You could easily miss Aspex. Tucked quietly away behind the Loch Fyne restaurant in Portsmouth’s Gunwharf Quay, this small contemporary art gallery is housed in a stunning historic maritime warehouse and plays host to a fantastic variety of interesting exhibitions, events and workshops.

Culture aside, if you’re simply after a bit of peace and quiet away from the shoppers and something more special than a Starbucks, then the Gallery’s smart and stylish café is the perfect retreat. The menu is simple and delicious featuring homecooked soups, savouries and fabulous salads. We love the homemade falafels and houmous and the homemade cakes are heavenly!

There’s also a delightful small but very choice gallery shop adjacent to the café – the perfect place to seek out some really interesting and unique gifts that you won’t see on the high street! We have run a number of workshops at Aspex and it has to be one of our favourite venues.

Image courtesy of Claire Sambrook on Flickr