The Watermark Bar Restaurant (from Scene South)

With its large decked seating area outside it's the perfect place to watch the world go by while enjoying an aperitif or two. As one of the first eateries positioned near the marina's entrance it affords some of the nicest views, so what better than to kick back with a nice glass of chilled Pinot and try to think of a money-making scheme that would enable you to buy one of the sleek Sunseekers dotted among the sail boats.

In the chillier months sitting inside won't compromise the view if you are lucky enough to bag a seat by the large, floor to ceiling windows.

Watermark is a smart, contemporary affair, made up of two defined areas, a bar and restaurant. With a long curved bar at one end you'll find slickly designed shiny wooden surfaces and high stools along one side and comfy rounded leather chairs dotted around a highly polished baby grand piano. At the weekends on Friday and Saturday evenings or on Sunday afternoons dinner or drinks are accompanied by the rather pleasant tinkling of ivories in the background - a bit better than the pan-piped cds that many restaurants rely on to create atmosphere. During the week it's also a popular destination for workers to drop in for a sociable catch-up on the day before heading home.

In the restaurant at the other end the menu offers a mixture of Mediterranean fare such as red onion and goats' cheese tart, Moussaka or Caesar salad and good old English pub classics like bangers 'n' mash, fish 'n' chips or steak and ale pie.

Starters are reasonably priced although it's worth paying a bit extra for the king prawns in a garlic and chilli sauce. Sure, it might seem like a hassle to have to peel the shells, but this adds to the satisfaction of the dish and the ciabatta that accompanies it is great for soaking up the juices. It's a shame the mini meatballs haven't made their way back onto the newly revised menu, as they were very appetising without being too filling and made choosing the second course a little easier. As expected at a waterside venue the fish comes highly recommended - the stuffed yellow fin sole oven-baked yellow fin sole stuffed with a blend of haddock and spinach served with sautéed potatoes.

But if you really want to test the mark of this place try the rump steak - it comes with onion rings, fries and grilled tomato and green salad - and was cooked to perfection with a slightly pink centre, and, at £11.95 represents value for money.

Overall, if you are overwhelmed with choice at Port Solent and simply can't decide, then head for Watermark where you'll find honestly priced, well-cooked food.

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