Taranto Night Dinner
Saturday 8th November 2025
The Heritage Suite
Marriott Hotel, Port Solent
19:00 for 19:30
(Bar closes at 23.30)
Dress code: Black Tie (preferred), lounge suits or flying suits
Tickets £50/head: To include a welcome drink, 3-course dinner, coffee and mints
On the night of the 11th/12th November 1940, just weeks after the Royal Air Force’s ‘Finest Hour’ in The Battle of Britain, the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm had their own moment of glory, attacking the Italian Navy in its home port of Taranto.
Unlike the RAF pilots in their cutting-edge Spitfires, pilots of the Fleet Air Arm flew into battle in Fairey Swordfish biplanes, known, with good reason, as ‘Stringbags’. The attack that night would change the balance of power in the Mediterranean and serve as a blueprint for the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor the following year.
The Royal Navy commemorates the Battle of Taranto every year, and for members of the Fleet Air Arm, this event is often seen as more important than the more widely celebrated ‘Trafalgar Night Dinner’.
So come and join us for an evening of good food, good company and PSYC’s ‘own take’ on the traditional Taranto Night Dinner.
Certainly, an evening not to be missed!
Menu
Prepare for Take-off
Chicken Liver Parfait, Shallot Marmalade, Walnut, Brioche
or
Melon and Parma Ham with Wild Rocket
or
Seasonal Vegetable Soup (Vegan and G/F)
Torpedoes Away!
Chicken with Red Wine Gravy and Seasonal Vegetables
or
Pan fried fillet of Salmon, Leeks, Peas & Pancetta
or
Roast Tomato Penne Pasta (Vegan and G/F)
Back on Board for Tea and Stickies
Sticky Toffee Pudding, Toffee Sauce, Jude’s Salted Caramel Ice Cream
or
Milk Chocolate Cheesecake, Vanilla Sauce
or
Fresh Fruit Salad and Sorbet (Vegan and G/F)
Registration and payment
In order to secure your booking, menu choices and full payment will be required upon registration.
Please choose one option from each course and advise of any allergies or special dietary requirements.
Registration closes NO LATER THAN FRIDAY OCTOBER 17th.
Cancellations after this date can only be refunded if the tickets can be resold
Wine pre orders
A second notice with details of wines available for pre-order will be sent nearer the date.
Guests
Guest Tickets at £5 per person surcharge.
Parking
Parking at the Marriott for the event is complimentary, but vehicle registrations must be entered at one of the terminals in Reception upon arrival.
Hotel Accommodation
There will also be a discounted room rate for any members who wish to stay overnight at the Marriott. Please email social.psyc01@gmail.com for further details.