Your last chance to enjoy a Chaine dinner at the famous Casson’s Restaurant! Proprietors Cass and Viv Casson have, sadly, decided to pull the shutters down on their wonderful dining institution this year. This is our opportunity to wish them a well-deserved, long and successful retirement.

Dress code: Gentlemen, jackets with tie optional - Chaine regalia please

Timing: Please arrive at 7.00pm for the canapes and fizz. Dinner served at 7.30pm, carriages at 10.30pm Costings: Dinner with matched wines: £85; guests £100 (including service charge) Please advise if drivers wish to opt for non-alcoholic wines or other beverages.

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS Kindly let Vice Argentier Julia Connolly have your name(s) and the name(s) of any guest(s), your menu choices and any dietary or other requirements by email to Julia at vasolent@chaine.co.uk or by telephone on 07714 342256
Please transfer funds electronically to HSBC Branch Sort Code: 40-17-16 Account Number: 31860666 Account Name: The Solent Bailliage
The closing date for bookings is Thursday March 7th 2024. Read more for menu.

Following an extremely well-received visit in 2022, we return to this restaurant for our Christmas event in 2023.

AGM followed by lunch at this popular restaurant. Non-members of Solent Bailliage are more than welcome!

Dinner at this new venue in Petworth.

A welcome return to Robert Thompson’s superb restaurant on the Isle of Wight

A first visit to this exciting new venue in the Sussex countryside.

Dinner at this well-reviewed restaurant in Arundel.

A return to this popular venue in Southsea. Joint event with Sussex Bailliage.

Michelin Recommended Family Restaurant seving modern British cuisine

Full details will appear here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

Our vineyard visit for 2022 is to the beautiful Ashling Park Estate near Chichester. We will be met by Gail Gardner, founder and principle of the winery, restaurant and lodges. She will tell you all about the estate, introduce you to her vines and share with you a memorable tasting of many of her outstanding and award-winning wines.

Full details can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

Our next event is a welcome return to The Earl of March where our host for the evening is patron and Solent Vice-Conseiller Culinaire, Giles Thompson. Giles will, once again, be spoiling us all with a wonderful summery gourmet delight of three splendid courses accompanied by his very own selection of, as always, excellent wines.

For our next event we are returning, for lunch, to another of our outstanding Solent favourites – Laurence and Julia Murphy’s delightful Fat Olives in Emsworth. The restaurant was originally a fisherman’s cottage and dates back to the 17th century when smugglers used the old passageways through the cellar and village. Nowadays the charm of this small and intimate restaurant is its relaxed and informal atmosphere and friendly attentive service.

Full details can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

A six course tasting menu was on offer this evening, the first of the 2022 programme. And both Cassons and the fare proved to be extremely popular based on the full turnout for the evening.

This year’s Solent Bailliage Christmas Dinner was held at the excellent The Ship Harbour Hotel, North Street, Chichester which is headed up by multi-award-winning Executive Chef Alex Aitken. Alex is one of the South of England’s most respected chefs and a thirty-year veteran of cooking in the Solent area.

The Earl of March is located in the southern reaches of the South Downs National Park and is a warm and welcoming establishment. Situated a short walk across fields to the Downs it is a mile North of Chichester.

The delightful restaurant and courtyard of the Pallant House Gallery in the centre of Chichester. Using the very best produce from local suppliers, executive head chefs Rosie Brice creates original and seasonal dishes that showcase British classics with a continental European twist.

Pallant House is a splendid eighteenth century town house in the Georgian quarter of Chichester. The Restaurant is part of a tastefully designed modern annexe. This first post-lockdown dinner for the Bailliage was well attended and on arrival Canapes were presented of courgette rolls filled with red chilli, cream cheese, spring onion and chive, and crispy duck bon bons with pear compote. Both were quite delicious and were washed down with an Italian Ca’ del Console Prosecco Extra Dry.

Seated, the company was served Flaked Sussex smoked mackerel with beetroot, pea, pickled vegetables and a micro herb salad with an orange and burnt butter dressing. The contra flavours of mackerel and beetroot fused together extremely well and the dressing complemented both the vegetables and the salad. This clever starter dish was accompanied by an Argentinian white wine, Finca La Coronia Torrontes, Norton. The main was a fillet steak, cooked well on the outside but served pink, together with succulent potato dauphinoise and wilted baby spinach. Surrounding this ensemble was a warm and most wonderful wild mushroom diane sauce providing a flavour and memories of days gone by for some. Also from Argentina a quite full but clean tasted Malbec, Lo Tengo was served.

A chilled desert to follow; the chefs’ version of Italian Zabaglione flavoured with marsala, rhubarb and Sussex ginger crumb. A sweet and slightly piquant flavoured pot of indulgent creamy pudding indeed, to be consumed without pause, as proved the case for some here. An Italian Moscato d’Asti, Prunotto helped salve the palettes of those seeking an encore.

To round off an excellent evening, coffee, tea and infusions were served with petits fours.

Neil Deverill

Pitch restaurant is a contemporary mix of modern and classic British food, wines and cocktails on the South coast from MasterChef Champion Kenny Tutt.

Lunch at Tinwood Vineyard. Seafood accompanied by their sparkling wines.

A welcome return to The Earl of March where our host for the evening is patron and Solent Vice-Conseiller Culinaire, Giles Thompson. Giles will, once again, be spoiling us all with a wonderful summery gourmet delight of three splendid courses accompanied by his very own selection of, as always, excellent wines.

A welcome return to The Earl of March where our host for the evening is patron and Solent Vice-Conseiller Culinaire, Giles Thompson. Giles will, once again, be spoiling us all with a wonderful summery gourmet delight of three splendid courses accompanied by his very own selection of, as always, excellent wines.

Our host for the night is Michael Newton-Young who, together with his French wife Natalie, run this unpretentious family restaurant in Aldwick. The evening celebrates French food, wine and conviviality – all great Chaine attributes.

Our AGM will be held at The Earl of March on 29th January. Details here and on the Solent Bailliage web site.

Full details will appear here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

Full details will appear here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

Full details will appear here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

Full details will appear here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

Full details will appear here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

Owner Sam Bakose invites us back for our first event for 2019 to this quintessential Sussex pub now a thriving restaurant with rooms (but still with a bar for a drink after a walk around the harbour.) Full details may be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

We are delighted to present an unique event blending an English vineyard with true Punjabi cuisine.

Hambledon was the first commercial English vineyard, established in 1952, and has won many awards for their sparkling wines both in UK and internationally, beating many famous champagne houses in blind tastings. It is situated in the village of Hambledon, which is also the cradle of cricket that was founded here in 1750.

Sanjha, meaning “to share” in Punjabi, was started 10 years ago by Amarjot Singh Randhawa. Amarjot, a hotel management graduate from Chandigarh in Punjab India, is the proprietor and the creative chef behind opening the authentic Punjabi restaurant in Southampton. Being a chef himself Amar has experience in food & service departments in Indian, Thai, and Japanese Tepenyaki. He has agreed to cater this evening away from his restaurant in Southampton and within the vineyard facilities at Hambledon.

There is no greater way of encouraging tomorrow’s chefs, sommeliers and front of house staff than to ask them to prepare and serve a banquet under the watchful eye of one of the industry’s giants!

Full details will appear here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

Field and Fork is tucked away just around the corner from the historic Guildhall in Priory Park, close to the centre of Chichester. The restaurant is light and airy with a pleasant ambience and there is a conservatory to the rear.

Full details will appear here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

Chef Michael di Belli is our host for the evening at this country pub where we shall enjoy exclusivity of their restaurant. Michael has created a tasting menu which I am confident will be a delight. Michael’s career to date includes stints at Ockenden Manor (when it had its Michelin Star) and he won the national 2016 Hospitality Training Chef of the Year award for apprentices which resulted in him staging at Pollen Street Social under Jason Atherton and Fera at Claridge’s under Simon Rogan. He has also worked at award winning pub The Coach & Horses in Danehill.

Full details can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

Dinner at The Earl of March will be preceded by our AGM.

In December we will be returning to The Leconfield, Petworth, for lunch. Full details will appear here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

In November we will be visiting JSW in Petersfield for lunch. Full details can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

In October we are visiting Fat Olives in Emsworth, where our hosts for the evening are Lawrence and Julia Murphy.

In August we visited Restaurant 27, Southsea.  A most successful and enjoyable evening for the Chaîne.  Kevin Bingham, the Chef Patron, was presented with a well-deserved commemorative plaque by Bailli Andrew Crawford.

In May we are planning a trip to Thompson’s, Newport, Isle of Wight. Outline details will appear here and full details on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

Dinner at The Town House, Arundel. Outline details are here and full details (including the menu) may be found on the Solent Bailliage web site Next Event page.

A themed dinner is being planned for our December visit to The Crab & Lobster. Full details will appear here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

A Japanese dinner is being planned for our October visit to Field and Fork in Chichester. Full details will appear here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

A formal dinner is being planned for August in the Dresden Room at Chichester Cathedral Cloisters. Full details will appear here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

This is a joint event with Wessex Bailliage and full details can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

The Solent Bailliage AGM was be followed by a seafood luncheon at The Earl of March, the establishment owned and run by our Vice-Conseiller Culinaire, Giles Thompson.

A return trip to Casson’s Restauarnt where we have held a number of successful events in the past. Full details can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

We are organising, jointly with the Wessex Bailliage, a lunch onboard the P&O liner Britannia.

Our first visit to Sam Mahoney’s new restaurant in Chichester. Full details, including the menu and prices, can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

On Thursday, 14th August 2014 we will be holding a seafood-themed dinner at the Earl of March, Lavant.

On Wednesday, 23rd July 2014 we will be having lunch on Spitbank Fort, one of the defensive forts in the Solent.

Our AGM will precede lunch at Ockenden Manor, Cuckfield. Full details can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

A visit to Marco’s in Chichester. Full details, including the menu and prices, can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

A return visit to The Leconfield at Petworth. Full details, including the menu and prices, can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

A visit to Restaurant 27 in Southsea. Full details can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

Our event for Christmas 2013 will be a Victorian Evening onboard HMS WARRIOR. Full details will be published here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

A return trip to 36 On The Quay will take place in November. Full details will be published here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

We shall be holding a formal diner at Restaurant 27, Southsea on Thursday, 5 September 2013. Full details will be published here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

Our AGM will be held this year at George Bell House, Chichester Cathedral. Full details will be published here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

Dinner at the Goodwood Restaurant, Chichester College. Full details can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site. Please note the early start for this event of 18:15.

Another visit to the Crab & Lobster, Sidlesham (nr Chichester) for dinner on 26th February 2013. This will be a fish tasting menu and full details can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

Solent Bailliage’s first event of 2013 is a classic French dinner at Casson’s Restaurant, Tangmere.

This year’s Christmas lunch will be held at The Leconfield Restaurant, Petworth. Full details are available on the Solent Bailliage web site.

Giles Thompson, our Vice-Conseiller Culinaire, will welcome us at The Earl of March, Lavant in November with a theme loosely constructed around Thanksgiving Day. Full details can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

The Millstream at Bosham will host our AGM followed by lunch. Full details will be published here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

A lunch at Robert Thompson’s Michelin starred Hambrough Restaurant at Ventnor on the Isle of Wight is planned in May. Dry transport by launch from Itchenor to the restaurant is being planned. Less adventurous members can meet at the restaurant! Full details will be published here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

Amberley Castle will be the stunning setting for our event on 26th April. We shall have a private dining room and the ambience of the historic building will be one to be savoured. Dress will be black tie. Full details will be published here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

Courtesy of The Millstream Hotel and Restaurant at Bosham we are holding a Diner Amicale in a private room with menu to be devised. Full details can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

A return visit to Casson’s at Tangmere for an evening with a Scottish flavour. Full details can be found on the Solent Bailliage web site.

We shall be circulating invitations to the 23rd November dinner earlier than usual in order to try and illicit firm bookings as soon as possible which will dictate if we can secure exclusive use of this country pub. Details can be found on the Next Event page on the Solent web site.

Many of you will have attended lunches on board one of the P&O cruise liners and will well remember the excellent standards of cuisine and service that we enjoyed. For those of you who have not previously attended one of these events your next opportunity is on Sunday 31st July on board Aurora in Southampton Docks.

Note: all attendees will need to bring an in-date passport with them for security reasons.

The Solent Bailliage AGM will be held at the Millstream Hotel & Restaurant, Bosham at 12:00 followed by lunch at 12:30.

A joint event with London and Thames Valley Bailliages. Full details will be published here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

Dinner Amicale at Hornet Provisions, Chichester on Wednesday, 23rd March 2011. Full details will be published here and on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

A return trip to South Downs College. Full details will be published on the Solent Bailliage web site when available.

Solent Bailliage’s Christmas lunch will this year be held at The Fish House, Chilgrove.

Those who visited the Three Horseshoes in February 2008 had a truly enjoyable evening in this delightful village pub, with a rustic and cosy atmosphere complete with stone flagged floors, large open fireplace and antique furnishings.

Details can be found on the Next Event page on the Solent web site.

The AGM and luncheon scheduled for the Royal Naval Club and Royal Albert Yacht Club, Old Portsmouth on Sunday 20 June 2010 has been cancelled. The AGM will now be held at the Millstream Hotel, Bosham on 27 June at 11:30.

Thames Valley Bailliage weekend visit to Chichester.

Enjoy a marvelous dinner with Solent professional members Rowland and Mary Leach and Darren Brown, their Executive Chef.

Details can be found on the Next Event page on the Solent web site.

36 On The Quay is located in the picturesque fishing village of Emsworth overlooking the harbour. They have held a Michelin star for over 12 years.

An evening with a Moroccan theme at this waterside restaurant nestling on the banks of Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve and going back 350 years.

Solent Bailliage’s Christmas Luncheon will be held this year at The Millstream Hotel, Bosham.

Dinner at this restaurant located in the Pallant House Gallery in Chichester. The meal will be preceded by a tour of the Fleming Scottish Colourists Exhibition within the gallery.

A summer’s evening at Atul Kochar’s highly regarded restaurant at Wickham Vineyard.

We are fortunate to have a large contingent of professional members of the bailliage who work for P&O. This year we are able to organise a luncheon onboard Oceana whilst she is alongside in Southampton Docks between cruises.

The bailliage’s Annual General Meeting will be held this year at Comme Ça and will be followed by luncheon, to be prepared by professional member Michel Navet.

Recently taken over by former Ritz Executive Head Chef Giles Thompson, The Earl of March is already making its mark on the area.

Dine in the College’s award-winning luxury restaurant which offers exciting and modern menus in contemporary surroundings.