The Lake Fish Bar in Lake is, I suggest, the best fish & chips this side of the Blue Dolphin at Hastings. I have no personal interest in saying so.

also I suggest you check out the Yarbridge Inn, which we thought was terrible or rather much like a microwaved ready meal. It ia railway themed. (!)
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.

Bayshore at St. Helens seafront?
Shorely?

Matt and Cat respond: That'll be the Baywatch on the Beach, surely?

You're absolutely right. I've been so many times, but I've always thought it a naff name - especially oif you google it & get loads of stuff about David Hasselhof.
The Bayshore is a big hotel on Sandown seafront. All I can say is it was late.

No it's Baywatch on the Beach on the shore-ly! Make sure you take your American Express Gold Card with you!

I would like to say had a fab meal at The Mill Bay Ventnor the place is clean staff great and even in this weather the view out to sea is great. We went Wednesday night I had Chicken Supreme which was the best I have had my hubby had the Mill Bay Mixed Grill which he said everything was cooked to perfection, my meal was FREE buy two meals at the moment and the cheapest one is FREE!!! we had couple of drinks and was about to leave when we were asked if we would like to join in a Fun Quiz, we had a great night.. will be back with friends for a meal and quiz a great night. Thank you to the great company and new friends we have now made.

Denice WightBullys, ‎12 of us have just had the most delicious Carvery at The mill Bay Inn, Ventnor. Relaxing surroundings with brilliant sea views (even in this weather) At the moment they have a special promotion Two Carvery's for £10. You may think that you might not get a lot for that sort of money but you would be so wrong.....give i...t a try you will be amazed, I would go as far as to say its Definately THE BEST Carvery on the Island and I have tried many.
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

Maybe I'm just being ignorant, but I cannot find any review of Town Choice cafe in Newport. It's been going since 1986 and is always busy. I'm not a massive fan of the food (it's okay) but I know loads of people who swear by the place. Would love to see a review!

Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comment, Steve3. Your wish is our command. Town Choice review here!

Really great carvery at the Mill Bay in Ventnor and we only paid "2 for £10" on Sunday so excellent value. They served up pork, turkey or beef (or some of each) with a beautiful huge Yorkshire (chef was very proud of them and quite rightly so!) then you can help yourself to veg, and right at the end of the carvery there were sausages and stuffing, which was an unexpected bonus. Nothing to fault at all, except the conservatory is a bit dated looking but it seems to be run by really friendly people and it is nice to suport a local business offerng a competitive carvery like that. makes eating out quite affordable.

As the Taverners review seems to be closed, thought I would put my comments here

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.

Hi matt & cat, i strongly suggest trying the vineleaf coffee shop @ rosemary vineyard. freshly made light lunches, homemade cakes and cream teas all at very good prices. Best to go nearer to summer when the vines are in leaf as it really adds to the experience of sitting in the cafe looking out to the vines in the warm sunshine.

Hi

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.

We visited Burr's in Newport Saturday 5th Feb. What a lovely experience. Small, but perfectly formed, as they say. Everything from the welcome, service and ambiance was excellent. Not to mention the food! The owner/chef has something to be proud of. We look forward to eating there again when next on the island. ( We know we're shooting ourselves in the foot, but the prices for the standard of the food were so very reasonable)!

Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comments, Margaret and Malcolm. We love Burrs - read our review here.

Had another meal in Waterfront Inn Shankin, food just as good as last time and the staff (i.e. owners) are so much more welcoming than the Steamer which is next door. Will certainly eat here again in preference to the Steamer. Their website is:-

http://www.waterfront-inn.co.uk/about/home

St Mary's Hospital full circle restuarant do a great breakfast or fish and chips on Fridays. If you have cause to visit the NHS give it a go

Hi Matt and Cat.

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!!

You need to go to The Boathouse in Ventnor, please, you really really must! Location, Location, Location!! Service could be slightly better, but amazing amazing plac. Must have Lobster Salad. Quite expensive, be prepared, and can be slightly cramped with amount trying to squeeze in on the balcony. Best to ask when they have available seating to be right on the front of balcony, on the edge. You'll see what I mean. And you should revisit the Three Bishops as it has really gone downhill and is really rather rubbish.

Visit the New China Ventnor, great fresh chinese food, excellent value, served in a homely and friendly atmosphere, shame that it doesnt look trendy enough to become a must visit venue. Have never seen a revue for this established and highly recommended eatery. Ventnorians, start supporting your local restaurants, they are falling like flies, and soon we may be stuck with the Spyglass!!Location, location, and that's it ! Must like chips...

couldnt agree more, great , tasy and tempting fare on offer. Definitely panini heaven...Let's hope it is well supported . They deserve it..

Corries Cabin in Cowes is certainly doing it for me at the moment !!

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 !!

While you headed for Morocco we went to Australia, well an Australian Food Theme Night at the IOW College. The food was great, with lots on offer and the chance to try a taster menu of all the dishes, including crocodile satay kebabs and kangaroo. As well as these some traditional Aussie dishes which I cannot remember the names, but one was like little macaroni looking dumplings, different and nice, and the trio of deserts were also delicious. 5 courses (with coffee) for £15, they have an Indian, Italian and IOW Produce Night coming up….it really is worth a try.

Matt and Cat respond: we'd love to go to the college and eat. Do they have a restaurant website?

Matt & Cat, The College Restaurant do not have a website, but you can ask to be on a email list, giving details of up and coming nights. Info I have is…

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

Just been talking to the new manageress at the Orrery in Ryde, they will reopen this Wednesday with a more extensive menu than last year, Some special nights as well, charity fund raisers, and themed nights.
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.

I really enjoy reading this site....Had a meal recently at The White Lion in Niton, seems to have gone up a notch or two since I last went there in 2008. As far as pub grub goes its great - might be worth another look. D

I would really like to know if there is a Caribbean restaurant on the isle of Wight.
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.

At the Dark Horse Pub in Brading,I have just had the best steak and ale pie with shortcrust pastry ever! Huge and packed full to the brim with lean tender steak and a tasty ale gravy.

Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comment Christine. Perhaps you'd like to read our review of the Dark Horse.

Glad the new head chef at the Dark Horse is well received.

We visited the Pointer Inn yesterday. A couple were having the fish and chips and said how good they were. The portions filled the plates. I ordered a bacon and cheese sarni and my wife had a cheese and something sarni (can't remember) After about 10 minutes the yound lady told me the delivery was late and there was no bacon. Not to worry (minor hiccough) so I said I would have the prawn. Excellent nosh and reasonably priced.

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.

Interesting!

http://ratings.food.gov.uk/QuickSearch.aspx?q=isle+of+wight

Some shock results!

My Husband & I visited The Crab Inn in Shanklin Old Village in February 2011. We enjoyed a lovely meal & great service in very comfortable surroundings & plan to go again this Friday. We really think it is worth you making a return visit to see the difference since your first review.

Went to the White Lion at Arreton the other evening. We had been before where I had a superb beef and stilton soup and the gaffer had parsnip soup. This time I tried the steak and stilton pie with chips and peas and she had the cauli cheese (she always has cauli cheese!)

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.

Hello Matt and Catt,

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.

Would also like to suggest cafe number 44 in Carisbrooke, it's been open right down my road for about 6 months and I finally got round to going yesterday but it was great! Ridiculously quick service and lovely food, although my boyfriend's lasagne was probably better than my Carbonara which was a little bit watery, it was still piping hot and yummy and the portions weren't too big either. The garlic bread was also splendidly garlicky with actual crushed pieces of garlic visible on the top, probably not to everyone's tastes but definitely to mine. The staff were also really friendly and it was lovely and clean, although they didn't have paper menus which is my only complaint but apparently it's being fixed. I believe they do a late service on Fridays which looks delicious, so might have to try that out :) it's pretty cheap too which is a definite bonus!

We love Lake Fish Bar and always try and pop in once when on our holiday!

Great value, huge kids portions - you really should try it!

Went to the Four Seasons Pub on Friday Night for a meal and thought the food was good, very much a pub meal, but good quality and value, was quite busy with peeps eating. We stopped on our way to Ventnor Arts Festival to see American Comedian Rich Hall, who spent some of his show talking to Mat and Cat, from Ryde? He even serenaded Cat? We wondered if you were the lucky girl!!

Matt and Cat respond: That was us alright. What a night!

12 of us went to The Eight Bells in Carisbrooke on Sunday. It's under new management and is in great shape. The service was good, the staff were very friendly and helpful and the menu was wider than in many places. Carvery was scrummy. Will definitely go back.

Cafe 44 Carisbrooke. just had lunch in this lovely cafe. great service, really tasty well priced food, we had mussels in a lovely tangy sauce, a chicken wrap with proper tasty salad and a real homemade burger, service was friendly and the cafe was clean. l would highly recommend, plus free parking across the road!

Went to the Jasmine Indian restaurant in Shanklin yesterday evening. We ordered 2 papadoms, a chicken rogan for me and a chicken tandoori for wifey. We had a fried rice to share and 2 nan bread. In addition 1 had 2 cobra lagers and wife had 2 glasses of wine.

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.

you reallymust try the little gloster in gurnard just outside cowes. we visited last weekduringour holiday and can honestly say it is one of the best eating experiences we've ever had. the food looked and tasted outstanding (especially the pork belly),the staff were polite,accomodating and professional and the sunset looking at to sea was outstanding. reallymatta dn cat you just have to visit and makesure you go at sunset!!!

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!

Went to the Sportsman's Rest. Never been to Porchfield before - nice little spot.
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.

Wheelers, Wheelers, Wheelers - Steephill Cove.
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!

Hi im not sure if you only do restaurants or take-away's too but it would be great if you could do a review of Chia wing the chinese take-away.

Not sure if its your kindda thing, but have you ever tried a Milkshake from the Moo Machine in newport ?

I'd like Matt and Cat to visit 'Crusoe's' along the promenade at Colwell Bay. Have heard favourable comments from others, but tried it for the first time today. Wonderful location which is open in the winter as well as the summer - must go there after a walk for hot soup and to watch the winter seas. Very friendly waitress and a good selection of food - a lot of it home made. Although I was tempted by the cakes, I had some fresh mackerel and salad which was very tasty, but maybe I would prefer a larger fish or maybe I'm just greedy! Anyway a good experience and will definitely visit again.

well who would have thought it...recommending my own fodder.

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.

Might I suggest a visit to the New Inn, Shalfleet. I'm sure you've already been, but I couldn't find a review. However, we visited again recently, but were rather disappointed. The quality appears to have dropped, and the overall experience was a bit "ordinary". This used to be a good destination, but seems to have lost its way. The menu also looks a bit over-ambitious, and needs to be simplified. Used to be predominantly excellent fresh fish, but now looks like a gastropub menu, but a bit "wrong".

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!

Hi Matt and Cat,
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 :)

On Thursday the IW College Restaurant ended there term with an IOW Produce Night. The idea for their evening was to cook food only procured from the Island; the starters were asparagus from supplier Ben Brown from Arreton (who supplied the Royal Wedding) with poached bantam egg and hollandaise or Godshill duck with a blackcurrant reduction.

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.

Just come back from Yarmouth where we visited Gossips Cafe. We both had their soup and sandwich deal. A cup of soup each, I had a tuna sarni and wifey had a ham sarni followed by a large mug of filter coffee and cream each. Total £13. For £6.50 each it's excellent value.

Hi Matt and Catt,
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).

FAO Sandra
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.

I wonder if they would of refused Alan Sugar who visited for lunch last Saturday!

Sandra, unfortunately the Island has a few businesses - food and non food related - where the proprietor's attitude is less than satisfactory. Whether it's doing a small favour for a customer or downright rudeness, they seem to have a take it or leave it approach. They don't think or bother about customer care or reputation. It's rather a stupid attitude to take these days particularly with the internet as people can read comments on sites such as Matt and Cat's. The proprietor can't afford a free glass of water but I bet she provides free toilets which cost money to maintain, or did you have to pay for those too! I wager, your comments on this site will cost the Propeller Inn far more than a glass of water. Not a particularly astute move by the management I would say.

Thank you all for your responses, they were very helpful. I used the link from Matt:

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!

Went to the Shahanaz Indian restaurant last night. The staff were very attentive, polite and friendly. The kitchen has a glass frontage so you can see the food being prepared if you wish.

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.

The Roadside Inn at Nettlestone opened yesterday under new management. At the moment it is only serving drinks but I have been told that food will start in about two weeks. I shall drop by for a couple of snorters this evening and enquire of the landlord as to the situation and report back.

Had lovely fish and chips at Paramount Cafe in Shanklin last night. A sign assured us that the chips were homemade from real potatoes and they were very tasty but the fish was divine with a crisp batter and perfectly cooked fish. The specials were really reasonably priced with 8oz rump steak for £7. Service was very friendly and they do takeaway so I'll definitely go back.

I know you guys are always on the hunt for a good breakfast - try the Cafe at Yaverland car park. Right on the seafront with fab views - some tables outside to watch the goings-on down on the beach. Fantastic, well cooked, good value and friendly service. Apparently it has been run by the same family for years. Give it a go!

Matt and Cat respond: voila!

Hi
Could you review Bagel Wrap Coffee House as we have moved to 61a Union Street Ryde.
many thanks
Nigel
Proprietor

I have noticed over the last few days, posts have been made extolling the virtues of eateries which usually have negative comments. Have these places changed management or chefs or are these comments spoilers by the owners? Just wondering.

I was thinking exactly the same as Paul!

re the suddenly improved eateries; I also was a little surprised at the radical, alleged, improvements at such regularly criticised places as e.g. Baywatch on the Beach. Still, miracles may have happened (?)

I had a lovely meal at Waverley Park the other night and it'd be great to see what you think. They've recently opened to the public and it's the only place I've found in east cowes that has a kids play area.

Ganders on St Helen's Green. This is a family run restaurant, so the chef never changes and the food is consistently good. We eat there several times a year and we've never had a bad meal. It's more sophisticated than pub grub but not remotely pretentious.

I've hunted through the Ryde section and cannot find a single review on the bageutte factory in cross street. I along with my friends spent our 6th form years living there, really friendly place with lovely baguettes (I advise a small hot bacon one) along with weird but tasty rice krispie treats.
Trust me it's dead nummy!!
;-)

Went to the Yarbridge Inn this evening - our first visit. Parking was a bit tight as it seemed to be a popular venue. I had the fish and chips (7.95) and my wife had haddock mornay (8.95) The fish was fresh and hand battered but I think the chips were frozen The fish was rather on the small side being less than 6 inches in length and not particularly thick. You can get far better portions at other venues. My wife was pleased with her dish but it would be insufficient for someone with a larger appetite.

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 (ex St. Helen's Restaurant)on The Green at St. H. has been up & running now since c.the end of July ('11).Chef Patron is Dan Maskell - previously Maitre Chef de Cuisine at Ventnor's Royal Hotel. We entertained two guests there last night(12 Aug). Well received on arrival - very welcoming.Good table (which we had arranged at time of booking). Specials of the day (blackboard)and a la carte menu. Both very acceptable ... shortish - 'though more than adequate -, uncomplicated selection. User friendly, sensibly priced wine list with some useful bin ends which we took advantage of: NZ Cloudy Bay Chablis at £23.00 (down from £29.00). Bread (possibly their own)and quality dipping oil. Extremely good standard of cooking (us:fish, pork, steak, 'open' fish pie which Bonne Viveuse considered to be "most unusual but the yummiest I have ever experienced"). Pleasing starters. Excellent coffee and remarkably good, small, warm, complimentary macaroons. Hard chairs = bad for the bottom. Towards the end of service, it would have been good if Dan had have come to front of house for some meet & greet and to encourage feed-back: after all, his name is on his shingle. Really only one little niggle: one of our guests ordered the steak - rib eye with sauce bernaise. It transpired that the kitchen had run out of rib eye however, sirloin was offered in lieu. Then, a.n.o. apology because "the sauce bernaise had split" and the other option, peppercorn sauce, was suggested. Guest declined any sauce. Surely chef could have sorted out the bernaise? This let an otherwise excellent side down. But his thrice cooked chips were A1 and they did bring extra, in their own little container, as a 'quid pro quo' so they got marks back for that. All four of us dipped into a portion of rhubarb compot with crumble and creme fraiche from the blackboard: outstanding. On departure, an equally warm farewell from the three, delightful, front of house staff. Total bill: a most satisfactory £139.75, which incl. 2 x premium bottled sparkling water. Service was entirely up to the customer.
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.

I have been trying to find info on the 'OLD STAG', 2 Cowes Road, Northwood, but can't find it on your web site anywhere.
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.

Gatcombe Tea Rooms has a great location in a sheltered valley. The grapes hanging from the vines over our heads made this feel somewhere special. But the cream tea was over-priced and a real disappointment... Cornish(!!!) clotted cream in a tub, portion of jam in a sealed pack. On the plus side: a good choice of teas and a large scone (but just one). Maybe next time coffee and cake would be safer. Another oddity: teas from midday. No lunches as such. And I overheard complaints about the toilet (always bad news). They really must try much, much harder.

We visited the Gatcome Tea Rooms some months ago. The welcoming ambience with he vines etc belies the fact that much more could be made of the business. I too was surprised that nothing was offered in the way of food except beverages, cream teas and ices: although only beverages were being served when we went.

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.

Wondered whether you've tried the new cafe at Quarr Abbey yet. We'd be interested in your comments.
Thanks, Jane.

Received a flyer in the post today. Two main meals for £9.95 at the Hare and Hounds. Has anyone tried it yet?

I think that the Hare and Hounds is a serious contender for the worst place to eat on the Island, and I can honestly say that I wouldn't eat there if they actually paid ME the £9.95 to do so. I think it is absolutely shameful that an establishment in such a wonderful location, with beautiful views and such a spacious car park respects, it's customers so little that it dishes up such poorly prepared, mass produced c**p!

I know you are normally interested in restaurants rather than tea rooms but my wife and I recommend Brannon's tea room in Wootton. It's an old fashioned tea room with good food, friendly staff and lovely crockery!
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.

I will never go to the Hare & Hounds again after several disappointing visits. From sarcastic bar staff ("Do you sell Flowers?" "No mate, we're not a florist") to a poor works Christmas meal as well as the worst meal I have ever been served which was swordfish steak cooked for so long it had carbonised and was completely inedible. All I can think is that unsuspecting visitors to Robin Hill keep them going as I don't know any locals who'll go there.

Hello Matt and Cat,

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.

I'm sure we'll get over there soon. It all sounds so inviting!

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!

Would be interested to hear your view on the Chale Bay Farm tea-room. Great location and opne of the few tea places that does not shut up shop once it gets anywhere near tea-time!!

(I'm assuming this is not already on your site having looked all through "tea-rooms", but sometimes things are nicely tucked-away?)

Surpised to see no mention of the Cock-a-Doodle Cafe at Fakenham Farm, St Helens! Fantastic fresh produce, and for those finicky about there all-day-breakfasts this is a dream come true. You can munch al-fresco if you wish,overlooking the sea/St Helens Fort. Unless you'd prefer to go to less-than-satisfactory alternatives nearby (!) or simply can't resist the lure of McDonalds (?) This place is the antithesis :) (animals too, and people taking in freshly-discovered eggs)

We have been to the Cock-a-Doodle. Excellent place. Food of good quality and excellent value. Look out for their cat, Max. He is absolutely gross. He has to be 2 stones if he is an ounce! He is very partial to prawns.

hiya wondered if you have reveiwed table table yet (where medina quays was) we had a nice budget meal there last week, they do special menu until 630 and was surprisingly nice! we had 3 mains 2 adult and 1 child, 3 puds and drinks for £22! Bargain, full tums and a yummy meal!! x

Having read an online review of Fakenham Farm I would not consider using the cafe if they can't be bothered to look after their animals properly. Obviously this review could be fake but I'm not inclined to waste money finding out. If it is true they should be closed down.

Hi Matt and Cat,
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!

re Quarr Abbey; delighful spot, cakes and coffee very nice but service, on an admittedly busy Bank Holiday Monday, was woefully chaotic. Inexperienced and untrained staff really let the place down. Pity.

Highlights for us this year when visiting the Island have been:
* 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!

If something is so "obviously" a possible fake, perhaps accusations should not be made on this board without first hand experience! I certainly would not feel it a waste of money to exonerate a potentially blameless concern. Or perhaps innocent until proven guilty does not exist in some people's book....?

Dan's kitchen

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.

Four seasons wroxall.
just brill.
great pub
great staff
fantastic food
well woth the visit
go, u wont regret it

Agree totally with you Martin.

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.

At last.
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.

Had some good meals while on the IOW because of reading reviews on your site so thanks mat and cat. we tried asian fusion but agree with 10% rip off in a buffet restaurant, and we live in the ‘big city’ and eat at these all the time, and no we don’t pay 10% all the time

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)

I've had a breakfast quite a few times at the Overboard Cafe, Fisherman's Wharf, Embankment Rd, Bembridge quite a few times since they opened this summer. The location is very special as its on a boat, there is a moored pontoon at the side of the boat where you can eat outside and admire the view. Good breakfast except for the 'smiley face' potato product, fried spuds would be so much nicer but hardly ever provided these days.

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!

Have today went to The Larder in Shanklin and was taken back to my early days in London every Saturday it was Pie Mash and Liquor as a treat ,They have started to do this and it was just like he old days ,I recomend any Ex Londeners to take themselves along for a taste buds treat Whilst I was there I meet two other couples and they also enjoyed it . They also do a take away and I purchase Two pies and Liquor which my husband realy enjoyed .

Thanks for such a useful site - we always read the reviews before we come over for our hols.

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!

Because we always base ourselves in Sandown (& you have already pooh poohed The Driftwood !) I would like to know something about The Roxy & I cannot see that you have been to Bellamys.Latter seems an OK place, serves red wine but watch the opening hours.

Love a little dig from the scooter boys...for their information the Fountain is now closed; Caulkheads was nowhere near as busy as the Tap, which had a record weekend being full from opening to close from Thursday to Monday. The Tap is a pub...and the best pub ( and busiest pub) in Sandown ( if not the whole East coast).

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.

Have you tried Mamma Mia's 2?

Love the site! Since spotting a sticker in a window and finding this site, I always have a read and visit places after reading comments posted. So how about adding The Tap to your list to review Mat and Cat - as I would be very interested in your thoughts!

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.

M&C earlier in the year you asked me about the IOW College Restaurant, just a note to say they have released their menus for the new term starting on 6th Oct with a Classic Night, but also planning a Robert Thompson Night, a Gourmet Night and many themes such as Spanish/Italian and Irish. Would love to hear your thoughts for the £15 four course meal (5 course if you include coffee) on a Thursday Evening or cheaper if you go lunchtimes, booking is essential, maybe a good venue for your theme nights? They will usually send a menu if you ring the restaurant on 01983 535206. The Christmas menus look wonderful. I do not work there just go there to graze a lot and think the aspiring youngsters, and their mentors, do a brilliant job.

Yes; please check out Brannon's in Brannon's Way Wootton soonest. It vies for the title of 'best cream tea on the Island'. Mrs Porter's scones and cakes are home-made and delicious. Home-made soup and bread often feature as the always-reasonable offer of the day. Coffee is good and refilled for free. There's a loyalty card for a free hot drink after every 5. Dogs are welcome at outside tables. So am I. I love this place.

Cafe 44 in Carisbrook does the best breakfast ever and the lunches....mmmmm

Could I suggest to the "Only Fools and Sauces" take away trailer in Brading Car Park? I'd love to hear your comments!! And if you go on a Saturday you can get fresh veg and bread from another van plus cakes from yet another...

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.

Ate at the much hyped Pond Cafe last night - what a disappointment.

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.

Please do give the Hillside Hotel Ventnor the benefit of your review. It is absolutely fabulous and Gert the owner so hospitable and charming. He really does make you feel at home. Along with El Toro this is our favourite restaurant. On the 5 occasions we have been there it has always lived up to our high expectations.
Also the rumour is true they are taking over the old Thistle cafe and I believe plan to open in Nov

Hi Matt and Cat
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.

Thanks Matt and Cat. My usual forensic perusal of your website failed me this time and I have now read your review from 2008. We had very full plates of beef in Guinness with proper mash (not tasteless smooth puree) and veg washed down with a pint of excellent Ringwood ale.

I see that the Rawlings Hotel in Cowes now has a tapas evening! About time to correct the glaring omission of this gem of a place from your site - and beef up the meagre tapas section....??

Hey guys,
any one been to the new maharaja spice lounge in shanklin?

Sadly can no longer recommend Fakenham Farm - all the allegations were true, as reported in the IWCP this week.

Not a venue as such , But have you checked out the Island Bakers stall at Ryde market on Saturday mornings ? , On seeing your recent trip to Borough market this is i slice of that, A fantastic range of breads and pastry's using alot of Island ingredients ( Cheese , Garlic etc ) Get there early tho ( 8.30 ? ) cos alot will sell out .

Since you're now including all sorts of mainland venues here, could I suggest Garlands in the Duke Street Arcade, Cardiff? Their laverbread and cockle pie is particularly memorable...

...and given the ever-growing panoply of mainland venues flooding onto the site, could I make a renewed plea in favour of Bob Carver's miraculous fish and chip restaurant in Hull...?

Could you not put all the non-Island reviews onto a different website, rather than making us read about restaurants that we will probably never get the chance to visit.
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.

Stop trying to educate us with your unisland supernatural ways you witches, burn them.

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.

re comment on Fox's in Bembridge my wife and i have had several meals theirs.Never had a complaint about any thing.The size of the meals arn't small it is all freshly cooked to order.The staff are always friendly and helpful.You are always asked if you would like anything extra.And as for the comment about the staff not being dressed up christmassy is a a ridiculous remark,how many places to you get that.I think Paul Mullary needs to visit the restaurant before he leaves comments

Dickie, if you read the two posts, you will discover it was Brunoicat who commented on the staff dressing up. I happen to agree that one goes into a restaurant to be fed not entertained. The staff should not be expected to put on a pantomime for customers. I am sure the staff are also polite and friendly.

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.

my fave little sarnie shop..... lunch stop in union street ryde great salad bowls rolls Paninis toastys n more all as you want fresh and tasty at great prices and friendly service

Reminder: Brasnnons in Wooton Bridge with free parking for travellers between Ryde and Newport urgently needs a review: Christmas chore for Mat and Cat please!

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.

For anyone interested, the contents of the now closed, Springvale Hotel are For Sale, please call 612533. Thanks.

MATT AND CAT!!! This is a bit of a question!? Have you possibly reviewed Forresters Bistro And Wine Bar? I cannot find it on here, yet I cannot believe you've let this one slip through the net?! It's on trip advisor with raving reviews. I think it's worth a visit....

Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your suggestion, Miss Food Critique. No, we haven't been to Forresters. Yes, it's on the list!

Hey guys,
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

I agree with Jon. Out of season you need to get locals in...Jon have you tried set menu at Lugleys in Cowes, is really good value and excellent food, see link above, also Mojacs is great value with the free wine, and the Little Gloster do a set menu, when they reopen on Feb 10th.

Tumblers Cafe opposite the station at Shanklin. Nice, clean, traditional family cafe. Geoff had full Veggie breakfast and I had 2 poached eggs on toast, and pinched a few mushrooms, beans from his plate. All freshly cooked and eggs were lovely and soft. Tea/Coffee/Toast included in breakfast at £4.50, poached eggs £2.40 + 90p for mug of coffee. Great value.

Are M&C eating out for valentines? Any ideas on most romantic place? Best food?

Seems a lot of places are putting on special menus for valentines day/week - but are they special or just more expensive - knowing people will go out whatever?

We normally go to our local Indian Restaurant (Bengal Palace) same prices all year round and great food - I may even break the poppodums into heart shapes - and who says romance is dead!!

Matt and Cat respond: Aw, heart-shaped poppadums, Casanova? Who said romance is dead! We'll be out and about on Monday and Wednesday, trying a couple of new venues but not Valentine specials. However, for a lovely romantic venue and excellent food you should try Burr's. Or for a bit of flamboyant old-skool Italian, book a table at Valentino's, Carisbrooke. Although we haven't been for a while we really liked the menu and swanky interior at Lakeside Park Hotel, Wootton Bridge, great for impressing a prospective mate. Or there's always afternoon tea for two at The Royal Hotel, Ventnor. Hey, we should write a website about this sort of stuff!

Try the Pond Cafe at Bonchurch. We had the set lunch today, three courses for £18. - excellent value considering the quality

I would like you to visit The Three Bishops in Brighstone and see if you have a better experience than my friends and I did last week!

Despite the revamp - yes the fire was very welcoming after a long cold walk, which was the only good thing about our experience. We had luke warm but acceptable leek and potato soup with a meagre portion of stale bread. My coffee was ok but £1.95 for a very small cup is too much. My request for fresh milk was granted but not that cordially. A friend decided to have a pot of tea ... she said it was the worst pot of tea she had ever had - no flavour and too weak and to cap it all she was given UHT milk! - I did however calm her down when I shared my fresh milk with her. With so many other places to eat lunch, one would think they would pay more attention to detail. In future we will drive somewhere else, possibly Hulverstone as we enjoy it there.

RYDE TANDORRI...............
WHAT A DISCRACE
ME AND MY GIRLFIREND USED TO EAT THERE EVERY SUNDAY BEFORE SHE GAVE BIRTH AND LAST NITE WE WENT THERE AND ASKED FOR A TABLE FOR 2 AND THE BABY AND GOT TOLD IT WAS FULLY BOOKED..... I HAD MY SUSPISIONS SO I CALLED THEMUP AS I WALKED DOWN THE ROAD TO BOOK A TABLE FOR 3 FOR 2 MINUTES TIME AND GUESS WHAT.... THERES AVAILABILITY.
WHAT A DISCRACE IF YOU DONT WANT BABIES OR CHILDREN PUT A SIGN ON THE DOOR.
NEVER EVER AGAIN WILL I RETURN OR RECOMMEND. SO WE WENT TO MONSOON THAT HAPPILY SAT US DOWN AND HAD A SIMILAR BANQUET DEAL AND WAS VERY NICE ..... AS FOR YOU RYDE TANDORRI YOUVE LOST CUSTOM AND FUTURE CUSTOMERS YOU JOKE

A restaurant is no place for babies. I see this all too often. Young parents who are pushing babies about in the street or entering restaurants when all babies should be at home in bed especially in the temperatures experienced this past few days.

Despite my recent comments regarding fish and chip shops on the Island, my wife persuaded me to try another outlet. Following on from an adverse comment by a contributor regarding Brothers shop, he remarked that he wished he had gone to Avenue Road chippy by Caulkheads.

We went to Avenue Road chippy this evening. They had no cod (initial minus point - like a pub without lager) so we ordered two large haddock, one large chips and two mushy peas. Toal cost £12.20.

We had to wait about 15 minutes but it was cooked fresh to order.The meals were absolutely spot on. The size of the fish was exceptional and the batter was perfect(light, smooth and crispy)not the hard, dark brown, spikey hedgehog-like offerings at other places. The chips were tasty and plentiful. The mushy peas were also the real McCoy.

A bit far to travel for us but well worth it. Avenue Road has restored my faith in Island chippies.

Happily, Avenue Road chippie is just around the corner from me ( no listing in the phone book though!!!)...Thouroughly acceptable fish and chips and My daughters both love fish bites and chips.

Best Fish n Chips within 5 miles

The best fish and chips around Sandown Bay

Can I just ask..on your front page it states..That if you like a place it gets a sticker, although you review and everyone can see through this site, what happens to the places that you havent reviewed..if all your followers only stick to your recommendations, they wont actually now about all the others that you havent tried...plus all the businesses that have changed hands in the last few years...appreciate that there are loads and loads of eateries...and it takes time to get around them all.....

Matt and Cat respond: thanks for the question Jules, and all the lovely dots. You have answered your own question, really. There are about 400 reviews on our website. If we revisited venues we've already done at the rate of one a week, it would take us until 2019. So we do try to revisit, and to do new places, but we've only got so much time... and money!

Just to say that the Island bakers is back in Ryde this Saturday am , Do go and have try , The breads etc are exceptional , Tho you will both need to get up early as alot sells out quickly . 8.30 sharp ! ............( this baker is nothing to do with me , i just love the bread ! ) .........

We were all looking forward to lunching with the 'hoi polloi' in The Pond Cafe, Bonchurch! You know, Robert Thompson and all that! What a disappointment! Table booked for 1pm, got out at 3.30pm! £22 for 3 courses & £18 for two. Very limited choice. I had Scallops to start which were fine but my roast lamb consisted of two slices of fat (I don't eat fat in any shape or form, except bacon!), two 'roast' potatoes (awful and barely cooked), one yorkshire pudding (had the consistency of a muffin), two thin slices of carrot and two of parsnips. Oh, and a side dish of polenta.What happened to the green veg, we asked ourselves! Unfortunately, some of our 'Ladies' decided to miss out the starters and were sitting until 2.15pm until we all got our main courses. They were not offered a roll or bread (PLEASE note Mr.Thompson and eat at Lakeside, Wooton or Yelf's in Ryde to see how it SHOULD be done!) I didn't have a pud but all the others seemed happy with theirs. We were not offered tea or coffee so we left vowing that we would cross this place off our list for the future.

Does the Conservative Club in Shanklin fall within your remit? We eat there regularly, particularly Sunday lunch.

Matt and Cat respond: if it's open to the public for paying customers to eat, then yes, it's fair game. Presumably it is, so we'll put it on the list!

You should try 'A and J's Takeaway' in Shanklin for some great fish and chips. Some of the best cooked chips I've ever had and freshly cooked cod in a lovely batter. Good prices and so much better than fish and chips in most of the Island pubs. It deserves a visit and the good publicity which being mentioned here could give it.

Have you tried the Yarbridge Inn as we went there and it wasnt a pleasent experience, the bar staf were awful and so was the food

Highly recommend The Clifton Hotel, Shanklin. Taken over in 2011 & newly refurbished. Now has a Bistro. Amazing views, deck & lawn area & inside restaurant. Very reasonable snack menu inc selections of burgers at around £6.00. Evening menu to suit everyone. Try it - what have you got to lose?

Have you thought of trying the Villa Rothsay Hotel in Cowes. They have been running a carvery restaurant for over 30 years.
Serving fabulous food and traditional English puddings in a really unique setting with first class customer service and stunning views.

If your waiting for the Floating Bridge on West Cowes side I see the little shop has had a revamp as a "Proper Pasty Company"

Just back from Mamma Mia's in Shanklin, the new one. It has gone up market a bit , still good value, stylish decor and much improved food. Time fo a revisit I'd say.

Agree with Eric that the Isle of Arts Festival is great, 4 of us saw Phill Jupitus on Friday (were you there this year M&C alas no songs about you?) then went to New China House after for a sit down chinese meal. Lovely food and good service, with 2 rounds of drinks came to under £20 a head for 2 courses, was impressed all round.

Some people were saying they were amazed the new bistro in Ventnor turned them away at nine, on what was probably one of Ventnor's busiest evenings! Was a great buzz around the town.

I thought New China House Restaurant very much worth a try!

If Mamma Mias are reading this, can I please beg them to advertise widely their new telephone number.

I am still receiving calls for 'orders' on my home land line from their prospective customers who think they are being clever by changing the old number advertised in an old edition of Yellow Pages to mine thinking that it should start (for Shanklin) 86......

Thank you in anticipation.

P.S. Mamma Mia's - some form of compensation would be appreciated!

MESSAGE FOR ANTHONY WOOD REGARDING COMMENT OF OUR TELEPHONE NUMBER.
HI THERE NOT SURE ON WHAT YOU MEAN BY YOUR COMMENT, CHANGE NUMBER? BEING CLEVER?
WE HAVE MOVE PREMISES OUR FORMER NUMBER WAS 864999 OUR NEW NUMBER IS 861162 SO NOT SURE WHERE THIS IS GOING!?

MESSAGE FOR MAMMA MIA'S - Thanks for advertising your new number.
As well as the former number you quote, in an old advert, I believe it was Yellow Pages, you published a number beginning with 3... for customers wishing to place orders over the phone. As a result, customers aware that Shanklin telephone numbers begin with 8..., thought the 3.. was a printing error, dialled an 8 instead and landed up on my land line. This happened quite frequently at the time,and still occurs now on an irregular basis. I did speak to Mr Mamma Mia about this, but I had to agree there was nothing he could do about it. I seem to remember that to compensate for the inconvenience he did offer to supply me with a Pizza - haven't claimed it yet!
Have a good summer!

If you are ever in Portpatrick near Stranraer, don't fail to have a meal at the Crown Inn. The vert best in pub cuisine. Best pub lasagna I have tasted (apart from Bugle, Yarmouth) and the following night reached a state of ecstacy with their Steak and Ale in a Yorkshire Pudding! The meat was of the superb quality that was once served at the George, Newport, before their dramatic and sad decline! All this and clear views of the Antrim coastline....

Brawns of Cowes - a beautiful and authentic conversion of the much-lamented Primefoods, shop. Minimal change in the shop area at the front, subtly smartened up. The parlour area behind is simply gorgeous, with a feint whiff of Frenchness, and pictures of the Butchers shop as was, various shots of old Cowes, and a stray one of Ryde Esplanade! The food itself? Well, I'm no expert on Tapas, so am not well-equipped to judge. The sauid rings were nice and tender, and the sweet chili dip complemented them nicely. The samosa pastry was of the hard flaky kind, with gristly beef inside. As for the paella - the seafood element was great, but the rice was stodgy and over-oily. But how would I know - perhaps this is the authentic style? The salad in each case was crisp and nicely-presented. Overall, I'd say well worth a visit, if only for the environment itself and the attentive service. As for the food, I'd be interested to have an alternative view!

Having been using the IOW Community Club in Cowes for many years, it has always offered simple food at outstanding value. However last week the caterer of many years retired and some new chefs took over (SAS Catering) so they have made the menu their own, with more modern twists, while still offering good old fashion value for money.

On our first visit over the weekend the 2 Adults had double chilli burger and fries, and a 3 egg ham omelette with a small salad, and 2 kids had tuna/cheese jacket potato and a half size portion of lasagne/chips/garlicbread…all for £12.50!

Outstanding in terms of quality, presentation and value. Everyone ate every mouthful. Well done lads and keep up the good work - at this rate we will be popping in a lot more!

If you get the chance to try - give it a go.

Hi Guys
I would be pleased if you could find the time to review Bagel Wrap Coffee house now that we have mved to Union Street. With an exciting new menu,ice cream ,terrace garden as well as our great Italian coffee I am sure you will have a great experience.
Many thanks
Nigel
Proprietor.
PS Snow was falling the last time you visited us.lol.