very dodgy decision by the referee… I cheer myself up thinking Nelson would not be amused at my cries of “the French are coming, the French are coming”.

Though the building is modern we have managed to keep the Brasserie feel and it also boast a very large terrace for dinning “au frais”. The team are already down there getting things ready and the kitchen team and I have already unearthed some local food gems to put on the specials. Some fantastic watercress grown just up the road and a delectable smoked trout are the stars so far.

April fool’s day or not we will be ship shape and Portsmouth fashion and ready to go. Hoe to see you there.