I worked at The Bromley Court Hotel, and St George Hotel in Chatham prior to moving to Portsmouth to study Psychology at Uni. At both venues I worked in junior roles behind the bars, or as a waiter in the restaurant or functions. In my second year at university, I joined the Queens Hotel in a part-time role, becoming full-time after graduating.

What I love about my role:
Training staff is what I enjoy the most. Taking a new starter and seeing them grow over their time with us, is the most rewarding part of the job.

What makes Restaurant 1865 special so special?
The room itself – there’s nothing like it in Portsmouth, it speaks for itself.

I began my journey at the Queens Hotel over two years ago, starting as a Food and Beverage Supervisor. Since then, I've been promoted to Assistant Restaurant and Bar Manager and now hold the role of Restaurant and Duty Manager for the past 17 months. My passion for hospitality began in my family's business, and I’ve continued to grow within this industry.

What I love about my role:
Every day brings new challenges and rewards. Over the past 17 months, we've focused on elevating Restaurant 1865, striving for excellence in both service and food quality. I’m incredibly proud of the team and the progress we’ve made together.

What makes Restaurant 1865 special?
Attention to detail is key in everything we do, from service to ambiance. We pride ourselves on consistency in every aspect, from table settings to the atmosphere. Plus, the stunning Queens Hotel building is a destination in itself!

After a 20+ year career in pub, restaurant & hotel F&B management, five years ago I decided to have a career change and indulge my passion for food and cooking to become a chef. In 2018 I worked at the Eastney Tavern for several busy years and was then appointed 'Le Chef' at Montrouge, Southsea in 2022. I subsequently returned to the Queens family in 2023.

What I love about my role:
I love working in such a busy and varied environment, within a relatively small, close knit team. Making so many people happy through our food offer is what it's all about - after all , food and happiness go hand in hand don't they?

What makes Restaurant 1865 so special?
As a Portsmouth lad, the Queen's has always been a grand old girl to me. Now, with the considerable investment from the ownership, she really is being returned to her former glory with the city's most iconic dining room.

After moving to the UK to pursue my master’s in cybersecurity and computer forensics, I discovered my passion for pastries. Before this, I ran a successful business in India specializing in custom cakes. In London, I worked as a senior cake decorator before joining the team at Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay as a pastry chef. Currently, I’m working as a Pastry Chef de Partie at the Queens Hotel.

What I love about my role?
I love that I get to develop my pastry skills and work alongside an amazing and talented team.

What makes Restaurant 1865 special?
Restaurant 1865 stands out because of its beautiful setting in a historic building with a prime location. We have access to top-quality ingredients and a dedicated team that takes pride in the food we serve.

I started my cheffing career after leaving college. My first apprenticeship as a commis chef at 17, began at Cams Mill, Fullers. After completing that apprenticeship, I moved on to the chef de partie course which began in a pub in Southwick. I then transferred to the Queens Hotel and and have now completed my chef de partie apprenticeship, qualifying with two distinctions. My passion for cooking food and making creative desserts and dishes was influenced by my parents. My father used to be a butcher by trade, so from when I was little I started cooking British cuisine with him. My mother is a nurse and after work, we often baked sweet and savoury South African cuisine. This lead towards the style of food I like to make now - a blend of British and South African dishes, which as a result, represents my culture and identity as a chef.

What I love about my role:
What I like the most about my job role is the fact that, myself and the pastry team have the best time collaborating with each other and creating the most stunning and delicious pastries and desserts. Our team as whole are also wickedly talented and knowledgeable chefs. With the diversity of different cultures, different experiences and knowledge within the brigade, we are so blessed to be able to share our different techniques and skills to be able to produce exceptional desserts and dishes.

What makes Restaurant 1865 so special?
Restaurant 1865 is special because of so many reasons. Firstly, the history of the restaurant, not to mention the gorgeous grand room itself and of course the exceptional dishes and drinks that are served by the back of house and front of house team at the Queens Hotel. With the outstanding food we create, coupled with the refreshing cocktails and drinks we make - it creates the most wonderful atmosphere and experience when dining with us. Come visit!

I've been working at the Queens Hotel since 2017 and have worked my way up to my current position.

What I love about my role:
I'm part of a great team and I really love having the opportunity to learn from those around me.

What makes Restaurant 1865 so special?
It's such a beautiful restaurant . Being part of the kitchen team means I get to see the attention to detail lavished on the preparation of every meal that leaves the kitchen.

I have 6 years experience in hospitality in a variety of different departments including housekeeping, waitressing, bartending and kitchen duties. I have worked in many different places from small cafes/ restaurants, holiday parks/resorts and hotels.

What I love about my role:
The main thing I enjoy about my role at the Queens Hotel is the variety it gives you. Every day is different from working in the restaurant to running events such as weddings, birthday parties, garden parties, and many more. I thrive off a challenge and the Queens definitely keep me passionate and on my toes!

What makes Restaurant 1865 so special?
Restaurant 1865 holds a special place to me because over the years I have seen it grow into what we are now. We have so much potential and I couldn’t be prouder of all the hard work we have put in. The bond we have with one another at the Queens is truly special wouldn’t be able to find that anywhere else!

I've worked at the Queens Hotel for 12 years and in that time I've gained experience working in the bar and restaurant, with the housekeeping team and on events.

What I love about my role:
I love meeting new people and building relationships with repeat customers. I want to provide them with a great experience when they come to the restaurant and over the years I've made friends with many of them. I've been given a real opportunity to learn and grow.

What makes Restaurant 1865 so special?
There is an amazing atmosphere in the restaurant and I love the fact we have a resident saxophonist who plays during Sunday lunch.

I’ve always enjoyed cooking and baking, starting at a young age and continuing through school. Knowing I wanted to work in a kitchen environment, I began my apprenticeship at the Queens Hotel in March 2024.

What do you like most about your role?
I love the fast-paced atmosphere in the kitchen and working alongside the other chefs. Every day is different, and I get the chance to keep learning and growing in my role.

What makes Restaurant 1865 special?
Its stunning location on the seafront and rich history make Restaurant 1865 special. We use fresh, local produce to create exceptional dishes, and the team I work with adds to the great atmosphere.

After working as a kitchen porter for over a year, I discovered my passion for cooking. Being offered an apprenticeship felt great, knowing they wanted me to be part of their team.

What do you like most about your role?
I love that every day brings something new, and I’m constantly learning from the talented team around me. The fast-paced, high-pressure environment gives me a real sense of excitement.

What makes Restaurant 1865 special?
The restaurant’s location truly adds to its charm, creating a wonderful atmosphere that makes dining at 1865 feel special.