New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball 2026 at the Royal Maritime Hotel

See in the New Year in style at the Royal Maritime Hotel.

A glamorous, grown-up evening of black tie, masks and candlelight — five courses, sparkling wines and warm Portsmouth hospitality, finishing with a sparkling toast raised together as the clock strikes twelve.

The Evening

Don your mask and arrive at seven to welcome canapés. Settle in to a beautifully prepared five-course tasting menu by Chef Peter Ashby, finished with petits fours and freshly brewed coffee. Then — as the clock approaches midnight — a glass of sparkling wine to raise together to whatever 2027 has in store.

Tables of two through to ten, bedrooms available if you'd rather not drive home, and not a paper hat in sight — just elegant masks and a room full of intrigue. 

The Masquerade Ball Menu

Prepared by Chef Peter Ashby

On Arrival

Welcome Canapés

A selection of canapés and savoury nibbles to begin your evening.

Starters

Please choose one

Venison & Beef Shin Terrine Can be GF

With marinated capers and red onion relish, served on a warm brioche croute with pickled chicory.

Smoked Salmon, Crayfish & Crab Salad GF

Garnished with cucumber ribbons and radish, served on a bed of baby gem with Bloody Mary Marie Rose sauce.

Eve's Salad V · VE · GF

Crunchy radicchio, chicory, sweet red pepper and pomegranate seeds, drizzled with a zingy clementine dressing.

Intermediate Course

Please choose one

Mini Haggis Bonbons – Can be GF

Served with a whisky cream sauce.

Vegan Mini Bonbons V · VE · – Can be GF

Served with a coconut cream sauce.

Main Courses

Please choose one

Pan-Fried Fillet of Beef GF

Fondant potato, wilted spinach, wild forest mushrooms, roasted heritage carrots and a rich port jus.

Steamed Sea Bream Fillet GF

Poached julienne of vegetables, warm garlic and tarragon vinaigrette, topped with straw potatoes.

Beetroot & Caraway Wellington V · VE · GF

Creamed mash, watercress purée, heritage carrots and a feta-style cheese sauce.

Desserts

Please choose one

Smooth Chocolate Truffle Teardrop

Served with marinated wild berries and a sugar curl.

Glazed White Chocolate & Lemon Cheesecake

Finished with raspberry sorbet.

Yoghurt & Chia Seed Fruit Punch Pot V · VE · GF

Blackberry and mint coulis.

Extra Course £8.50 supplement

Artisan Local Cheese Plate

With water biscuits, onion relish and celery.

To finish

Tea or Filtered Coffee

Served with petits fours

About the Royal Maritime Hotel

Steeped in maritime heritage and just a few minutes' walk from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the Royal Maritime Hotel has been welcoming guests to celebrate life's biggest moments since 1851. Every booking supports our charitable work for serving and veteran Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Merchant Navy personnel and their families — making this a New Year's Eve with purpose, as well as a beautiful one.

Date: Thursday, 31st December 2026

Arrival: 7.00 pm ·  Carriages: 1.00 am

Price: £110 per person, five courses included

Optional cheese course: £8.50 supplement per person

Over 18s only

Dress code: Black tie or cocktail attire

Bedrooms available — book separately, first-come, first-served