Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc opened the doors of the latest restaurant in his successful Brasserie Blanc chain this month at Gunwharf Quays, Land Securities’ designer outlet centre on the waterfront at Portsmouth Harbour.

The 4,300-sq ft restaurant is housed on the ground floor of Gunwharf Quays’ new 30-storey tower, No 1 Gunwharf, in the recently developed East Side Plaza. In addition to the 100-cover restaurant area – complete with large dining terrace – Portsmouth’s new Brasserie Blanc includes a bar and a shop selling Maison Blanc produce.

Blanc said: “Gunwharf Quays was one of the first sites we looked at when we set up the Brasserie Blanc chain two years ago, but we have had to wait for the new tower – the tallest on the south coast – to be completed. It has certainly been worth the wait.

“I do admit to a certain pang of conscience that Gunwharf Quays is part of Portsmouth’s historic naval docks, home to HMS Victory – certainly not a favourite ship for a Frenchman – but I cheer myself up that Nelson would not be amused by own my little invasion.”