SouthseaScene

Last week we heard that the Hole in the Wall pub was selling some beer and we went along to support them bu buying some pints, making it a takeaway night with curry from Kadir's. More and more food outlets are reopening for business, taking advantage of delivery services like Just Eat, Deliveroo or doing their own delivery as usual. We even spotted the Subway in Albert Road open for normal business today. Do support these businesses: Huis Spice Merchant Akash King Street Tavern Duke of Buckingham Bubble & Pho Scoops Gelato Umami Street Food Enjoy!

Whether it’s from boredom, stress or anxiety, the sale of alcohol has reportedly increased by 291 per cent during the coronavirus pandemic. During these unprecedented times, much of the world’s population have been asked to self-isolate by remaining indoors. The outcome of the lockdown is unknown but, according to researchers, increased alcohol use could give rise to a second health crisis. They have now launched an anonymous  survey , to find out how much people’s drinking habits might have changed. Dr Matt Parker and Dr Lorenzo Stafford, from the University of Portsmouth, are leading the research. Dr Parker said: “The potential public health effects of long-term isolation on alcohol use and misuse are unknown. Alcohol misuse is one of the leading causes of preventable mortality, contributing annually to about three million deaths worldwide. “This period of isolation might lead to a spike in alcohol misuse and potentially, development of addiction in at-risk individuals o...

Portsmouth residents can enjoy a huge range of entertainment, including music, books, and magazines, while they're staying home. And it's all free. All they need to do is use their library card, or sign up to be a library member online. Because although Portsmouth City Council's library buildings are closed, their digital services are available 24/7. Residents can enjoy all these free services: audiobooks and e-books, including bestsellers and online reading group titles unlimited music streaming, from rock and pop to classical and world music magazines and comics to download and keep or read online, including top national titles hundreds of UK and international newspapers, including The News Plus, whether or not you're a library member, you can get lots of ideas to keep the whole family occupied on the  Official Portsmouth Libraries Facebook page . These include: story videos for younger children ideas for art and craft activities to keep...

As we're now on Coronavirus lockdown and supply is getting low, this simple recipe that uses very few ingredients might be helpful (if you can find pasta!). Prawns - 150 g pack serves 2 generously and 3 at a stretch Linguine - 75 g per person Garlic - 1 clove, crushed and diced Red chili - 1 medium, diced (substitute with 1 tsp dried red chili flakes) Butter - 25 g (or 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil) Sliced spring onions, if available - it just makes the meal a bit more moreish Parmesan - 25 g, grated Half a lemon to add zing, but also optional Boil some water in the pan and add the linguine. Set the timer to 10 minute as it takes the linguine 8-10 minutes to cook. Then melt the butter in a pan and add the spring onions, garlic and chilli. Fry it gently and as the timer shows 3 minutes to go, add the prawns and salt and pepper and drain the linguine into the pan with a little of the water to keep everything moist. Only cook the prawn for 3 minutes so it rem...