A wonderful time was had by all at the Winter Lodge last night when the panto stars from the Kings came to perform at the Queens Hotel in aid of local charity, Spark Community Space.
Former Eastenders star Shaun Williamson and James ‘Arg’ Argent from TOWIE fame really hit the right note with the appreciative audience. The pair are currently headlining the critically acclaimed Hook pantomime at the Kings Theatre.
And there was an opportunity for other cast members to shine as they performed favourite songs, with Pompey panto favourite Jack Edwards being compere on the night.
The evening came to a close with a rousing sing-a-long featuring much loved Christmas songs with all the cast taking part.
More than £5,000 was raised for the Spark Community Centre with Arg donating £1,500 to match the amount raised from ticket sales, prompting the Kings Theatre to pledge a further £500, which was also matched by the Queens Hotel.
General Manager at the Queens Hotel, Paul Playford, said: “This was such a brilliant evening and everyone enjoyed seeing the stars and cast of Hook singing some Christmas classics.
“It is the first Kings at the Queens event that we’ve hosted and we hope it will be the first of many future collaborations,” he said.
Shaun and the rest of the cast were delighted when they heard about the plans to bring a bit of Christmas magic to the Winter Lodge.
Shaun explained: “We thought it was a brilliant idea and we loved the fact we were helping to raise funds for such a good local cause.
“It was a chance to make some new friends in Southsea and to have a good ol’ seasonal sing-song.”
Becki Simmons, founder trustee of Spark Community Space, said: “I was completely overwhelmed when I was told this evening was going to be in aid of Spark Community Space.
“We’ve all had a wonderful time and I can’t thank the cast members and the team at the Queens Hotel enough.”
Spark Community Space is a local charity working to reach those who have been left out or left behind, to give people a place to belong, to be part of a community of support, to heal together and to spark back into life.
A golden ticket was available to win on the night and the lucky winner received a family ticket to see Hook and a voucher for afternoon tea at the Queens.
General Manager Paul Playford added: “We have been working hard behind the scenes for some time to be able to make ‘Kings at the Queens’ a reality and we are so excited that it has finally happened.
“It is the perfect pairing and we are delighted that Sparks Community Space benefitted from this evening of fun and music.”
We hope this will just be the start of many joint ventures between the Kings and the Queens.
“There is a real synergy between us and we are looking for more opportunities to bring the theatre stars to the Queens for special performances,“ said Mr Playford.
We are delighted that the Kings Theatre and The Queens Hotel are joining forces as ‘Kings at the Queens’ for a special Christmas cabaret in the Winter Lodge. The evening will be in aid of Spark Community Space on Thursday December 7th at 7.30pm.
Pompey Panto favourite Jack Edwards will compere the evening. Cast members from this year’s panto Hook, including Shaun Williamson, the former Eastenders star, will also be performing on the night.
To ensure there is a great party atmosphere, Shaun will round off the evening with a festive sing-a-long with all the cast. And, of course, the audience will be actively encouraged to join in.
A golden ticket will be available to win on the night. The lucky winner will receive a family ticket to see Hook and a voucher for afternoon tea at the Queens.
General Manager Paul Playford, explained: “We have been working hard behind the scenes for some time to be able to make ‘Kings at the Queens’ a reality. We are so excited that it will finally be happening.
“It is the perfect pairing. We are delighted that Spark Community Space will benefit from this evening of fun and music.”
Shaun and the rest of the cast were really pleased when they heard about the plans to bring a bit of Christmas magic to the Winter Lodge.
Shaun explained: “We thought it was a brilliant idea. We love the fact we will be helping to raise funds for such a good local cause.
“It will also be a chance to make some new friends in Southsea and we can’t wait to have a good ol’ seasonal sing-song.”
We hope this will just be the start of many joint ventures between the Kings and the Queens.
“There is a real synergy between us. We are looking for more opportunities to bring the theatre stars to the Queens for special performances,“ added Mr Playford.
Becki Simmons, founder trustee of Spark Community Space, said: “This promises to be a wonderful evening. We are so delighted that Spark Community Space will benefit.
“The Queens Hotel has been a great supporter for our charity – it is wonderful to be included in this fabulous event for the city.”
Tickets cost £10 and are available via this link: https://book.events/winterlodge/2023-12-07/43085
Searching for the perfect way to celebrate the festive season? Our afternoon tea with a
Christmas twist could be just what you are after.
From Friday November 24, we will be serving up a delicious array of sweet and savoury delights to mark the festive season.
The selection includes:
General Manager, Paul Playford, said: “Taking time out from the Christmas preparations to enjoy our festive afternoon tea is the perfect way to navigate this time of year.
“Leave behind all thoughts of present lists and food shopping and let the team here at the Queens look after you while you enjoy our delicious afternoon tea experience.”
And don’t forget, our afternoon tea vouchers make a perfect gift. Find out more in our gift voucher section on our website.
Please note our festive afternoon tea runs until Friday January 5 th and needs to be booked in advance, via our Restaurant 1865 website here.
We are so excited to be a sponsor for the Formula Kite European Championships which are coming to Portsmouth from 19th to 24th September.
Kiteboarding will make its Olympic debut at Paris 2024 so it’s really exciting to have the European Championships happening right on our doorstep.
Europe’s best riders are expected to be in attendance as they vie not just for the title of European Champion but also as they aim to qualify their nations for the Olympic Games. Crucially, the regatta will continue the legacy of London 2012, offering world-class racing in a city centre location easily watched by spectators.
Portsmouth was chosen to showcase this super-fast kite foil racing in the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics after the RYA won the right to host the 2023 Formula Kite European Championship.
Kite foiling sees riders ‘fly’ above the water on hydrofoils attached to boards, powered by huge kites which can propel them to incredible speeds of more than 35 knots.
Eastney beach will provide the perfect viewpoint to watch the high-octane racing, which will take place just a few hundred metres from the shore.
Here at the Queens, we love the colourful world film director, Wes Anderson has created and we were beyond overjoyed to discover we are part of the Accidentally Wes Anderson phenomenon that has taken social media by storm.
Photographer Tom Benjamin submitted us to the site way back in 2019. We are delighted to feature on the map of 1,821 places highlighting the most beautiful, idiosyncratic and interesting places on earth.
Brooklyn-based husband and wife team of Wally & Amanda came up with the idea for AWA to develop a personal travel bucket list. First established on Instagram, their personal project quickly developed into a wide-reaching resource, providing inspiration for travellers and creatives across the world. Today their site has two million followers and there have been books and postcards produced.
With their puppy mascot, Dexter, by their side, the adventurous couple’s mission evolved from curating and researching interesting locations to bringing the Community along on virtual Adventures around the world. Their mission remains the same from the start – provide a daily dose of delight and inspire a sense of adventure and curiosity for all that wish to participate.
A viral online phenomenon, AWA has encouraged millions of people to view the world in a different way, celebrating a gorgeous colour palette and composition.
We are so proud to be part of this global phenomenon that inspires more than one million adventurers.
https://accidentallywesanderson.com/about/
https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/accidentally-wes-anderson-locations
Our talented pastry team loves nothing more than creating delectable delights for you to enjoy as part of our much-loved afternoon tea.
Melt in the mouth scones that can be topped with jam and cream (or should it be cream and jam – where do you sit on this question?), light as a feather sponge and delicious macarons are just a few of the elements that win regular plaudits from guests.
To mark afternoon tea week, we are offering everyone that books between August 7th to 13th the chance to enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or alcohol free alternative. You can book via our website here
The tradition of Afternoon Tea is attributed to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. She is said to have complained of “having that sinking feeling” during the late afternoon. The solution was a pot a tea and a light snack. This was taken privately at first, then she invited friends to join her. Eventually all fashionable society was sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches in the middle of the afternoon.
Afternoon Tea Week is a perfect excuse to celebrate this cherished British tradition and experience the elegance and charm of this delightful treat.
Five star review – “Took my mum for afternoon tea for her 60th birthday. It was a really special day and the hotel made it even more special.”
Five star review – “I took family and friends out for afternoon tea. As always there was excellent service and quality of food. The Queens has a beautiful dining area and the staff are helpful and attentive. I had two children in our party and the waiting staff were so kind to them, they made them feel so special. The menu changes seasonally, which is a wonderful reason to keep coming back.”
Our Executive Chef, Simon Hartnett, was among a galaxy of culinary artists at a brand new event launching Hampshire Food Festival 2023.
Running over Saturday and Sunday, 1st and 2nd July, Celebrating Hampshire was a collaboration between Festival Place in Basingstoke and Hampshire Fare. The focus was on a chefs’ kitchen in Festival Place’s Porchester Square with an artisan produce market plus sampling.
Tracy Nash, Hampshire Fare, said: “It was so great to have a cookery theatre in the centre of this popular shopping centre showcasing our region’s great chefs. Thanks to Festival Place supporting local, this event was a true celebration of Hampshire. Cooking demos featured Hampshire ingredients, while local growers, makers and producers sold their products. What is not to LOVE!”
Queens Hotel General Manager, Paul Playford, said: “It was great that Simon was part of such an exciting showcase event that launched the Hampshire Food Festival 2023.
“We are great supporters of Hampshire Fare and Simon loves to use local produce in his menus. There’s so much great produce on our doorstep and we are proud to champion it at the Queens.”
Organised by Hampshire Fare, the Festival encompasses a delicious programme of events running across the region: including chef demos, menus, markets, tours, tastings and workshops. What’s more, the 21st Hampshire Food Festival has been given a makeover. It will now run throughout the summer across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. For more details: www.hampshirefare.co.uk
Photo credit: The Electric Eye Photographer
We love this legacy art project from this year’s Portsmouth Pride and wanted to share a bit more information about the eye catching magenta coloured hoardings.
This year’s ‘Everybody’s Pride’ mural is a collaboration between Portsmouth based artist and trans activist Mister Samo and local creative studio FORM+FUNCTION – whose work in the city looks to connect communities through creativity.
The 45+ foot long hoarding close to the Queens Hotel car park, was beautifully positioned to be visible for attendees of the Pride Main Day Event.
And now it will be a prominent (hot pink!) legacy artwork – emblazoned with Mister Samo’s iconic ‘YOU ARE LOVED’ message – for residents and visitors to the city to appreciate.
The mural and its messaging demonstrates the power of collective, creative collaboration in support – and celebration of – Portsmouth’s wonderful, growing and PROUD rainbow community.
We were delighted to host the party to mark the retirement of Ruth White, CEO of Rowans Hospice
Among the guests celebrating her retirement was TV legend Fred Dinenage
He said Ruth had done an amazing job leading the organisation since June 1994. She explained she has been working in hospices since 1986 and she came to Rowans Hospice as their first matron.
Looking back over her time at Rowans Hospice, Ruth said: ” It’s been tremendous. There are many facets to the role and I’ve been lucky to work with an amazing team.”
One highlight was the time she and the team were able to fulfill a father’s dying wish. Through the power of social media, the hospice was able to secure a top secret screening of a recent Star Wars movie before its release.
Ruth said she was looking forward to taking stock before deciding on future plans.
“When you have been working in an organisation for as long as I have, it will be good to create some space and take the time to decide who I am and how I want to spend my time from now on,” she said.
A host of new talent will be taking part in this summer’s Sunday Sessions at the Queens Hotel in Portsmouth.
Our hotel is well known for hosting live music on a Sunday throughout the summer. Some of the best-known local performers take part.
This summer talented new faces will be joining established acts such as Rachel Hawnt, Martyn James &Rob Richardson and Amba Tremain as they set out on their career path to stardom.
Head of Sales, Marketing & Events, Nicole Morris, explained: “Undoubtedly we wanted to build on the success of last year’s Sunday Sessions. We wanted to offer new talent the opportunity to sing in front of the appreciative crowd that we regularly attract at the Queens.”
Judging panel included Queens Hotel General Manager Paul Playford, Julia Worsley PR and Marketing Officer at the Kings Theatre and music promoter, Nick Courtney.
Julia has acting experience in TV, film, radio and theatre. She’s also had leading roles in West End productions of Les Miserables, Oliver and The Commitments.
“It was an absolute honour to be asked to represent The Kings Theatre at the auditions for the Sunday Sessions. I couldn’t believe the high standard of acts especially considering the age of some of the auditionees.
“We are so fortunate to have so much talent locally. It’s always rewarding to be able to help promote this.
“The Queens Hotel team are as committed as we are here at The Kings Theatre, to shining a spotlight on up-and-coming performers and opportunities such as the Sunday Sessions are a huge part of the journey towards a professional career for these young performers.
“I applaud the Queens for this initiative. I am very much looking forward to coming down to the Queens Hotel to watch the winners. The audiences really are in for a treat,” she said.
Nick Courtney added: “It was a pleasure for me to attend and watch the rising stars auditions at the Queens Hotel.
“The standard was exceptionally high. Many of those auditioning were far more than just rising stars or the up and coming artists that were expected to audition.
“Many already had years of experience despite their young age. They just wanted to be seen and given the chance to perform in the beautiful Queens Hotel garden.
“It was really nice of them to give up their time and make the effort. Hopefully everyone will enjoy their performances as much as we did.”
The full-line up can be seen here
Picture 1 – Amber Sutka,11, was the youngest performer at the auditions and will be singing
on July 9 th
Picture 2 – Established act Martyn James and Rob Richardson performing at the Queens in
2022
Picture 3 – Judging panel left to right: Paul Playford, Julia Worsley and Nick Courtney