Starting on 10 May, those looking for an unusual spot for lunch on a Saturday will be able to dine slap-bang in the middle of the Solent as Spitbank Fort launches Saturday lunches.

Dating back to 1878, the Grade II listed monument is an ideal backdrop for those looking to treat their dad to something really different this Father's Day (15 June). The first Saturday lunch will start on 10 May with a discounted introductory price of £99 per person (£115 per person normally). Sunday and Wednesday lunches are also available.

Being surrounded by water and accessible only by boat adds to the magic and privacy of Spitbank Fort and the lunch experience begins at 11:30 with a pick up from the Royal Clarence Marina and welcome teas and coffees on board.

After a 30 minute boat ride, guests will be treated to a welcome glass of Champagne and then a tour of the fort. At 14:00, guests will be seated in the Officer's Mess in order to enjoy a three-course lunch followed by teas and coffees in the Crow's Nest which has spectacular views of the other Solent forts, the South Coast and Isle of Wight.

Spitbank's fascinating and quirky history adds to its charms. The seaward side was originally armed with nine 12.5 inch muzzle loading guns, which were replaced in 1884 with more modern 12-inch breech-loading guns and these remained in service until after World War I. The fort was declared surplus to requirements in 1962 but was only sold by the Ministry of Defence in 1982. Since then the fort has been privately owned and was purchased by AmaZing Venues which, along with English Heritage and PLC Architects in Portsmouth, transformed the Fort into a unique venue for lunch and overnight stays.

 Owner and founder of AmaZing Venues; which owns Spitbank Fort, Mike Clare comments, “Lunch outings don't get more unusual than this and with Father's Day around the corner, it's a fantastic opportunity to really treat dads to something special.

After the success of our Sunday and Wednesday lunches, we decided this year to introduce Saturday lunches so people can make a real weekend of it and stay overnight with us too.”

For bookings or more information visit www.amazingvenues.co.uk or call 0330 333 7222.

-Ends-

Media Enquiries:

The Brighter Group:

Steele Paulich / Tryphena Greenwood / Amy Skelding: steele.paulich@brightergroup.com / tryphena.greenwood@brightergroup.com/ amy.skelding@brightergroup.com  020 7326 9880 

Notes to Editors

Wednesday lunch outings cost £80 per person, Saturday lunches cost £115 per person and Sunday lunches cost £99 per person.

The price includes boat transfers and a three course meal with a welcome glass of Champagne, teas and coffees pre departure and post meal and a tour of the fort on arrival.

The first Saturday lunch is 10th May at a special price of £99pp and normal Saturday price will resume from 31st May.

Southampton Airport is just 21 miles away with links to 50 destinations across Europe. In the UK Southampton Airport have direct flights to Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Isle of Man, Jersey, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Newcastle. London is just 77 miles away and reached easily by road & rail.