Anywhere near Portsmouth to eat/pass time before 10.45pm ferry?

[neverlookback]

Hi we are sailing to Caen next thurs on the night ferry with 3 dc's age 7,4,2 we first have to drive down from Lancashire so 4/5 hours or poss more then need to eat and pass time and keep kids awake till we can get on ferry roughly 9.30pm?
I'm actually dreading it! They may all be asleep (well youngest 2)when we get on so will have to somehow carry them on or they may of slept so much on way they may never go to sleep!!!

This was asked a few weeks ago!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_advice_tips/1811585-Places-to-eat-near-Portsmouth-Ferry-Terminal

If you want to do something the Gunwharf has cinema/bargain shopping and small rides for the littlest ones. Sometimes they have other things like small fairs/Italian markets that sort of thing. You can also go up the Spinnaker Tower which has amazing views. Shops open till 8pm and plenty of bars and restaurants/. Take the road left opposite the entrance and you can park for free for and hour or two on all the roads and theres an open air car park (way cheaper then Gunwharfs underground car park).
www.gunwharf-quays.com/. It is really easy to get back to your ferry just follow the road left (past the HMS Warrior and Victory) and stay left. Takes 5 mins.

Brill thanks