36 on the Quay

The story

36 on the Quay – Michelin-Recommended Modern British Dining in Emsworth

Refined Dining by the Harbour

Set on the tranquil Emsworth Harbour, 36 On The Quay is a relaxed fine dining restaurant with rooms in the heart of Hampshire’s charming fishing village. The kitchen specialises in modern British cuisine, using seasonal ingredients and precise technique to create menus that are elegant, balanced, and quietly expressive. Every dish is crafted to highlight flavour while complementing the seaside dining experience.

Crisp white linen, polished silverware, and contemporary design combine to make each meal feel both relaxed and elevated. The ever-changing harbour provides a calm, romantic backdrop for lunch, dinner, and special occasions, while attentive, professional service ensures guests feel effortlessly at ease. This approach has earned the restaurant a Michelin recommendation, confirming its place among the finest dining destinations on the South Coast.

A Story of Passion and Experience

36 On the Quay is an independent, family restaurant run by Gary and Martyna Pearce and their team. Gary first joined 36 in 1998 as a 17-year-old fresh from college. He worked with chef Ramon Farthing for many years, learning the skills and building his knowledge. To broaden his horizons, Gary started work at 2 Michelin star Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham, where he met his future wife Martyna.

After leaving Cheltenham, Gary worked in mainland Europe, with stints at Noma, Aqua in Germany, Old Sluis in Netherlands, and Oaxen Krog in Sweden. From there, Gary and Martyna moved to Belgium to work at In De Wulf, a 1 Michelin star restaurant then ranked 92nd best in the world. Upon returning in 2013, Gary re-joined 36 On The Quay as head chef and Martyna as front of house manager. They worked closely with Ramon and Karen Farthing, who gave them the opportunity to buy the restaurant in May 2019.

Today, together with their dream team, they strive to implement their knowledge and experience to deliver relaxed yet elevated dining and a bespoke stay experience. Gary combines all his experiences to create his own unique style, which he constantly develops on the menu. Martyna brings a modern approach to customer service, blending her experience from multiple Michelin-starred restaurants.

Seasonal Menus and Wine Dinners

The restaurant offers a range of dining options, from a Set Lunch menu to an 8 Moments Tasting Menu, alongside an A La Carte selection featuring prime ingredients. The kitchen’s modern British cuisine is built on seasonal ingredients and precise technique, creating dishes that are elegant and quietly expressive.

Regular wine dinners are a highlight, such as an evening with Viña Cobos, one of Argentina’s most acclaimed Malbec producers. Hosted by winemaker Diana Fornasero, these events pair a bespoke four-course menu devised by Chef Gary Pearce with exceptional wines. Other wine dinners explore regions such as Southern Italy, with selections from Heritage Cellars.

For a more casual experience, the Street Food @ 36 concept, born during the pandemic, serves flatbreads, wagyu burgers, and homemade soft serve ice cream from a food truck behind the restaurant. The terrace offers stunning views of the harbour, while a secret courtyard garden provides a suntrap for al fresco dining. Upstairs, four beautifully appointed bedrooms blend contemporary comfort with the character of this Grade II listed coastal accommodation, making 36 On The Quay a complete destination for fine dining and coastal escapes.