Made the time this week to visit Gunwharf Quays for the first time this year and I have to say how much it had changed since my last visit in September. The whole place seems to have been considerably expanded and for my money is now a lot better and offers a greater range.
For those who ... Read review
Advantages: Historic location and plenty to do. Disadvantages: Some stores have false sales!
...time this week to visit Gunwharf Quays for the first time this year and I have to say how much it had changed since my last visit in September. The whole place seems to have been considerably expanded and for my money is now a lot better and offers a greater range.
For those who have yet to visit this amazing place, please allow me to explain further. The site that is now known as Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth used to be a Naval Base ... ...listed status.
Gunwharf Quays opened in March 2001 and consisted mainly of shops and restaurants and although the mix of shops include well known names such as Next, HMV, Zavvi and the obligatory Starbucks. The main difference between Gunwharf and say somewhere like Bluewater is the fact that the shops here are mainly retail clearance stores selling end of lines stock. Additionally this means that there are a number of other shops, ... more
Made the time this week to visit Gunwharf Quays for the first time this year and I have to say how much it had changed since my last visit in September. The whole place seems to have been considerably expanded and for my money is now a lot better and offers a greater range.
For those who have yet to visit this amazing place, please allow me to explain further. The site that is now known as Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth used to be a Naval Base called HMS Vernon with a historical timeline that goes back to Richard I in 1194. One of the main things this facility that was used for was the mounting of weapons onto Naval Ships, which is how it got the name 'Gunwharf'. In fact HMS Vernon was renamed from HMS Nelson in 1987 and was the HQ for the Royal Marines as well as a location where Mine Warfare training was also performed; in fact this was still taking place up to 1st April 1996, when the site was closed down.
At the time that HMS Vernon closed down, Portsmouth lost another valuable site and it was decided that regeneration of the naval base was a vital necessity, not only to ensure local employment but also to allow Portsmouth to grow as a city. In May 1998 the plan was launched to rebuild and turn a closed down Naval Base into a place to shop, relax and live in a brand new modern residential area. This meant that everything that belonged to HMS Vernon had to be demolished, everything apart from a handful of buildings that had to be considered part of the regeneration due to their listed status.
Gunwharf Quays opened in March 2001 and consisted mainly of shops and restaurants and although the mix of shops include well known names such as Next, HMV, Zavvi and the obligatory Starbucks. The main difference between Gunwharf and say somewhere like Bluewater is the fact that the shops here are mainly retail clearance stores selling end of lines stock. Additionally this means that there are a number of other shops, such as Calvin Klein, Paul Smith, Oakley, Nike and Adidas as well as Levi's, Fred Perry, Whittards, Cotton Traders and surprisingly Marks and Spencer's as well, so there is a veritable mix of brand and designer names, I felt that a genuine attempt had been made to cater for everyone and that was only in Phase 1 of the development!!!
Phase 2 included the opening of a Casino, Holiday Inn Express, Molton Brown, Puma, and Vans to name but a few. Personally this surprised me as a number of these companies have premises that are few and far between and have not really been known to have premises based outside of Central London, so to go to Portsmouth and see shops such as Barbour or Karen Millen was quite a surprise in itself.
As a retail outlet it works and it works well, but on the flipside the shops may not appeal to everyone's tastes. When I visit I know that there are certain shops that will not interest me at all and don't ever intend to go there, for example the Fred Perry shop has a sale, but this is only taking 10% of a certainamount of items, so for a Polo shirt I would still be paying around £45, where as if I go into the Adidas shop I could pick up a similar item for £12 reduced from £20. So unless you have a game plan then it makes sense to look around the place first. Trainers are an exceptionally good buy as the Nike shop starts at £20 going up to about £50; this is repeated in Puma as well. So bargains can be found, its just a case of finding them first.
Ok so we have a Starbucks and there is a Costa as well, but what if you wanted a proper meal, well that's not a problem at all. The side of Gunwharf facing the Harbour has been built with a number of Restaurants and Bars that are open throughout the day and some of the night as well. These include Tootsies, Slug and Lettuce, La Tasca, Ha Ha Bar and Tiger Tiger. I found that these were mainly for late lunch or late afternoon/ early evening Dinner. Although places like Tiger Tiger do cater for the nightlife aspect from around 9pm till late and it is quite busy in this part of Gunwharf and is quite lively after dark. As well as nightclubs there is also the Vue Multiplex Cinema located on the first floor is also busy throughout the day with a steady stream of patrons. As well as the Cinema there is Nando's and Chiquitos located up there too. So in general you have all the standard leisure/ retail park restaurants to visit, which does generally cover a large aspect of food types.
If you want something lighter then Burger King and Subway are located just behind the impressive Spinnaker Tower. In fact there is still some building going on as the finishing touches are just being placed upon the 'Lipstick Tower' a high rise block consisting of apartments that overlooks the entire Gunwharf complex.
For me the benchmark of place like this is how good the facilities actually are such as car parking and lavatories. Well I have to say that the lavatories have had a complete make over. With the addition of a Concierge in attendance outside, this impressed me a lot and was better than the usual security camera mounted in the ceiling that was there previously. Can't say I know about the Ladies, but the Gents was absolutely spotless, with a well sized cubicle including Baby Changing facilities. Sinks were cleans and had a choice of Hand Soap and Moisturisers in bottled dispensers above the sink. The taps are touch sensitive and ensures that no water is wasted at all. Also the hand dryers have been upgraded to the impressive Dyson Airblades to which you just drop your hands in and pull them out slowly and they are bone dry!
The other benchmark for me is how well the drivers are catered for. Impressively the parking is easy as well as there are 1450 spaces available on two levels including Disabled spaces, the good thing is that you park directly under the complex and take an escalator right into the heart of the shops. Prices for parking are okay, certainly cheaper by about 40% than what I am used to in Croydon, we stayed for five hours and it cost a fiver. At home five hours would have cost between £9 and £11!! If you don't have a car don't worry as the London to Portsmouth mainline station, Portsmouth Harbour, is right next door to Gunwharf, as is the Seacat that takes foot passengers to the Isle of Wight is located next to the Station as well, so the whole complex is set next to one giant transport hub for the Solent, and it is the Seacat that you can see leaving the Harbour with the other ferries as well as they all go past the restaurant area on the waterside of Gunwharf to leave the Harbour.
Since the Spinnaker Tower opened the whole place seems to have that added bit of sparkle, for me it was noticeable that it was a lot busier in that area, okay it was the summer holidays and nice weather. The Tower is impressive in its own right and is a great landmark for the Quays as it's something that you just cannot miss and recommend a trip to the top as the views are absolutely awesome as on a clear day you can see for up to 25 miles.
Although you can clearly see across the water to Gosport there are a number of moorings in a mini marina, from here you can take a tour of Portsmouth Harbour which takes about an hour or so. Usually the marina is full of boats that have moored here and these all vary in size from the smallish sailboat to a multi million pound cruiser. In actual fact its nice just to sit here with a Coffee and watch the world go by, the atmosphere is relaxing and it seems nobody is actually rushing about at all. Watching the Brittany Ferries arrive in the Harbour is an eye opener, especially when they dwarf the buildings on Spice Island.
As I mentioned above a number of buildings had to be left standing due to their listed status, just a few of these are the Vulcan Building, The Infirmary and Nelson's Gate which have been gracefully absorbed into the designs and have new found new life as an Art Gallery, Restaurant and Gateway pedestrian entrance to Gunwharf respectively. So other than that the shops there is plenty to see and do.
The Naval Base had a dry dock; although the majority of this is still there, it has now been transformed into a canal running through the site. A third of it has been turned into a fishery and has a wide number of varieties of fish swimming about; some of these are quite large in size and look quite menacing, I think that these were Carp in breed. The remainder of the canal passes a number of restaurants that unsurprisingly tend to take full advantage of their location and have outdoor seating available which makes the location all the more pleasant to visit and adds to the atmosphere.
Overall this is a great place to spend a day as well as some money, although one worrying aspect is that I don't tend to visit Portsmouth Town Centre at all now as I prefer to stay within the realms of Gunwharf as it has everything I need, as it is genuinely a great place to chill out. So even though this is a positive on the City, the negative could be being felt in the nearby High Street.
What I was content with was that the history is never forgotten or totally erased from sight because as you stroll around it is evident when you see the remaining Naval buildings. As soon as you see them you know that they aren't new, due to the appearance, but reading the various plaques or the photos nearby inform you just how much an integral part the base actually played for the Royal Navy and how much respect is due to this place.
Advantages: Loads to do Disadvantages: Too many designer outlet shops
...all changed in 2001 when Gunwharf Quays opened. Described on their website as "The Ultimate Shopping and Leisure Waterfront destination", Gunwharf currently has over 85 designer outlets, 20 bars and restaurants, a 14 screen cinema, a 26 lane bowling alley, a hotel and a casino. The website goes on to describe Gunwharf "Landscaped in to a historic setting, with the Historic Dockyard and Old Portsmouth only a few minutes walk away, Gunwharf Quays is ... ...will be drawn back to Gunwharf Quays again and again."
So that's what the website says but what is Gunwharf Quays really like? To be honest I have mixed feelings about it. There's no doubt its what Portsmouth needed, and it has been a real shot it the arm but I am disappointed with the shopping. I have to say I'm not a fan of designer outlet stores. They are full of clothes that they couldn't shift from other stores, so even though they offer up ...
TallPaul73 31.08.2005
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Gunwharf Quays (Portsmouth)
Advantages: Very reasonable, close to the coast and ferries, situated in historic Portsmouth Disadvantages: Cold in the winter, getting there is a nightmare, busy at weekends.
...to take a trip to Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. Gunwharf Quays is a relatively new waterfront development between the Dockyard and Old Portsmouth, a haven for businesses, shopping, entertainment and restaurants.
Very recently the Spinnaker Tower was finally completed and you can ride up to the top in its glass lift. Not for those who don't like heights believe me but the view is fantastic I have been told. The Spinnaker Tower is set to become a ... ...over the solent. Gunwharf is a shopping outlet built right in the heart of Portsmouth. What makes this place so special is that it sells brand names for 75% less than the high street. It's not just in January either; it's all year round. If you are unsure about that making that first trip, then please read on for some further advice and recommendations. ***GETTING THERE***:
To be honest it's an absolute nightmare. We go by car and driving through ...
mrsmopples 19.12.2005 (19.08.2006)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Gunwharf Quays (Portsmouth)
Advantages: Genuine designer clothes as genuine bargain prices Disadvantages: None that I am aware of
WHAT IS GUNWHARF QUAYS?
----------------------------------------
It is a designer shopping outlet complex. But, make no mistake, this is no ordinary shopping outlet. As well as the usual array of designer shops, it has lots of entertainment too. It has over 65 designer outlets which have up to 70% off the high street prices. It’s definitely paradise for shopping!
You can actually spend a whole day at this place. As well as the designer shops, ... ...you who are sailing enthusiasts, Gunwharf Berths is right next door to the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour. There is over 500m of prime berthing space available so you can avoid all the road, rail and coach rush and arrive by boat!! For information on berths tel 023 9283 6736. As you can see, there is definitely something for everyone.
WHERE IS IT?
-----------------
It is in Portsmouth and is located beside the historic waterfront.
It is easily ...
Wearsidelass 09.01.2004
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Gunwharf Quays (Portsmouth)
Advantages: A variety of things to do Disadvantages: Can be crowded
The Gunwharf Quays complex near Portsmouth Harbour station and the Historic Dockyard attracts visitors not only from Portsmouth and Southsea itself, but also from the Isle of Wight, Gosport, Hayling Island, Fareham, Cosham and Havant. Unmissable thanks to the Spinnaker Tower, it can be extremely crowded at weekends and during holiday periods. The waterfront location, however, makes it quite a special place, and I would recommend a visit on a weekday ... ...personally don't enjoy shopping at Gunwharf at weekends. One Saturday afternoon I was there with one of my sons who was looking for a waterproof jacket and had found good bargains in the past at Oakley's. On entering, he found a woman with a buggy parked right alongside the rail of jackets. When he tried to approach, she pointed out that her three young children were sitting on the floor - underneath the jackets. She refused to ask them to move, ...
denella 13.02.2008
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Gunwharf Quays (Portsmouth)
Advantages: Attractive shopping area, Lots of Attractions (food, cinema, bowling, shops etc), designer clothes at reduced prices. Disadvantages: The shops will not appeal to everyone, complex is not undercover.
***ABOUT GUNWHARF QUAYS***
Gunwharf Quays is situated on Portsmouth Harbour. Portsmouth is on the south coast and Gunwharf is easily accessible as there is a train station a few minutes walk away. If you prefer to travel by car then I think Gunwharf is fairly easy to find as you travel into Portsmouth and then simply follow the signs to the 'Historic Waterfront'. Consult Gunwharf's website for more details:
http://www.gunwharf-quays.com
Gunwharf ... ...development. I have visited Gunwharf in the daytime for shopping, and in the evening for clubbing and use of the cinema. You can also go bowling at Gunwharf.
***WHAT SHOPS ARE THERE?***
I would say that the majority of the shops at Gunwharf are designer shops offering clothes at cheaper prices (up to 70% off). There are over 90 outlet stores at Gunwharf. I will not name the shops as they can be found on the website. But I will simply let you know ...
HannahBoo 06.03.2006
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Gunwharf Quays (Portsmouth)
Range of products
Speed of delivery
Value for Money
Similar reviews »
Reviews which might be of interest for "Gunwharf Quays (Portsmouth)"
Advantages: Savings on lots of goodies Disadvantages: A long way to travel if you don't live locally
Sunday. So, beware, check before you go on Easter Sunday (Clarks Management Office telephone number is 01458 840064, fax number is 01458 841132).
PS: Just to let you know, that I did manage to navigate the directions back even though, again, the weather was very stormy.
Happy shopping.
PS: Am awaiting Ciao to open up a review space for me for GunwharfQuays, based in Portsmouth - another outlet shopping village. Just love them!!! ...
Wearsidelass 01.01.2004
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Clarks Village
