Top TV chef Jamie Oliver's former food quality chief opens Southsea eatery

The Southsea Deli, in Victoria Road South, Southsea, opened its doors at midday yesterday – welcoming the public into the building.

It acts as a shop ‘for the community, stocked by the community’ and features art from local artists and a range of produce from the area.

Daniel, 35, spent the last nine years working with Oliver at his head office as the head of food quality and ethics.

He said: ‘I’ve been living in Southsea for the last few years and I absolutely love it.

‘I’ve always wanted to set-up my own business and I got the opportunity to set up a business based around food, which is what I live for, and I get to do it on my doorstep.

‘To live and work in the same community is awesome.’

The deli serves a range of free range and organic produce including cured meats, antipasti, pies, milk, quiches and cheeses.

Daniel’s business partner, his mum Gillian, spent years working as a charity chief executive before being ‘dragged out of retirement’, although he says she has always had a passion for food.

Daniel spent the last six weeks building the shop’s interior by hand.

He said: ‘It’s been really exciting but hard work because I wanted it to be perfect.

‘I’m really pleased with how the shop has come out and the support from the local people has been amazing.’

‘In the last couple of weeks we’ve been going crazy sourcing and getting the best of Portsmouth and Hampshire foods in, so we’re prioritising local producers.’

One happy customer, Amelia Glover, of Magdala Road, Cosham, said: ‘It’s really nice to see a deli open up in the Albert Road area.

‘When we came in we received a warm welcome and the lunchtime sandwiches were absolutely delicious with bread from the local bakery, Bread Addiction.

‘It was lovely to get such a warm greeting from the staff here and our lattes were superb.’