A light lunch! Historic vessel refitted as 1940s-style restaurant set to welcome diners at Haslar Marina

Opening to guests at Haslar Marina next week, The Lightship will offer a particularly unique dining experience for the people of Gosport.

The former lightvessel has undergone extensive refurbishment works since its days as the Mary Mouse II, guiding ships across the Portsmouth coastline.

It’s now outfitted as a 1940s-style venue thanks to the work of Tanya Lippuner from Isle of Wight interior designers Vivus.

The new Lightship hosts a high-end restaurant on the mid-deck for up to 80 seated guests inside and another 30 outside, supplied by a quality seasonal menu from head chef Jamie Fegan.

Guests looking for a more casual experience can stick to the top deck, where staff will be serving cocktails and seafood platters, and which includes a bespoke seating area inside the ship’s light tower.

Several local businesses have also chipped in to keep the drinks flowing, including gin from Mermaid Gin, rum from Solent Spirit, beer and ale from PowderMonkey, and wine from The Grange.

• The Lightship will begin welcoming diners on Friday 30 June. Reservations can be made at thelightshiphaslar.co.uk/book.