Suggest a venue
Matt and Cat are always grateful for your suggestions for places to try next. If there's a food venue you want them to visit, just leave a comment here with your suggestion. They check this post regularly and every suggestion is taken on board... although with so many great places to eat on the Island they might take a while to get round to visit each one.
If you've got a comment about a particular restaurant they've already visited then please comment on the review page, not here.
Please check they haven't already been to your suggested venue by using the search feature on the sidebar, as otherwise your wisdom might get deleted unread!
They won't normally respond directly here in this page, but watch out to see whether your suggestion is taken up. To keep the page to a manageable size comments here are deleted once they get old and/or when the review suggested is written.
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326 comments
We had pan fried fillet of local sea bass with Isle of Wight crab mash, followed by a large portion of home made raspberry pavlova with clotted cream. ( heaven )
I hope that my wife and I become regulars at Ganders and hope they maintain their high standards and excellent food unlike the Crab and Lobster ( Bembridge ).
The Hambrough Ventnor and The Pond by the same time rarely left me disappointed, same goes for the upmarket pup The Red Lion in Freshwater, some of my friends commend Mozarts in Cowes and I certainly had pleasant food in Both Lugleys Retaurants... Burrs in Newport and D@Bs in Cowes certainly would deserve Reviewing...
Looking for breakfast I think the Waterside in Gurnards stands out, for food and drink later the day The Woodvale....
Very happy that same ISlanders take up this task
Btw- it would probably be worth to add good quality suppliers of Local Produce to the Recommendations for these days you want to cook yourself
Thank You
BTW-It's a chinese take-away!
It would idealy have an accessible toilet too.
I would love to find somewhere on the Island that serves cooked meals of fresh organic veg and meat dishes eg; roasts etc. there doesnt seem to be one place that serves organic food on the Island.
Its bad enough getting up and down kerbs but getting in and out of eating places is awful.
Take a look at this website to see how hard it is just to find an accessible venue to eat etc.
www.wight2access.co.uk
After trying several places that were not suitable in Newport I found Hong Kong Express to have level access and totally non smoking too.
Other wheelchair users were using this venue and the food was lovely but far to large portions for me, the staff were so friendly clean and helpful and the lovely fresh food was quickly served with a smile.
West Wight Sports Centre Cafe Moa is good too and very accessible.
The End of the Line in Freshwater is another good venue but not very accessible hard to get in with a small power chair without an assistant.
The Bear Cafe at Lake is good too not always a great choice but freshly cooked food.
The Toilet is good but the door access is a bit difficult without assistance.
MATT & CAT RESPOND: Thanks for your thoughts, Carmelle. We are very aware that accessibility is an issue in pubs and restaurants, and welcome your comments and suggestions. We hope that Wight2access becomes a big success!
Have noticed a restaurant in Blackgang (on the roundabout by Blackgang Chine) called Merlins Bistro. Can't find a website for them, only contact details. We'd love to know what it's like and whether it's any good.
Think it might be an Indian Restaurant.
Thanks!
Matt and Cat respond: we went to have a look. No sign of life at all. It's derelict and appears to be about to fall into the sea. Not recommended.
Matt and Cat respond: thanks, Bob, you've really sold it to us. We'll be along there... really... soon...
Brilliant website - are you guys really fat??!!
I was told to try The Essex at Godshill by some visiting London friends who thought it was excellent. You should go there - we tried it out and had an experience!
Pretentious, over ambitious, staff who try too hard, bland decor etc etc. Im sure it was a lovely place before the current owners stripped the charachter out of it and tried to run a 'foodie restaurant' which frankly doesnt work. 2/10
Lugleys in Newport is still once of the best on the Isle of Wight, but don't get it confused with the one in Cowes.
As a suggestion to visit, I recommend the Fat Cat at Freshwater Bay, their latest menu is fantastic and at great value.
Reasonable prices. Excellent on a nice day!
Also Pendletons in Shanklin. Could give Morgans a run for it's money. Very good imaginative food, good wine, friendly staff. Very family run. Definately worth a shot. The Crab and Lobster in Bembridge. Good wholesome seafood. Crab cakes - more like Maryland cakes, good lobster. Shame about the vegetables.
IOW food has improved so much since my last visit and I will definately be back next year. There is so much to try. I will be very interested in the Hambrough reviews, as we were told by too many people not to go, but I really was to!
Matt & Cat respond: remind us again in April, eh?
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your feedback Andrew. We had some lovely food at the White Horse, Whitwell. Read our review here.
I can really recommend it; choice of three
meats around 6 different fresh vegetables
(not soggy) stuffing etc. Probably the best carvery on the Island. Very friendly staff
& nice setting on the patio outside watching the world go buy with a bottle of wine after
lunch
Fine site - keep up the good work.
Have you ever tried out Ganders in St Helens? First impressions aren't that promising - the decor is a bit ye olde tea shoppe and somehow the descriptions of the food on the menus aren't that inspiring. However: the food is great. I had a risotto the last time I went, which is not something I would normally go for, but it was superb. Mark, the chef/owner over at the St Helens Restaurant on the other side of the green, rightly gets a lot of plaudits for his food, but I think it would be nice to 'big up' Ganders as they seem to get overlooked. And if they get a bit busier, perhaps they'll be able to afford to replace those nasty pub chairs...
Apart from the gorgous homemade food, the atmosphere was very friendly and relaxed.
We sat outside and could of spent all afteernoon looking over the harbour and at the beatuiful surrounding counrtyside.
But back to Newport: have you tried that little coffee shop in Gray's Walk (opposite the back of BHS) with the Italian sounding name? Looks like it might be alright for a light lunch, though so far I've only popped in for a drink - the service was friendly.
Matt & Cat respond: thanks Wendy, we'll give that a go. Actually, we've only run out of places that appear in the yellow pages - and we think there's one more there yet. There are quite a few others that are not in the book - and new ones opening now and again! So we don't think we'll ever catch up...
Great site well done, we recently went to the Hermitage restuarant at Bourne Hall Country House Hotel Shanklin,now under new ownership and it was wonderful. The 4 course table d' Hote menu was the best we have had in over 30 years on the Island.
enhanced by the tranquil setting of the Hotel & the more than courteous staff.
I am sure you are going to get lots of reviews about the Hermitage,you should give them a try they deserve it.
lin
As a regular visitor to the Island I find you reviews most useful. Have thought of expanding to food shops, I was over this weekend I had the misfortune to visit Ratseys deli in gurnard - very poor selection, overpriced and too much washing liquid and far too many christmas puddings than a shop should have in June!
I think one of reviews would have kept me safely away!
Keep up the good work :)
Recently visited the cafe at Newport Nursery, Aquatics & Pets in Watergate Road and thought you might be interested in the experience. My own comments are in the form of a poem.
Matt and Cat respond: thanks for that, what an entertaining medium for a review. Perhaps we'll try it... the poetry, that is, possibly not the cafe!
& Salad (no raw onion!) decorated with shell-on prawns, tea/coffee, and stawberry and
raspberry Pavlova to follow, all for under a tenner. It was high-tide, but we were not charged extra for the wave which showered our table with sea - great fun!.
Firstly, what a great site! We always refer to it when wanting to try out somewhere new and have added a link to our website.
We've just come back from the Island Harbour Bistro and have to say we were quite disappointed. The menu was quite limited, with nothing for vegetarians, and having vegetables included amongst the side orders at extra cost seems a cheek.
My "vegetables" actually turned out to be a dishful of brocolli so no variety there. Desserts were actually quite nice, although my partner felt his chocolate fudge cake was bought in and not homemade.
We both felt that for the prices they charge and the fact they call themselves a Bistro, they really need to try harder. A shame really, because the setting is lovely.
Matt and Cat respond:Thanks for your comment Dave. We assume that you are referring to the Island Harbour Bistro. Looks like we'll have to see if it's as bad as you say it is...
http://www.luccombemanor.co.uk/index.php/95
very nice location as well.
The bill came in at a tad under £190, and that included the 2 bottles of wine, me and my sister-in-law had so I think it is very reasonable.
In the same week we ate out most nights , Blacksmiths Arms (forgot how large the portions were......phew), White Lion, Arreton, I think it may have changed hands since last summer but just as nice.
Only places not too great were Wishing Well. Seaview and Sloop Inn, Wootton Bridge, but I understand bothwere in the process of undergoing a refurb which may explain that, won't put me off trying them next year.
So keep up the good work Matt & Cat, I regularly check to see what's new for us on our next visit, might see you next year.
The lunch /snack menu provides good quality and quantity home cooking.
Whilst the pastries look delicious, the lunch specials have always been excellent. The Lasagne accompanied by delightful garlic bread and fresh salad is always good as are the jacket potatoes and soups.
sample menu, have a look.
Food and service was excellent. Great value for money.
This is a great cafe. The menu is good, and food is freshly cooked and plentiful, with wicked cakes to tempt you from your diet. Breakfasts are filling and the veggie breakfast is one of the best I've tasted.
Also, it is licensed.
It can get very crowded at the weekend and it is wise to book a table.
Give it a try...........
Great Service, Value For Money.
This establishment was recommended by some ex-pats in Portugal.
I tried the lighter sounding options: a delicious thick vegetable soup; salmon with, yep, a creamy dill sauce plus very nice vegetables served to the table from a big platter; and the fruitiest-looking of the vast desserts on the trolley - the Italian trifle (so not that light, really!). Another lady in our party wondered how topping off the festive period with a vast plate of tagliatelle with creamy salmon was going to impact on her Rosemary Conley weigh-in on Monday.
The restaurant was busy and bustling, with a good atmosphere.
Oh, and the birthday girl got a full-volume restaurant-stopping Italian rendition of happy birthday played as her candle-lit pudding was brought out. Not for the bashful!
really enjoyed it and hope to visit again.
If I've missed it my apologies.
Matt and Cat respond: we're sorry to hear The George is pwned. And we have indeed been to the Eight Bells.
I must start adding more water to it.
Have you visited the Watersedge Cafe on the front at Gurnard? We always have great food in there after a walk along the seafront. Does get busy in summer and on the weekends but lovely staff and reasonably priced.
I'm a fellow Isle of Wight-based food-fan who's just found your website & I've spent the past couple of days reading your many informative reviews with great interest.
Anyway, I'd really like to 'bump up' Cranny.Faddock's suggestion (above) of a visit to Salvatore's as I'd be keen to know what you think.
I think The Swan's Nest is one of the few remaining Island pubs/restaurants with a genuine friendly local atmosphere (In my experience some of the Island's out-of-town or rural pubs can have a 'The Slaughtered Lamb'/'American Werewolf In London' quality to them). But I eat there regularly & always enjoy it. If Salvatore himself is cooking then you're definitely on to a winner - I tasted my first lobster there a fortnight ago which was marvellous. I like the fact that he regularly patronises other establishments too - I've recently seen him in Wetherspoon's & only last night he was spotted dining in Union Street's Yan Woo. Never seen him in Michelangelo's though (another of my favourite haunts), but that's another story.
(P.S. Although I would probably offer a friendly nod to him in the street, I don't know Salvatore or anything, I just like going there...)
The best value for money is,in my opinion,Merlins in Ventnor, the worst a cafe in Shanklins Regent Street (no anme to save embarrasement) It was truly awful. So perhaps a visit to Merlins to see what you think?
Mike
One of my personal favs is Valentinos in Carisbrooke. It is old fashioned, there is lots of cream and carbs (as mentioned above) and it looks unchanged for a long-time. HOWEVER, it is very freindly, the food is big and nourishing and the sweet trolley is direct from heaven. Judging by the fact it is almost always busy, lots of people seem to like it just the way it is!
But given those constraints, and choosing the sole veggie option - the vegeburger - it actually was not bad. The bun was fresh, the burger moist (given that vegeburgers are often hard as hockey-pucks that in itself was a bonus), and with onions, ketchup and a slice of processed cheese, it was pretty tasty. The side order of chips was fine, too: chunky and nicely cooked. My son had the same, and also approved.
So okay as it goes. But I'd still really appreciate more variety.
M &C respond: there's also the New Vegetarian which is a pure veggie place - is that still open?
Off-island tip for Bushy's foodie son or his friends: best vegetarian food I've ever eaten was in Umbria, Italy, at the vegetarian hotel Country House Montali. Just amazing. http://www.montalionline.com/
Re the New Vegetarian, had forgotten about that one. Must see if it's still open. Confess haven't tried it myself as it seemed to be essentially a sandwich shop.
Having heard the ads on IW Radio we popped along at 6pm on Tuesday, expecting evening meals to be available, but the main chef was having a night off and the (very polite and friendly) staff were offering the daytime menu instead. There was enough variety there to suit us. I had polenta and roast vegetable tart with salad, though I couldn't discern anything actually tart-like about it. Not bad, but a slightly plainer option than I'd expected (polenta needs plenty of flavour with it). The pear and chocolate cheesecake was pretty good, and it was a generous portion.
I'll go back, as the evening menu looked very promising (another venue that flags up use of local produce). But I was surprised that, given the advertising push, the place wasn't fully geared up for the evening custom. A party of six arrived as we were leaving, but on hearing that only the daytime menu was available, they left again.
The next day as I was passing, it looked busy in the evening, so I presume the head chef was there. Seven is open all day, and seems generally busy; I'd just phone first if you want a more substantial evening meal to make sure the full menu is available.
We like your site (and all our restaurant recommendations carry a link to your reviews of them!) and would love the challenge of entertaining you both to a meal one evening and seeing what you think!
You never know...you might say someting nice about us!
Food is great. Prices reasonable, portions large!.
Top that off with outstanding views from your seat on the pier whilst dining.
One of the pleasures of island living.
Matt replies: We were considering a visit to the Driftwood Beach Bar and Grill on our next Sandown voyage. But we were so incensed by the sudden rash of tacky stickers advertising the place that defaced lampposts, street furniture and even cars all along the esplanade in our home town that we didn't really feel it appropriate to go. We wouldn't have been able to give a fair review. When we've cooled down a bit and chilled out doubtless we'll be along.
Stayed at The Wight Mouse Inn last August & got chatting to one of the managers who was leaving to take over The Four Seasons (www.the-fourseasons-inn.co.uk)
Will be back to visit the Island soon & will definitely give this place a bash especially as the new owner really looked after us when she was at the Wight Mouse.
Thanks.
Please recommend the cheap American type places as well as the posher Italian ones! Sinfully my fave topping is the hot and spicy Mexican.
I do have 2 suggestions.
Monsoon in Ryde & Under The Umbrella Tree
Monsoon is a fantastic Indian at the Top of Ryde High Streert. nicely decorated and the food is superb (although I've only ever had the takeaway). I much prefer it to Hong Kong Express (which used to be my favourite).
Under The Umbrella Tree is a wonderful sandwich bar in East Cowes with cheap, good quality lunchtime treats! Good location and an excellent menu, it was a life saver when I found myself working in East Cowes for a week!
One thing they do need to sort out is portion control. While our main courses (three lamb shops and a whole sea bream, respectively, were ample and good value, the cheese platter consisted of a bite-sized morsel of each of the three local cheeses and a couple of tiny slices of lightly toasted (or stale!) bread - all at a staggering £7.50!
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comments, Bushy. The Priory Bay is certainly on our extensive list of places to visit. By the way, Matt has a capacious appetite but even he couldn't eat three lamb shops! ;)
The food was really good, simple home made pub fare cooked by a chef who clearly knows what hes doing.
The wifes steak (about £10.00) was well cooked & tender. The chips that accompanied her meal were hand cut from a fresh spud – not the normal frozen rubbish that most pubs seem to serve up.
My two boys (13 & 9 years) ordered pizzas & burgers served with chips & beans (£4.95 each - under 10s eat free if an adult orders a main meal!!). Cleans plates suggest they enjoyed their meal!
In short, a real pub with friendly staff, excellent food & keen prices make this place my favourite Island family eatery!
Time for Matt & Cat to give this place a go!
The only fast food outlet open seemed to be the GOLDEN SANDS CAFE located close to the infamous Spyglass Inn (which is now looking very tatty).
The Whippy ice creams were also good - very creamy & tasty – best on the Island!
Nice to be able to eat in clean comfortable surrounding in the evening, with a good sea view for just a few pounds.
Well worth a visit if your passing
Thanks
We can only speak for the restaurant as after travelling from Freshwater we feel we deserve it. We would imagine the takeaway is as perfect as the restaurant.
If I do go B4 you, I'll let u know what I think. BTW... for anyone interested, Watersedge, Gurnard best (so far!) for cream tea. 2 large scones, butter, Bonne Maman jam, lashings of clotted cream AND fresh strawberry! (And pot of tea, of course). Asked for one cream tea and an extra cup of tea & the waitress brought us 2 plates without being asked. Brilliant! WORST RIP-OFF CRM TEA (in my opinion and also that of anyone I mention it to who has tried it too) has to be at Gatcombe Tea Rooms. One scone microwaved to within an inch of its life sitting on a butter pat that consequently had to be POURED on, + little plastic thing of jam & of cream, tea bag in a cup with a chipped jug of hot water for you to make it yourself, for the same price (all but 20p) of the fab Watersedge. No Contest - AVOID!! Lots of Love X: )
Matt and Cat respond: Hi Mandy, thanks for your comment. Cat's very partial to cream tea although she has yet to try the offerings at Watersedge and Gatcombe Tea Rooms. The Island's own Warren Farm was recently voted number two in the Guardian's top ten cream teas. What an accolade! Have you been? As for Isle of Wight Pearl, we're sure we'll make a visit one day...
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comment, Bushy. The Northbank Hotel looks like a great place. It's interesting to note that what used to be referred to as old-fashioned and dated is now anachronistic and charming. There's hope for Cat's 1970s feather-cut hairstyle yet!
we ate there whilst on holiday from the wilds of Lancashire and the food was superb you must review it soon .........
As well as serving real ales, I'll be cooking with fresh, locally reared and grown produce. Some sample menus are on our website and we hope you'll be able to get along and review us as we value your opinion greatly.
Is there any restaurants you'd recommend in Yarmouth?
Matt and Cat respond: Hi Dilweed. Thanks for your question. There are quite a few places in Yarmouth that have been recommended to us including 'On the Rocks' and 'The George'. However, we haven't tried either of them yet! Perhaps you could visit them and let us know what you think? If you'd prefer to eat somewhere that we've reviewed we recommend the Blue Crab. Bon appetit!
Still worth a visit though.
By contrast, I ate at the Crispin yesterday and thought it was really really good. It changed hands about six months ago and I really feel they've made an effort, opened the place up a bit and improved the food etc (no, I've no vested interest I promise!)
Matt and Cat respond: Hi Andy, thanks for your comment. We went to the cafe in Scarrots Lane when it was Munroe's. You're not making it sound like a good place to eat now but it may be an excellent place to write about! We'll put the Crispin on the list too. BTW, our collective eye is by no means professional; our interest is purely amateur.
I'm not familiar enough with the other Indian restaurants in Ryde to know what will distinguish it from the rest, so it would be good to see what you think. Some customers came in expecting it to have been resurrected as a quality Chinese restaurant (which it was pre-fire). And whereas there are plenty of Indian restaurants in Ryde it seems to us it does now lack a really good Chinese.
Matt and Cat respond: Hi Wendy, thanks for your comment. You're right, the Bombay Palace is in our manor and we were there on the day it opened but alas didn't eat. We have been back since but have been a bit tardy about writing about our experience. You've spurred us into action. Expect our review real soon...
The new owners have realy changed the atmosphere of the place, the dartboard and pool table have gone. Its had a complete repaint in and out.
Now to the important part the food, one word FANTASTIC.
Specials board has only a few choices, and when you fancy sea bass without all the bones, they will even fillet it for you. The steak and kidney pie is also very good. and the deserts they are also very good.
All in, very well worth a visit, they dont do food sunday evening and monday lunch from what i recall.
Very impressed by the waitress. So fiendly and helpful. Could not do enough for us. Will visit again and will recommend it. Try it soon
I know I sound like I work there, but I don't,I just loved their christmas meals; the school I work at go every year. I would like your take on the place.
Eric
I'm sure I'm not the only non meat eater who loves their veg and roast spuds/parsnips (provided they are done in oil!), but so often the choice is the carvery without the meat or a yorkshire pud with a few bits of veg inside. A nut roast or stuffing type concoction would work, wouldn't be too difficult to make, and could always be used as an accompaniment to the meat dishes if it was felt there werent enough veggies about!
And while I'm at it, there's nothing wrong with carrot, cauli and brocolli, but there are soooo many other decent vegetables out there so how about a bit more variety?
- Fish and Chips the north country way -
always a smile and witty banter - Try it.
Apparently the quirky building is a half-way house, as they're hoping to eventually add a larger café on to the shop. Slightly odd set-up at present, with food having to be brought over the courtyard from the kitchen, but there are nice touches like newspapers to read, and a little play table to keep young children occupied. The staff are very welcoming, and clearly care about what they're doing. I hope it's a success. Suggest you try it, M&C.
Matt & Cat respond: No, not been to the Reef before. We'll put it on the (very long) list. We are aware of the proposals for the Appley cafe, and are looking forward with great interest to seeing what happens there, as we very much enjoyed the chef's last venture.
My husband said he had the best garlic mushrooms he had ever tasted followed by a perfectly cooked blue ribeye steak with a stilton sauce.
Me I started with chicken fajita nachos (a meal on its own) followed by the homemade lasagne and garlic bread.
Dont be put off by the lack of paint on the windows as we were told they should be done by Easter. The inside is clean and welcoming with pleasent staff. Yes they do have sports and music but you can go into a seperate area to eat. Will be going back but next time will take the kids.
Marks out of 10...12
however let's wait for M and C's review and wish them good luck with the new venue... may they be luckier than the last proprietor)
The staff were very friendly and helpful, and we will certainly be visiting again. We will make sure that we are hungry next time, as the menu looks very inviting, and there are lots of things that I would like to try. The prices are also very reasonable. One thing to bear in mind is that because they are new, they are unable to accept credit or debit cards a the moment, but there are cash-point machines close by.
This place is certainly worth a visit, so I look forward to seeing what others think.
Also old Sinclair Youngs shop is now an MS charity shop - with what with what appears to be a little cafe included. Now we just need to fill the old Woolies!
I use this website for the Royal China in Sandown. It is very simple, has the menus online and keeps you informed of the progress all along the way.
Matt and Cat respond: Hi KJ, thanks for your comment. We've had a look at 'Eat It Now' and it looks promising although more takeaways need to register. Our nearest takeaway is shown as in Gosport. Wonder if they'll deliver across the Solent? Lol!
Lunch was taken in the Wateredges Restaurant..highly recommended, one of the best we have experienced on the Island...in nearly half a century of visiting the Island.
Good, fresh food, well cooked and friendly service.
We visited for lunch last Friday and had what is probably the worse meal I have even eaten in a restaurant. Add to this the poor and old fashioned decor and the appalling ( and I would suggest hazardous to health) conditions of the toilets and it all made for a thoroughly unpleasant experience.
This place has to be seen to be believed. It's run by three scousers, who told us they'd been there five days and had to throw a lot of food out due to it going rotten. It was about 20 minutes before we could place an order. When our food arrived, the chef proudly told us we were being served prime steak and "ohm mayde cheeps." The steak was dry and almost incinerated, the 'cheeps' were overcooked, disgustingly brown and soggy. The meal quickly went cool, due to being presented on unwarmed plates. Worst of all, were the toilets. The ladies, featured a receptacle for Tampons, (which had been used), and was missing the lid. The gents, was like something from Grimefighters, and had a busted hand dryer. We paid our bill in cash, as we belatedly discovered the business does not accept cards. Happily, we elected to leave without sampling the puddings.
i went in at 6.00 on monday there were 2 people serving behind the counter one was putting a new till roll in and the other kept busy enough doing nothing so she didnt have to make eye contact with me. I stood there for 5 minutes waiting to be served and was completly ignored the whole time not even a "we will be with you in a minute" or anything eventually i turned round and walked out ive not been to this fish and chip shop before but i wont return. went to stotesburys was very good.
You simply have to endure the unpleasantness of this cafe to believe that it even exists. I ate here in good faith and was mortified by the lack of anything resembling either good food or good service. For 'gourmet' read 'gromit'. For 'burger' read 'buggered'. For 'cuisine' read 'car-crash'. The food is terrible, there is no gentler phrase for it. But it still beats the service. There are many places to eat in Newport that are either good or very good. This pointless abomination is so appalling that one could be forgiven for giving it a good review out of sheer bloody-mindedness but trust me, it is worse than you could ever envisage. Cheap, nasty; it epitomises why the reason for the massive worldwide domination of MacDonalds et al. Dear Take 5 - go away!
Looks worth a review....
Matt and Cat respond: Hi Anthony, thanks for your comment. We tweeted this about 24 hours before you! Well spotted, though. Steak? Nom!
I am Nathan formaly of the Pointer Inn and wonted to let you know that we have now moved in to The Essex in Godshill. We are still serving all of our well loved food and more...
Hoping that we will see you and your readers soon. Keep up the good work all the best Nathan. p/s Take a look at this months Island Life mag for all the new photos
you have to be quick to get in, Fully booked for this year i'm afraid but I did manage a table for my birthday in August, Whoopee!!
Food is modern with a Scandanavian theme (apparently). They are too new to have a website yet - you'll have to take my word for it.
we are now open friday and saturday evenings from 6 and last orders at 9. we would love you and your followers to come and give us a go.
we are serving a table d'hote menu changing weekly using the besy quality produce from the island.
there is a selection of 5 starters at £4.95 main courses at £9.95 and desserts at £4.95...
thats a 3 course meal for £20 where can you go wrong???
not to mention there are comlimentary home made bread rolls delivered to your table and complimentary tea or coffe at the end of your meal!
please come down and see what you think!
the word is already going around and hopefully as far as we can see its all posotive!
hopefully see matt and cat plus followers soon.
many thanks
craig
The previous Pointer Inn owners now run this. Went for lunch there yesterday - looks really nice and welcoming inside although we sat out as it was a nice day. Food is still excellent, just as delish as before. They now also do cream teas in the afternoon, and coffee and a danish. Although we resisted the cream tea we did have dessert which was lovely.
It was a bit empty when we first arrived although a few more people turned up but think perhaps they need to advertise it more - perhaps an ad in the County Press?
Think it deserves a Matt & Cat visit!
I wondered if you had considered trying the little Gloster down on the Marsh at Gurnard, I have not been yet but I understand that it is very nice and it would be great to see a review
many thanks
An amazing selection including one of the best butchers' counters ever, featuring produce from many of the Island's well known farms: Briddlesford, Brownrigg etc.
Plus veg, relishes, cakes, bread, puddings etc. - all under the one roof. A foodie Heaven!
Matt ad Cat respond: Thanks for your comment, patti. We assume you mean the Dark Horse.
Please try
good Food
Relaxed atmosphere
Sun (for a while)
Fairly priced, too
Great!
Well worth a review as we had a superb meal & when we are back on the Island on holiday again we would definitely rebook.
Matt & Cat respond: yes we have, thanks.
We have recently invested a lot of time and thought into our bar, inside and out,as a family orientated restaurant/bar.
Our main concept is our Two meals for £8.95 with all our meals being freshly prepared and cooked to order as well as our breakfast and light bites menu's. We also run a Sunday Carvery. All our meat is sourced from a local butchery.
We pride ourselves in good customer service and great hearty food.
Would be great if you could give us a try.
Neil Bradley
Keeping up the good work I see! This is my few montly visit to the site so I thought I'd reinforce a few other people's suggestions higher up the list.
As it's summer, or supposedly so, my partner and I have been frequenting a lot of tea rooms, have you reviewd Grand view Tea rooms in Rylstone gardens or Gatcombe tea rooms?
I saw a comment further up that it was the worst rip off cream tea they'd ever had...dont know where that came from, it was simply gorgeous when we went, well worth a look for the vines growing on the ceiling if nothing else, a staggering range of herbal teas, and the tiramisu cake I had was DIVINE. Am thinking of going back to get the recipe! Grand view was equally lovely, really good portions for their sandwiches with salad and tortilla chips, proper sized pots of tea with extra hot water and a lovely cream tea with proper strawberry jam.
Plus the Pearly Boise ice cream parlour has always done ridiculously nice sorbets and ice creams which I keep popping into.
Now I'm off to go for a run as I discover how many calories I've actually eaten in these few months...oops.
Matt and Cat respond: Hi Natalie, thanks for your comment. Cat's a sucker for a cream tea and you've made the tea rooms sound fantastic! Tiramisu cake? Sign us up!
Callum
The view from the terrace of Sandown Bay is spectacular, the atmosphere is always friendly and everyone is welcome; families with children, sports fans and individuals with well-behaved dogs.
Please come and see the new Flanagans and give us a try.
just a quick question,
so when will you guys be coming to try images cafe deli evenings?
would be great to hear and read your comments.
hope to see you soon.
craig.
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comment, Craig. We quite often pop into Images during the day and we tweeted about the new deli evenings. Your latest venture is on the (very long) list of places to visit but of course we won't be letting you know when we're coming!
like i said previously the menu is a completey different style to our weekday menu and is cahnging weekly so just have a peek each week at the menu on the front door and when you like the sound of one just come in and give it a go!
would love to read your views!
hopefully see you soon.
regards, craig.
On Sundays, there are 3 courses plus coffee/tea for £14.50p. Today, there were three or four choices in each course. I had a starter of stuffed mushroom, my main course from the Carvery was beef but there was were other meats including Turkey.This was served with fresh vegetables and proper roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding. My sweet was Summer Berry Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream. What is so impressive about this hotel is that because one of our ladies is a vegetarian and she didn't want two courses of fish, the chef made her a special Brie Tart and another lady who doesn't eat ice cream, they served her fresh cream with her Summer Pudding instead.
Together with the linen tablecloths & serviettes, the beautiful views across the Solent (we watched the Power Boat Race) and the charming staff who are so kind and helpful, we can't recommend this hotel & restaurant highly enough.
Also have you reviewed the little woodeen restaurant there (cant remember the name) id like to know what its like.
Matt and Cat respond: Hi Jo. Thanks for taking the trouble to solicit our recommendation personally. As you've spotted, we haven't been to Valentino's yet but if you go, please feel free to add a comment here. If you want to try somewhere that we recommend (and presumably you're in the Newport area) Burrs would be our first choice. In our review we described it as "an intimate restaurant; the perfect place for a romantic meal.". Not far from Burrs is Lugley's, an equally charming restaurant, ideal for an anniversary supper. For a more modest budget you could try Olivo. It's got great food and a lively atmosphere. If you and your husband fancy something a bit unconventional try Volcanic Steakhouse. If you've run out of conversation after your two years of marriage, this place will give you something to talk about!
Please let us know how you get on, and congratulations!
Thanks again for your comments and congratulations, we will let you know what it is like.
Jo x
We went for dinner at Valentino's last night and here is our thoughts:...
It is a lovely venue, if a little bit like someones front room, plenty of things on the shelves and pictures on the walls to look at. We were greeted by theowner and given a choice of tables as we were the first people in the restaraunt, closely followed by a few other tables, albeit it was still very quiet. We were given the menus which offered a wide variety of food, not only Italian. We decided to go for a bottle of merlot and the set menu 2 course meal and both had the steak forestierewhich came out with a very large plate of veg to share!! The steaks were cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious....only thing we didnt eat was the leeks,,,they were abit watery! We then ordered desserts, I had the cremem brulee and my hubby had the meringue nest with raspberrys, strawberrys and kiwis - both were delicious! Overall it was a really nice evening and I would reccommend it to others and think you guys should definitly give it a try!
Jo x
can you, or anyone advise on the riversdie centre at newport for a charlty evening with a dinner, i can not find any reviews anywhere
thanks donna
My starter of apple and pecan salad served with a soft boiled egg, parmesan and caesar dressing (£6.95) was beautifully presented and a real treat of sweet and savoury flavours, the pecans having been caramelised.
Seared sea bream fillet with lemon risotto, fine beans and pesto (£15.95) was equally scrumptious. And whereas some restaurants do well on the savouries but fall down on desserts, here the standard was kept high. Hazelnut caramel parfait with slow poached stone fruit (£4.95) was heavenly (and again, looked beautiful).
There were six of us, all choosing different meals, and we all came away impressed, including my son, who chose the pasta dish from the children's menu, and an impressive chocolate ice cream sundae that just about defeated him.
Details were good, such as the delicious warm fresh bread served while we were waiting for our starters, and the mini covered butter dishes. And the sight of the chef picking fresh herbs from the garden gave a clue as to the quality of the meal.
My sister-in-law (it was a treat for her) was worried it might be "a bit posh", but the atmosphere was relaxed and she felt at ease. I'll happily return.
The website is here:
http://www.thelittlegloster.com/home/
We think you should try the College which opens 5th Oct on Tues, Weds and Thurs lunchtimes and Thurs Eve for Dinner, the set menu for the dinner is £14.95 for 4 courses and a coffee is included after.
They are having both classic evenings of Bistro style food and themed Country evenings which begins on the 14th Oct with Thai. On the strength of what we sampled we booked for 3 evening from now until Xmas, not just to show support but because it was so tasty!
Fantastic meal last night. 12oz rump with all the trimmings with delicious home-made chips for less than a tenner.
My wife's strogonoff was equally nice. Incredible value. Friendly, intimate atmosphere.
Well worth a visit.
Sorry that your dinning experience was not to your satisfaction at the Essex. We strive to improve all the time. We do value comments from our customers and if you had mentioned the matter to a member of staff we would only be happy to sort out any problems you might of had.
The Italian meat balls are made from locally sourced lamb and the tomato sauce is made fresh every day (and not out of a Can). I am sorry that you have decided not to come back after only one visit because I am sure that you would have a totally different experience next time.
Matt and Cat respond: we've occasionally had some pretty fine food presaged by the most illiterate menus. So take heart, one slip of the keyboard isn't really sufficient to inspire despair. Goodness knows we'd be in trouble if it wre.
What a find - a 'shop front' room that manages to combine the best features of a pub, wine bar, cafe and restaurant. Warm and friendly service and splendidly quirky decor with lots of old showbiz/Hollywood memorabilia.
We only stopped for a drink, but the food looked excellent in a hearty/home-cooked style.
We'll be back!
My wife and I had an excellent meal, Cajun Chicken from their specials board and a Cesar Salad, in fact my wife said it was one of the best salads she had ever had.
Small complaint, allowing people to smoke outside in the Dining area but this is coming from an ex smoker. Inside, very clean, no problems.
First time we have had a meal in The Mill Bay, we will definitely be going back.
Matt and Cat reply: we have a link to that council website on every review, Tony, as we agree with you. We do not comment on food hygiene in our reviews (unless its obvious) because it's not possible to know what goes on in the kitchen unless, like the council, you have the power to go and see. We did ask the council whether we could link directly to the star page for each establishment, but apparently this isn't possible/allowed.
firstly i would like to ask what gives you the rite to go around and leaving these reviews and opinions when really you just seem to be a couple who must be really bored and have nothing better to do!
I can honestly say that every place i have ever seen one of your pathetic stickers of your recomendation on the door to turn out to be total ****.
Every review on your site that you "like" seems to have dozens of bad reviews by paying customers!!
i wonder if you just try to obtain free meals by doing this??
Also you hide your identity??? are you worried that maybe you would get a slap one day by the traders who you put down on your site? Really just to sum it up, you need to leave this sort of business to people who know what they are talking about and go ahead eating your birds eye microwave meals in your home im sure you would "like" that.
Im sure im not the only person to think this.
Matt and Cat respond: well done Phil, and thanks for being so honest with us. It's been over five years and you're the first one to explain it in such frank terms. It really is true, we actually don't know what we're talking about, and basically make it up as we go along. Sadly, and just to make the spectacle even more pitiable, we hardly ever even get free meals. We actually pay for them. It's a kind of freak show, really, with up to seventeen thousand page views every day from viewers simply coming to watch us humiliate ourselves. They're mostly too well-mannered to tell us, and we'd hate to spoil their fun. So if you don't mind, we'll just carry on.
Always enjoyed going here for a good pizza. Local flour used, very friendly service, order can be tailored to you and its made fresh in front of you. Definitely worth a visit.
Phil, you obviously do not read their Tweets, one damn day i'm gonna invite myself to their dining table!
Matt and Cat, please carry on with 'your' reviews, I certainly do not agree with them all, because we all have different opinions, but i appreciate your reviews and most articulate writings....rite!
http://www.waterfrontinnshanklin.co.uk/
Decided to try the Essex in Godshill the other weekend following your recent review.
As we live locally my wife popped past the place during the day in the hope of booking a table for four that night.
Unfortunately this proved harder than imagined!
Initially she asked if it would be possible to book a table for around eight o'clock.
However she was surprised to be told that wouldnt be possible as apparently the overworked kitchen would be closing early.
She then asked if 7.30 might be more suitable and after much huffing and puffing was informed that as long as we were in the restaurant, sat down and ordered by then they could accommodate us.
However if we happened to peruse the menu for a fraction of a second over the alloted time we would be going hungry!
It seems that despite it being a chilly Sunday at the beginning of November the poor staff had been rushed off their feet during the day and were desperate for an early night.
Always good to know that a recently opened local business is thriving to the point that it doesnt need to bend a little to help four parents who like to follow a regular bedtime routine and read their little cherubs a story and ensure they are tucked up safely before going for a meal.
Not surprisingly we decided to head elsewhere and found a restaurant in Shanklin more than happy to reserve us a table for the time we asked - and happily remain open when others were heading home.
Oh and thanks to the excellent customer service we received we also booked our Christmas night out for 16 at the same time.
However I must say we got what we paid for as the steak really was delicious.
http://mattandcat.co.uk/reviews/index.php/2008/06/17/taverners-godshill
Went to Take 5 in Newport which you reviewed in June. Tisn't there anymore!
Instead it's called The Retreat. Got chatting to the owner, who basically said that the lack of an 'identity' had killed off the predecessor. However, I really honestly couldn't tell any difference - same menu, same staff, same look. A straight 6/10.
So, oddly, I'm actually suggesting you don't need to review. Just rename the existing Take 5 review as The Retreat. You placed it under 'We Like' and I'm sure the new owners will be more than happy. Come to think of it, are they actually new owners anyway?
Regards, Jesse.
P.S. Note the last reviewer of Take 5 mentioned Phil's Diner as a good place to eat. Also noted it's one of your Favourites - have to agree!
P.P.S. Anyone know what's happening to Coast (opposite Morrisons). Used to love it there but now they're gone and it seems to have closed down.
Cat replies: Thanks for your comment, Jesse. Funnily enough, I was in Scarrots Lane at lunchtime today and posted this tweet about The Retreat.
Thje Chequers in at Rookley seems a decent enough place though. If my wife does not comlain it is likely to be pretty good.
Matt and Cat respond: we thought the Yarbridge was closed. It certainly looks like it. And the Chequers, good suggestion.
Shorely?
Matt and Cat respond: That'll be the Baywatch on the Beach, surely?
The Bayshore is a big hotel on Sandown seafront. All I can say is it was late.
Matt and Cat respond: Hi Bruno. Thanks for your suggestions. We've been to Fox's and liked it a lot! Let us Google that for you ;) The New Holmwood is on our list!
Fab place, would be interested to know what you think!
Thanks
Sophie
Always a good welcome with well trained Staff who know all about Customer Service.
Have a look at their Facebook page for other Special Offers and Events......you will not be disappointed.....x
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comment, Steve3. Your wish is our command. Town Choice review here!
Worth a visit as I think they've changed chef over the past few months.
Dad goes in there for a regular pint of Goddards (which he says is very well kept)and he has noticed some good food being delivered to the tables. He thinks it's food most lunchtimes and evenings. We might even suggest we all eat there for Father's Day (if not before)and see for ourselves. He says it's well used by the boating set from Ryde Marina during the warmer months.
Went yet again for and early dinner for my Birthday on Monday..Why would anybody order steak anywhere else on the Island.....The average pub on the Island charges £11/£12 for a rump steak, some more...for the same price you can have it at the Taverners cooked exactly as it should, presented exactly as it should be, with reall chip and fantastic sauces. If the average is £11 then you would expect to pay £22 at the Taverners.
I've not been for a while - but there was the most wonderful tea-garden that was accessed next to the beach steps at Rylstone Manor Gardens (at the top - don't go down to the beach!). Looking out over the sea, it was/is the most idyllic spot to sit and sup tea and eat home-made cakes.
I'm not sure if it's even there now, but I used it frequently about ten years ago. I think it's linked to the tea rooms that are located round the back of Rylstone Manor - almost on top of the Chine.
If it's still there - visit it in high summer. You won't find a better location. And the home made cakes were something to behold.
Apologies if it's closed down!!
Matt and Cat respond: It was certainly open last summer, although we've not been there yet. And as far as we know it's not connected with the tearooms at Rylstone.
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comments, Margaret and Malcolm. We love Burrs - read our review here.
http://www.waterfront-inn.co.uk/about/home
Great news for Ventnor...Goodman's Deli which closed earlier has been taken over by 2 chefs and openend this week. It's called Tramezzini and I took my 2 daughters there for lunch and everything was cooked or prepared fresh, coffee excellent and an large range of deli produce, Well worth a visit!!
I'm on the island once a fortnight for around 4 hours each time, and luckily the ferry back is 3pm which means i always have time for lunch at Corries :)
The little restaurant off the back of the shop seats no more than 15 people, so the one waitress is never over stretched.
The chips are spot on, and the Steak and Ale pie is great (i know its not homemade, but its better than the Pukka Pies we get around here !!
Matt and Cat respond: we'd love to go to the college and eat. Do they have a restaurant website?
10th March - Australian Evening
17th March - Classic Cuisine
24th March - Private Party
31st March - Indian
7th April - Classic
11th April—25th April - Closed - Easter Break
28th April - Italian
5th May - Classic
12th May - Caribbean
19th May - Island Sourced Produce (Cost TBC)
Opening Hours
Lunch available from 12.00 - Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Friday. This year we will be offering a 3 course lunch with coffee for £9.25
Thursday evenings will be available at £14.95 for 4 courses and coffee
Arrival times from 19.00 to 19.45pm ALL MENU’S ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST ONE WEEK PRECEDING THE NIGHT
NUMBERS ARE LIMITED SO PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
Tel: 535206. email: Matt.Sprooles@iwcollege.ac.uk
All sounds good not sure on the opening times think she said 10.00 because the Donald McGill post card museum opens at 11.00. Will report back when I've been in.
we used to go to the griffin at godshill years ago, but the couple separated sadly, so I'd like to know if she cooks any where else.
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comment Christine. Perhaps you'd like to read our review of the Dark Horse.
I don't know if they were doing a test to see how drunk you were but the pepper pot with small holes (designed for shaking ground pepper) was filled with small peppercorns (which needed to be in a mill). I had to unscrew the top and sprink;e them on. Good party trick!
In conclusion a good eatery, friendly staff and worth future visits.
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comments, Paul. We really like the Pointer Inn; read our review here.
http://ratings.food.gov.uk/QuickSearch.aspx?q=isle+of+wight
Some shock results!
The portions were excellent and we both enjoyed the meal. Only two minor things which is probably down to me. I expected the pastry topping to be flakey puff pastry but it was the hard type (like you get on a pork pie)It was quite hard and a case of hold it down with the fork and stab it with the knife. The pie could have done with a tad more stilton but that's probably just my taste.( Not worth downgrading it from a 5 to a 1 for the sake of a piecrust eh kj?) Reasonable prices,good evening out and will definitely put it on our list of nosheries for future visits.
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comments, Paul. We reviewed the White Lion a few years back so it's nice to get an update. By the way, the pie sounds just like the steak and Stilton pie that Cat had at the Vine Inn, St Helens.
I remember reading of your visit to the Boathouse at Victoria fort Yarmouth after the gaffers festival some time ago. I recall that you sampled the tea and cakes. My Brother-in-law is the owner and he has worked very hard to establish a reputation for good honest food with local fresh ingredients. I would like to suggest you visit the boathouse for breakfast, lunch or dinner when you next find yourselves in Yarmouth and would be very interested in reading your comments. Keep up the good work.
Kind regards,
Jonathan
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comment, Jonathan. We really enjoyed our meal at the Boathouse and are pleased that your brother-in-law is making a success of it.
Great value, huge kids portions - you really should try it!
Matt and Cat respond: That was us alright. What a night!
my wife enjoyed her meal but my rogan was only average. Seemed all tomato and very little spice. This all came to £45 which I thought was excessive. My wife paid by card as I left the restaurant. When I queried the bill she only had the visa receipt showing the grand total, no itemised bill as they had retained that. I then remembered that another customer was only given a total bill and had to ask for the itemised list.
The mains were about £9 x 2 (18) plus the rice say £3 and the popadoms say another £3. The nan bread about £5 this = £29. So we paid approximately £16 for 2 lagers and 2 glasses of wine.
Four of us had similar meals and drink at the Ryde tandoori next to Wetherspoons and that only came to £55. Definitely not repeating the experience.
Matt and Cat respond: Hi julie, thanks for your comment. We went to the Little Gloster a couple of weeks ago - we're just putting the finishing touches to our review. Watch this space!
We ordered two baguettes (tuna and prawn) one coffee and one coke. They had run out of lettuce but that was only a minor matter. The baguettes were well-filled and about 10" long. The young lady serving was very nice and welcoming. The bill was just under £13 which isn't bad.
Before we left, I perused the menu in the window. Prices for most of the dishes were comparable to other places but two stuck out as being rather excessive. An 8oz rump steak meal for £14.45 and a mixed grill with a 4oz steak for £16.95. You could have those far cheaper at the Woodman in Wootton or the Folly Inn. I would go again but stick to the other menu items.
I liked it so much even I attempted to write an interim review until you guys can do it properly.
http://bit.ly/jP0IGJ
Matt and Cat respond: yes, we're convinced!
The Tap in Sandown is lucky to have one of the best 'cooks' I've met in years...yes we are a 'boozer'..but our staples compare well with the best on the Island for 'pub grub' so ' come on down' Mssrs Matt & Cat ;) I'll buy the drinks
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your honesty KJ, we're happy to take self-referrals when they're up-front about it! We'll definitely put you on our list.
What do you think?
Matt and Cat respond: Hi Stephen. Thanks for your comment. We have been to the New Inn, but it was some time ago so we value your update. Thanks!
Have you tried the west bay club in yarmouth? anyone can eat in the country club brasserie (you don't have to be a member)
Their Beetroot and goats cheese salad is amazing and there are tables outside and place for kids to run around
highly commended by a customer :)
Then a crème de barry (cauliflower soup) followed by mains; rack of lamb or sirloin of beef (carved at table) from Godshill or sea bass (I guess from the sea around the Island it did not say) or vegetarian option of a savoury bread pudding, all were served with different vegetables and potatoes & jus.
And to finish a Lavender Crème Brule, a Rhubarb Pavlova (rhubarb grown in the IOW College Garden) or Strawberries and Cream, then a coffee & mints. The night was the best we have been to yet and at £20 for 5 courses and with the high quality of ingredients, it really was fantastic value.
You must try and go next term; they told us they are having many themed nights again next term starting in October including a Robert Thompson Night and another IOW Produce Night. Well done to all at the College and the budding trainees who provide such excellent food and service.
Re: The Propeller Inn, Bembridge
I enjoy reading your reviews and feel you have a balanced approach... here is a question :
I regularly eat out and recently went for a meal with 5 friends to The Propeller Inn, Bembridge. We ordered 5 meals, a bottle of wine and a couple of beers. One of the ladies has a multitude of allergies and only drinks tap water. The staff said they couldn’t serve it; we needed to buy it by the bottle. When we asked the management to explain this, she stated that the Environmental Health had told them they cannot serve water from the tap because it is a tap used for washing up. (?!)
We pointed out that the tap behind the bar surely couldn’t be for washing up, it was far too small to get any dishes under it... her response was to become quite aggressive and telling us that we didn’t have a right to "Ask" for free water because she was a business woman and as a commercial premises she has to make money. Unfortunately we had to buy a bottle for our friend, but it left us feeling that this was some ridiculous story about the Environmental Health!
To be honest, having spent £70+ in there, I would have thought they may have seen the value of offering one lady a glass of water!
We will NOT be going back and always laugh as we see the sign which says "Good Company" outside! "Not"!!
I would welcome your views on this please?
Matt and Cat respond: yes, it's a statutory licensing requirement for anywhere that sells alcohol. Details here. You should draw this incident to the attention of the licensing authority (the IW Council).
Re Propeller Inn
I'm sure that since last year, Licenced premises are required to provide free tap water as part of their licence conditions.
From: Consumer Council for Water:
Do pubs and restaurants have to supply free tap water?
Yes if they serve alcohol. The government updated rules requiring establishments to have free tap water available wherever alcohol is sold, in an attempt to combat binge drinking. You can read more about the Home Office’s latest guidance here. Failure to comply with any conditions attached to a licence or certificate is a criminal offence, which could be punishable by a fine or imprisonment or both.
I then rang The Propeller Inn, Bembridge tonight and (extremely politely) pointed out the above.
I probably can’t repeat here what they suggested. Suffice to say they do NOT agree.
I think that PAUL MULLERY is right; this is very damaging to a pub that isn’t busy at the best of times!
We had two mains, three papadoms, and shared an egg fried rice and naan. We brought our own wine and the waiter uncorked it and put the cork back on a second bottle we hadn't finished.
Excellent food and reasonably priced at £24 the lot. The only minor thing - in common with most Indian restaurants - the table for two was too small. The waiter had difficulty finding enough surface area to put all the dishes on. The table was about the same size as those mini desks you see in a school hall when the kids are doing exams.
We will definitely go again but ask for a bigger table.
Matt and Cat respond: voila!
Could you review Bagel Wrap Coffee House as we have moved to 61a Union Street Ryde.
many thanks
Nigel
Proprietor
Trust me it's dead nummy!!
;-)
The dining area was somewhat canteenish, not helped by tables being placed near the toilets. I also noticed that there was no obvious heating which might be a problem in the winter. The room echoed with conversation which detracted from the dining experience. the plus point was that the drinks were reasonably priced. On balance not planning a second visit but we wish the new proprietors well in their new venture.
Dan's Kitchen truly deserves to succeed and it seems to have got off to a very encouraging start. We wish it well and we will certainly become regular customers.
Can you let me know if I just haven't found it or it has been left off for a reason?
Matt and Cat respond: yes Lawrence, it has indeed been left off for a reason - because we have yet to go there. When we do, we'll certainly put a review here.
We had a good chat with the owner, a single parent. She has to do everything by herself which accounts for her limited range of food. I imagine that it would be impossible for her to cook food and serve customers single-handed. Thus everything must be pre-packaged and ready to sell. If she offered fresh cooked food - assuming she has cooking facilities - she might be able to employ someone to look after the serving and the till. A shame really as she could do with some assistance.
Thanks, Jane.
It's well worth a visit.
Matt and Cat respond: Hi Mike and Sue, thanks for your comment. Although there are plenty of restaurant reviews on our site, we love to visit other types of venue too - burger vans, takeaways and we definitely make time for tea. We'll put Brannon's Tea Room on the list - thanks for the suggestion.
Could I ask that you perhaps pay a return visit to The Hare and Hounds? Your last review was from March 2007, and it was pretty favourable; however, as can be seen by the subsequent comments the place has either let things slip quite considerably, or as I suspect, you caught them on a rare good day! Please try and pop in again and tell us all what you think! Cheers.
Meanwhile, a public service announcement. Perhaps we can ask something of you - yes, all of you. If there's already a review of a venue, please can you post comments about that location in the appropriate place? Sadly there's no one-click solution on this blog so it takes us about 10 mins work for us to move each misplaced comment. We don't get round to doing that very often.
Some folk like to use this suggestion page for specific comments about venues - that's not the idea and means that people reading the actual reviews will be deprived of your wisdom and up-to-date information. We very much appreciate and encourage the sort of informed and opinionated comments that we get here, but do us a favour, can you? Just pop them in the right place please.
Remember - this page is for you to (checks title) 'Suggest a venue'.
Thanks!
(I'm assuming this is not already on your site having looked all through "tea-rooms", but sometimes things are nicely tucked-away?)
Just wondered if you had tried the Foresters in Yarmouth?
We went there a couple of times whilst staying in Yarmouth back in May and found it to be excellent.
Very good food, friendly staff and a lovely atmosphere too. She even let Jim play the piano!
* Bluebells at Briddleford Farm, Briddleford for a fab cream tea on a Sunday afternoon (lunch menu looked good too)
* Chale Green Stores for a light lunch - great food from their deli, beautiful gardens and lovely views
We wondered if you'd visited yet?
Matt and Cat respond: yes, we've been to both. We agree with you!
I know some have already commented on the opening of Dan's Kitchen in St. Helens but I just wanted to come here and endorse those views. We just got back from lunch and want to thank them for a lovely meal and for being prepared to go out of their way to cook an dish from the evening menu, which was fab.
Good luck to all with the new venture and hopefully see you soon.
just brill.
great pub
great staff
fantastic food
well woth the visit
go, u wont regret it
This has been our favourite pub on the Island for the past 3 years.
Food is generally home cooked (no frozen chips here!) & always served with a smile by the Landlady Shirley & her team.
Good mix of friendly locals & holidaymakers.
It's been a while since I posted on here, extolling the virtues of The Four Seasons.
It seems it's finally getting recoginition, although the fact that newly opened establishments are being reviewed ahead of it is irritating.
Surely it's time Mat & Cat headed to Wroxall and sampled the best value pub food on the Island.
the waterfront was fantastic views and culver inn were very nice, we found staff here great all you want is someone who knows what they are doing. however the tap in sandown was the worst food ever, cheap and nasty, defrosted quick and cooked fast, “carico di rifiuti” as the Italians say. Both pubs nearby the fountains and the chalkhead seemed way better all round, food looked and smelt good with friendly and welcoming staff, we wished we had eaten their instead so mainly thumbs up from us scooter boys for IOW grub - all it takes to please us is good service and tasty food, simples...you would think.
as for the kids moaning its up to the parent and establishment owner how late kids are in places you can go always go elsewhere if you don’t like it or choose somewhere kids enjoyment and laughter are not allowed try a conservative club! (or the tap)
The also offer locally caught fish dishes which I haven't tried as yet.
The downside is no toilet, the nearest being up the hill at St Helens or on the point.
The lovely lady gave my dog a sausage which was much appreciated.
I love this place!
Don't think you've reviewed Taj Tandoori in Sandown. We went twice: both times I'd say it was top quality curry-house stuff - nothing as imaginative as some of the things on the Maharajah (Shanklin) menu but everything I had (onion bhaji, jalfrezis, keema nan and chips) was spot on (though, to balance things, my wife thought her Bengal Chicken was very bland). They've got an offer at the moment - popadoms, starters and main course for £9 and didn't mind us ordering two of these and sharing the food amongst two adults and two children. Top marks from me.
Also, if you felt in need of a greasy spoon in Sandown - Sunny Side Up (top of the hill by the pier) is worth visiting if only to experience the attentions of the friendly young man behind the counter.
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comments, Pete. We've added a link to our Taj Tandoori review to your comment. Thanks for recommending Sunny Side Up - we'll have to give it a go; Matt loves a fry-up!
Maybe I'll get the 100+ Black Country scooter Club that have 'lived' at the pub for the last 4 years to write a few reviews about us and Caulkheads.
After reading a post here I had to try the food The Tap had on offer (in what was stated as the best pub on the south coast) after ordering ‘Gourmet Beef Steak Burgers’ well who could resist those, and having to order another couple of pints of reasonably priced ale while waiting, in fact it was quite a wait for the food (probably close to an hour) and the pub was pretty much empty. But if its good food who cares, unfortunately it was not good, the roll on the wrong side of fresh, similar sad salad, burger well overcooked, if your going to use a good burger, and it resembled what could once have been a good burger (only CSI would be able to tell for sure) learn how to cook it right - put some effort in to make it gourmet not just say it, the chips were surprisingly ok, not very gourmet more just the cheap ones, here could learn about chips from places like The Taverners, chips can be very nice too even gourmet. It was not even served hot. Waited so long could not be bothered to complain just wont go back when other places near by have been tried and preferred for food.
“Best pub on the South Coast” it’s not even the best pub we have tried in Sandown, or even in Avenue Rd. Shame for us maybe you will find them on a better day.
Matt and Cat respond: we're big fans of the Brading veg market. The van's also there on Wednesdays. great for fresh bread, pies, cakes and obviously, veg.
However well it might perform as a cafe in the daytime, the prices it charges in the evenings (from £7 to £9 for starters and from £15 to £22 for mains) demand that it be taken seriously as a restaurant. With drinks and a bottle of wine our bill came to a staggering £134 for two! At these prices - not far off London's West End - I expect genuine service: a proper welcome, a knowledgeable headwaiter, maybe even an amuse-bouche. Instead, what we got were what now seems to be standard for chef-run restaurants on the Island: two young girls, who were perfectly pleasant but clueless about running a restaurant. As with the Garlic Farm Cafe, we waited 15 minutes before the drinks arrived - even then, it was only our persistence that got us this far.
As for the food - bits of it were OK, but the meat-based dishes suffered from the overall "brownness" that Matt & Cat commented on in their review of the Priory Bay.
But when will these chefs get the message that eating out is not just about the food - it's the overall experience that counts.
Also the rumour is true they are taking over the old Thistle cafe and I believe plan to open in Nov
We have just returned from our annual pilgrimage to the Island. One of the best pubs, in our opinion, is the High Down Inn. A proper authentic hostelry serving lovely varied food including game and seafood which has not been 'gastropubbed' and stripped of all character and atmosphere . Hopefully another one for your ever expanding list. We'd love to know what you think.
Matt and Cat respond: Hi Jan, thanks for your comment. It looks like you came to the same conclusion as us! We visited the Highdown Inn back in 2008.
any one been to the new maharaja spice lounge in shanklin?
Your site is excellent with the unique reviews and helpful banter from the readers. I fear that you'll lose people by too much non-Island material. After all there are great establishments on our doorstep that warrant reading about.
On the other hand I found the reviews very interesting and even though I live on the IOW I discovered a magical vessel that for a lot of gold coins will take you away to a magical land where you can try things such as restaurants, and go to markets and enjoy yourselves and share it with your interested readers...I was at the restaurant near were you went called Roast recently and I went round Borough Market, both made for a great day out.
I have not been in the restaurant personally but was commenting on Bruniocat's experiences in relation to mine with respect to quantity. I assume Bruniocat can count past 3 and if he says only 2 pebble sized potatoes were on the plate then it cannot be contradicted. He also says the food was of good quality.
The fact remains that certain restaurants appear to be in a competition to see who can charge the most for putting the least on the plate. I care not if the starter is by Gordon Ramsay, the main by Jamie Oliver and the sweet by Delia Smith. If they put mouse-sized portions on my plate, they would get a complaint.
Matt and Cat reply: Thanks for your suggestion Barry. We hope eating at Brannons won't be too much of a chore! It's on our list.
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your suggestion, Miss Food Critique. No, we haven't been to Forresters. Yes, it's on the list!
as i surfed threw the thread i realised you have not updated the Mamma Mia shanklin page,
they have moved up the road in a new establishment not sure on the number but is very nice.
They have brought a whole new look to the place nice elegant and warm.
only been in once through the week and once on weekend and has been full on both occasions.
Try it out matt and catt its rather nice



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