Tucked away in Old Portsmouth, Smoke and Mirrors has quickly become one of the city’s most distinctive dining experiences.
Co-owner and Chef Patron Jordan Thompson set out to create something different, a small, intimate restaurant where guests are centre to the experience from the moment they walk through the door.
“I never thought I’d have the opportunity,” says Jordan. “But when it came up, I grabbed it with both hands.”
A Portsmouth local, Jordan always had a long-term goal to bring his skills back to the city. After training and gaining experience working with leading chefs, including Marco Pierre White, he wanted to create a restaurant that reflects both his journey and his hometown.
That ambition led to Smoke and Mirrors, a fine dining concept centred on perception, creativity and craftsmanship. The name itself reflects that ethos. Smoke and Mirrors is a metaphor for the perception of how the food is experienced, from what’s plated to how it’s interpreted by each guest.
At the heart of the business is a commitment to local sourcing and showcasing the region’s produce.
Being based in Portsmouth has shaped both the menu and the overall experience. With the sea on its doorstep and a rich maritime history, the restaurant draws inspiration from its surroundings.
“We champion the area as much as we can,” Jordan explains.
That connection to place is also reflected in the setting. Positioned in Old Portsmouth, the restaurant offers views of Portsmouth Cathedral, with a candlelit, intimate atmosphere designed to slow the pace and create a memorable evening.
Smoke and Mirrors sets itself apart through a deliberately different approach to service.
There are no quick table turnarounds. Instead, guests are invited to stay for the evening complete with a fully personalised experience where attention to detail is everything. From handwritten bills to dishes prepared by a single chef in an open, high-energy kitchen, the restaurant combines “old school” techniques with modern creativity.
“Our restaurant is solely passion-led,” says Jordan. “When guests come in, they’re in with us for the night.”
That focus on experience has helped build a loyal customer base, with many returning regularly and forming personal connections with the team.
Like many start-ups, the journey hasn’t been without its learning curves.
After taking on the space, Jordan and his team completely transformed the venue themselves, from décor and furnishings to the overall concept. Along the way, they’ve continuously refined the offer based on customer feedback.
“We’re a sponge,” he says. “We absorb everything, good and bad, and use it to improve.”
Now, after more than two years in operation, Smoke and Mirrors has found its footing.https://youtu.be/KUxTm_n0mK4?si=qr5xV1KkLvmC6ojf
“We’ve found ourselves, but most importantly, we’ve found the guests who support us.”
That combination of adaptability and clear identity has been key to establishing the business in a competitive market.
Taking part in city events such as Southsea Food Festival has also played an important role in growth.
For Jordan, it’s not just about promotion, it’s about connecting with the wider community and giving people a taste of what the restaurant offers.
“It allows us to showcase what we do to people we wouldn’t normally see,” he says. “And to meet others, because being in the kitchen all day can be quite isolated.”
These opportunities help raise the profile of independent businesses while strengthening Portsmouth’s reputation as a destination for food and culture.
For those looking to start their own business, Jordan’s advice is simple, passion and belief are essential.
“You have to love what you do,” he says. “Believe in yourself and the product you’re creating.”
He also highlights the importance of building a reputation organically, particularly in a city like Portsmouth, where word of mouth is powerful.
“If someone goes home and tells another person about their experience, you’ve created a following. And that’s how you grow.”
Looking ahead, the focus is on consistency and continuing to deliver a high-quality experience.
“We have a motto: we do what we do, and we do it well.”
By staying true to that approach, and continuing to champion Portsmouth along the way, Smoke and Mirrors is firmly establishing itself as a standout independent business in the city.