The Hut, Colwell
Uncategorised 30th June 2015 4
It’s a ‘hotly’ contested accolade; the Isle of Wight declares itself the Sunniest Place in Britain, despite some vigorous but unsuccessful chest-beating from Eastbourne. An old sun recording machine from Shanklin is in Matt’s possession and, although the natural light in his humble dwelling never troubles its sensitive needle,... Read more
Fighting Cocks, Arreton
Uncategorised 23rd June 2015 0
Island roads are different, so the apologetic sign once declared to visitors disembarking from the ferry. They sure are. Some Isle of Wight roads are in a deplorable state; Cat’s car recently sustained enough damage to require the replacement of two wheels and a hubcap as she inadvertently drove... Read more
Coast Bar, Cowes
Uncategorised 9th June 2015 1
The Coast Bar, in the trendy heart of Cowes, is unquestionably one of the most popular places in the town. Both the previous times M&C dined at Coast it left something to be desired, and the venue felt the rough edge of Matt and Cat’s virtual pen. However, M&C... Read more
Archive: Mess Canteen, Cowes
Uncategorised 9th June 2015 5
This is an archive review. The Mess Canteen is closed. It’s not as though they don’t warn you. Were you imagining a stuffy private club, where silent staff obsequiously bring gin and tonic on a silver tray to an harrumphing old commodore? There may be such places in Cowes,... Read more
Yarmouth Spice
Uncategorised 18th May 2015 1
Much is made of local provenance, particularly in the food industry. The Isle of Wight’s farmers, producers and artisan bakers enjoy a justly-deserved cachet. Steaks can be identified by their originating herd. Many restaurants serve up “a trio of Island cheeses” as a dessert. Crabs practically scuttle up the... Read more
Fresh Coffee House, Sandown
Uncategorised 21st April 2015 0
Matt and Cat have been part of the Isle of Wight community for many years even if they can’t boast actual Caulkhead status. As taxpayers, voters and residents however, they like to think that they are nonetheless entitled to comment on local matters – not just the food. And... Read more
Kevar’s, Ryde
Uncategorised 6th April 2015 2
Just as Newport has become synonymous with coffee shops, Ryde is a place where one is spoilt for choice for a light lunch. There are plenty of sarnie and baguette shops or, if you prefer your nammet enclosed in other ways, you won’t have to look far to find... Read more
Seaview Hotel
Uncategorised 21st March 2015 1
There’s something fishy going on at the Seaview Hotel – something fishy and good. It’s always been a decent place for something to eat, but if you haven’t been there in the last year or so, Matt and Cat politely suggest that you rectify that. Chef Bruce Theobold first... Read more
Coffee Room at Skintrade, Newport
Uncategorised 12th March 2015 2
Guinness World Records is an astonishing institution. Under what other circumstances would the oldest ever person, the world’s longest human nose and Norma Stitz’s …ahem… assets appear in the same publication? And how about that perennial favourite world record: how many women can be squeezed into a Mini? What... Read more
The Royal Hotel, Ventnor: Afternoon tea
Uncategorised 22nd February 2015 0
A Frequently Asked Question of Matt and Cat is ‘are you guys really fat?’. Another question in the top ten would be ‘where’s the best place to eat?’. That question is much harder to answer than the first (which, by the way, is dodged by the statement ‘Cat is... Read more
