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.

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

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..

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?

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.

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.

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....??

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.

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.

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.

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.

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"

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.

Have you tried the Aqua Hotel in Shanklin? Cracking Lunch...try the seafood or the Sunday Lunch is great! Just returned from a weeks holiday there. Fabulous...despite the weather!

I think it's definitely worth trying out The Steamer Inn, Shanklin again. Your review is dated July 2007!
They've got new chefs,new staff and had a complete outdoor renovation with new terrace, seating, signage etc.

Give it another go! :)

Newport Cafe(formerly Joyce's Cafe) in Scarott's Lane market, Newport has just opened under new management. The food is very good with prices kept low. I've just been in for a breakfast and I'm very happy now! Pop in and show your support for a new business!

Not so much a suggestion, more a request for a suggestion....

Does anyone know a pub that does good pub grub whilst also offering a reasonable and reliable vegan choice as well? A tall order, or a justifiable expection in this day and age....?

Matt and Cat reply: we crowdsourced your question on Twitter, and The Royal Hotel no less replied: "Roger at the Taverners Godshill is always accommodating, but would call beforehand"

Wow! Thanks M&C x

Not got a venue suggestion as such - but have a suggestion about the site... It would be great if you can have a 'vegetarian' category so us veggies can quickly find places you think would be good to eat! Thanks.

HAVE YOU GUY'S NOT TRIED THE BEACH SHACK IN STEEPHILL COVE YET, HAD A WICKED BACON SANDWICH FOR BREAKFAST WATCHING THE ROUND THE ISLAND RACE, STAYED FOR LUNCH AND WE'RE IMPRESSED BY THE MENU WHICH HAD LOCAL VENTOR CRAB IN SANDWICHES OR BAGUETTES, A HOME MADE CRAB TART AND A CRAB SOUP WITH THAI SPICES. WE WENT FOR CRAB SOUP EACH AS A STARTER, FOLLOWED BY A CRAB TART AND AND A CRAB SALAD. TWO WORDS.................SPOT ON. HAVE NOT SEEN SEEN THIS CAFE ON YOUR RADAR YET. MUST VISIT. SOPHIE.

Had a late lunch in Seven (Brighstone) on Saturday. The staff were very helpful and polite, the food excellent with fresh ingredients, and good beer and wine on offer, well worth a try! (and this on a very wet weekend, on a sunny day, sat outside, I am sure it would be even better!)

How about giving the new pop up Fish and Chip shop 'Catch' in Yarmouth a go. Lobster burger, sauvignon ! Is it really a fish and chip shop that offers something out of the ordinary while still producing good fish and chips ?

I would like to recommend the cafe at the Dunelm store in Newport. I went there for the first time today - there is only a small menu but what I had was good - the coffee was about £1.50 and the jacket potato with tuna mayonnaise with salad garnish was if I remember rightly £3.50. The service was quick and I was very impressed to see a member of staff rushing around clearing and cleaning the tables immediately after the customer had left. There were newspapers to look at and colouring sheets for young children. Everything was just right for a quick visit.

Yes,I agree the cafe at Dunelm is good,the coffee is excellent.
I must have gone on a busy day though,as the queue at the counter was snail pace.The other issue I had on the day,was one of the toilets was out of paper,and there was no handwash left in dispenser.I did mention this to a young lady at the Cafe,who assured me this would be corrected,but had my suspicions that the message was not being passed on,as said young lady remained at the cafe for the length of my visit.

Lifeboat View, Bembridge

I don't eat shellfish and hate jacket spuds BUT their veg lasagne is really quite delicious. I stopped going there a few years ago due to a terrible meal and decided to give it a whirl again after learning a new chap was in charge.

The place is quite a treat for crustacean lovers, the lobster lunches look good.

The female staff were friendly and attentive, perhaps the chaps could take a leaf out of their books and remember a smile is free.

We stopped at Jolliffe's in Shooters Hill, Cowes for refreshment at the weekend. Formerly a shoe shop with the best shop frontage on the Island, it has now opened as a tea room and gallery. A pot of tea and a slice of homemade cake was £3, whilst coffee and cake was £3.20. Very reasonable prices and the owner was really friendly too.

Just had the best cream tea at CHALE BAY FARM. home made scones fab real clotted cream and fab cakes.

Had a perfect meal at the pond cafe,bonchurch. Absolutely faultless in every respect.

I've read the comment about The Four Seasons in Wroxall. It always looks so clean and begs to be visited: we'll give it a go. I wonder if it has a garden.
Seabreeze in East Cowes which we have loved for years seems to have changed hands. Anyone know for sure? Very disappointed when popped in for coffee some weeks ago - dirty cup, lipstick round the edge, perfunctory service. Oh dear....

We had lunch at the Essex Cottage in Godshill today. I must say I have been to the two previous incarnations and this was by far the best. I had the meat platter, lovely... Two of the party had New York chicken and they loved it. Three others had various fish dishes which they duly scoffed. I know this may sound trivial but the chips... The chips were amazing as well, they were of the twice or thrice cooked variety.

Great meal and great service so much so that we have booked Sunday lunch there in a couple of days time. Highly recommended.

As for your anti-spamming grass colour question, since the arrival of a puppy in the household our grass is no longer as green as it should be!

To Neil Walker

Re: Seabreeze, East Cowes

Hi Neil,
So sorry you had a bad experience, please except our apologies and please make yourself known to me, Dino, should you come in again. I am the owner of Seabreeze and have been since 2002 and still going strong. We have had a change of staff recently so maybe there are a few faces you don't recognise. We always endeavour to deliver excellent customer service and great food, so I can only hope this was a one off.
Kind regards
Dino

Can I suggest the Wheatsheaf in Brading gets a visit? Popped in a few times now and had their breakfast. Mind blowingly good value for money at £3 which includes tea/coffee and 2 rounds of toast. Some places are charging over double that for the same thing. Can't fault it so deffo worth a look.

The Tuppenny Cafe at Whitecliff Bay. Best beach cafe by miles - great food, atmosphere and lovely cream teas.

Try Brawns in Cowes. I am always very leery of tapas bars as I think all too often it is just an excuse to give tiny portions at great expense. But was pleasantly surprised at Brawns. Loved the lamb meatballs in tomato sauce and a chicken wing dish. I was disappointed with the cheese stuffed chillis- it was just the regular stuff you can get now in supermarkets (for some reason I thought it would be baked in the oven) but all in all I really enjoyed it. The portions are quite respectable.

How about visiting Rhythmtree Festival next year? A Matt and Cat take on the whole atmoshphere would be well worth reading, I's sure! As for the food, the Latin American nachos smelt alluring, but I'm afraid the lure of the veggie cafe won out. Spicy chick pea and lentil daal (hang on, I thought lental and daal were the same thing?) - served with a cheery smile. The helpful child who was clearing up and generally assisting gave me hope the next generation is not entirely consumer-focussed. Plenty of rice - no skimping here with some nice flat-bread and all for a reasonable £7. Excellent fresh cake too - a certain place in Cowes could learn from this - no polythene in sight and a proper home-made taste as a result!

Have you tried the Sugar loaf cafe in Freshwater Bay yet? The owner,Howard, was a chef at a Island hotel for many years, and we went to stay just for the sweet trolley! He's now opened here, and I'm sure he'd love you to pop in for coffee and cake! P.S His dad Harry is a legend in his own right...

Eye spy with my little eye something beginning with C... Costa Coffee confirmed for Newport. In old Millets store. http://www.iwight.com/council/departments/planning/appsDIP/temptifpdf/1inmom4551mou255l2k4t155120904071319.pdf

Glad someone has suggested Sugar Loaf at Freshwater. Beautifully fresh in every way - you get the feel-good factor on entry and as you leave. A great addition to the area...

The Beach Hut at Forelands Beach, perfect setting. Delicious, and very reasonably priced lunch. A home-made Goats Cheese Tart (properly cooked) with home-made potato salad and salad leaves - £5.50. Feta, roast cherry tomatoes and herb bruchetta with salad £5.50. Huge pot of tea each, £14 total. Lovely, will be coming back for breakfast next 10.30 to 11.30 am.

Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comment, Sue. It's always good to hear about places that serve decent vegetarian food.

Hey Matt and Cat, you must try the West Bay Country Club. I had a spa day there with my daughters and a friend. This included lunch and use of the facilities. We were so impressed with the place that we are going to have our holiday next year here. The lunch was lovely and staff and service excellent.Also very good value for money.

I know you dont normally review spa days but you should try this, I have been coming to the IOW for years and this is one of the nicest places we have been to.

Kind regards
Nancy

Inspired by Man vs Food me and the rest of the gang are looking for eating challenges on the Island. So far have identified Egons in Cowes, has anybody got a suggestion?

(Quite excited, the last one I did was as a student in the now defunct Fatty Arbuckle chain. Puked on the pavement afterwards, but got the t-shirt!)

Matt responds: We would suggest Original Phil's, The Dark Horse, the White Horse, or The Alamo. All have been known to put on prodigious meals, in some cases with a prize for finishing. Or just have a normal mixed grill at The Pointer. It's bigger than your head.

Samphire Coastal Kitchen
New place on Ventnor Esplanade, was mentioned in IWCP last week. Went along for breakfast on this lovely sunny day. Very nice decor, good quality china and cutlery. Veggie breakfast freshly cooked, and served on hot plates (hooray). Would love it if chefs could give a bit of thought to the veggie option rather than just not including the meat - how about griddled/sauteed courgettes. Anyway, a very nice place, lunch menu looks good, and they are open Friday and Saturday evenings. A good addition to Ventnor Esplanade.

I see the chinese take away in Mill Hill Rd, Cowes, which used to be Bamboo Garden has re-opened. Popped in for a menu, its Asian Fusion, twinned with Lake!

Anyone tried it yet? If not I will report soon!

I would like Matt and Cat to try The White Lion in Arreton again as there are no current reviews. I went there for the first time in about a year at the suggestion of a friend. We opted for the Buy one Meal and Get one Free as it was a special lunchtime deal. We both chose the fillet of white fish served on a mountain of mashed potatoes and served with a large bowl of vegetables. This amounted to approximately £5 each which was excellent value, but perhaps a little uninspiring but perfectly acceptable. A party of us visited during the evening of the same week and most fared well. However, my Smaller Appetite meal of Fish and Chips and Peas was not good. The chips were fine, but the formed Cod(?)fillet was tasteless. Despite these comments, I would go again.

The Pie House, Sandown Station

I had a great Full English there on Saturday, good quality ingredients. Lovely doorsteps of toast, the bread was from the Village Bakery in Freshwater - what a welcome change from cheap, white supermarket sliced. There was a good selection of bread available for sale as well.

As their name suggests, homemade pies are a feature including pie, mash and liquor.

The staff were very friendly and couldn't do enough for you - I was even given a sample warm sausage roll!

Grest stuff - I must try for a pie lunch next time.

laura janes cafe castle street cowes give them a try , its a new cafe and im sure they would welcome your comments

The Captains Table previously the Waterside Cafe next to the swimming pool on Ryde esplanade.
Probably the best value breakfast on the Island
Mini - sausage, egg, bacon,beans,fried bread and toast and butter. £2.50 YES £2.50 !!
Next one up the same plus hash brown, mushrooms and more beans £4.50
Well cooked and presented by a friendly and efficient staff.
Highly recommended.

The Isle of Wight Sausage Competition is on Thursday 15 November from 7.30pm in the Dairyman's Daughter in Arreton Old Village. The competition is open to anyone who wants to make some sausages - butchers, chefs and home cooks.
This is a fun competition which welcomes homemade bangers made from pork or alternative (any meat or none). Any ingredients are welcome - the judges are looking for the tastiest sausages. Farmer Jack's can supply sausage skins if you don't have any!
Enter your bangers by contacting Farmer Jack's for an entry form hello@farmerjacks.co.uk, pop into the shop or call Stuart on 07973 382965.
Spectators are very welcome on the 15th - there will be the chance to taste a range of sausages as well as watching the judging and enjoying a pint.

Please re-visit the Red Duster in Cowes. I have had some excellent food there in the past, but last visit was a bit disappointing. Tripadvisor reviews are likewise erratic.

Sorry to hear that the Windmill in Bembridge is closing next Tuesday. Possibly the proprietors have had enough of the brewery taking all the profit.

http://www.isleofwightbeachcafe.co.uk/
The beach hut on forelands beach... We were looking for the wonky cafe but stumbled across this little gem of a place. One of the few places still open this time of year - and they're open until December! Fantastic food, the mackerel pate was one of best I've had and equally good service.

Can I suggest re-visiting the Waterside at the boating lake in Ryde which is now called the Captain's Table?

You must try a new restaurant that has opened on Ventnor seafront called Samphires. During the day they do lighter meals but in the evening that do a full menu of freshly prepared home-made dishes. A group of six of us ate there on Satrurday evening and had a fantastic meal together with very friendly service. They haven't been open long and just need to be known as arestaurant offering good food not only during the day but in the evening as well. Just try them out and hopefully you will have as good a meal as we did.

You should go visit Cameron Tearooms at Dimbola Lodge museum. They do the best Sunday Lunch, especially when its chicken! The cakes are also all homemade and are delicious. I noticed a sticker on the window saying you'd been ages ago, but its changed so much! Definitely recommend a re-visit if you havent already, especially after the re-vamp.

Mat and Cat respond: Hi Chloe, thanks for your comment. We think that Dimbola is great. Although our review is quite ancient, we have been many times since - the picture on the front of our Facebook page is of a recent cream tea at the fabulous cafe. Perhaps we should have another though, if the tea room has had a revamp :)

In Shanklin to visit Theatre and had dinner in Dragon Pearl, been going here on and off for 20 years I reckon, and it really has not changed, which when serving food of tasty high quality is a very good thing!

2 soups and prawn crackers, 3 mains and 2 rices, 3 beers and a bill for £34, that is very good value, and more importantly every mouthful was lovely. I think this is my favourite 'traditional' Chinese Restaurant on the Island! The free 2013 calendar a nice touch too!

Hi Matt and Cat

Isn't it about time for an updated review of the Garlic Farm Café? It's been a while since your last visit and the cafe has become a popular venue for summer tourists and Island residents. It would be interesting to see if they can impress you more than they did during your last visit now that they have been up and running for a couple of years. I have always enjoyed my meals there although some of the other reviews from other users are mixed. Look forward to hearing your thoughts and keep up the great work!

have you not been to the Hillside Hotel Ventnor

Matt and Cat respond: Not yet, Phil. But we hear it's worth the trip.

Picked up a leaflet about the Roadside Inn, Nettlestone. There is a grand opening on the 15th December. Canapes provided with a restaurant opening later on. May be the same owner but someone told me it had been taken over by a couple who live in Nettlestone. Will definitely pop in and check it out.

Roadside Inn is definitely under new ownership and management,

Have you considered Adgestone Vineyard? Claims the best cream tea on the IW on its website, and I would be hard-put to disagree. Other delectable choices as well. Has been an orchestrated campaign against this place on Trip-Advisor, wholly unjustified in my view. Whole place was on the market last year, not sure of outcome. Would be interested in your view...

Surprised to see that you haven't visited/rated 'The Woodvale' in Gurnard - at least it's not on your map? Definitely recommend. Good atmosphere, excellent food and some refreshingly different draught Ciders...

Matt and Cat say: voila

Popped into Fine Nammet in Shanklin for a coffee (where Mamma Mia's used to be). Food looked tasty - noticed Island produce mentioned - and 2 or 3 course lunch menu prices reasonable. Hope to eat there soon!

Would like to know what the Seaview hotel food is like now Alan Staley has been appointed as new head chef.
Also an update on the Spyglass, Ventnor, please

Matt & Cat respond: he's only been there a week! As big Staley fans we are intending to go there, but maybe we'll give him a short while to settle in. And Spyglass? Yes, we will be going back there too some time. That review is getting a bit old.

Have been to the New China House in Ventnor today, and was intrigued to find it rather a retro dining experience. Any reason why you so not seem to have reviewed it? Only reference I could see was someone suggesting in 2005 that you visit!

Elsewhere I spotted today that the former Manoel's in Cowes has now re-opened as a Basque restaurant under a different name That really seems like something unusual - don't remember seeing one anywhere before....

Has anyone got anything to say about Salvatore's In ryde as i keep going past and thinking I need to give it a try and would like to know what anyone thinks.
Matt & Cat any chance of a review of this place as it is no where to be seen on your site

Thanks

Paul

Matt and Cat reply: yep, true enough, we've yet to review it - no reason why we have not, it looks great, just haven't got round to it!

Costa Coffee in Newport...Yummy....well worth a visit. Chocolate brownies delicious, so is the cappuccino....

we have just visited Carters restaurant (attached to the Bayhouse hotel)in shanklin. New owners and menu. We had the most fantastic meal. And it was responsibly priced. Defiantly the best restaurant in shanklin at the moment, it also has a large outside decking area, so can't wait for the sun to arrive. You should visit . Kate dale

Could I suggest a visit to the "My Cakery" tearoom if in East Cowes? Very pink and turquoise with aromatic fragrance wafting through. Unusually a glass tea-pot is placed in the centre of each table, just waiting to be charged up with water and tea-bag. Rather nice cakes, as the name suggests! The tea is served in dainty patterned cups - those with less than dainty fingers may be well-advised to accept the offer of a mug when made, to avoid a table-cloth related incident!

Matt and Cat respond: Thanks as always for your comment, da yw wyth. You certainly paint a pretty picture of 'My Cakery'.

Dear Matt and Cat,
I have just taken over the Union Inn in Cowes and we would love you to come and visit us.
Our new menu is all homemade and cooked fresh to order for every customer. The pies are fantastic, as is the Spaghetti, but I definitely recommend trying a bowl of our homecut chips. I can't get enough of them and I'm going to be twice the size if it carries on this way!

If visiting on the weekend we suggest booking or coming early as we are often sold out of the Specials by 8:30pm due to small stock holding.

Hope to see you soon!

Can we suggest Amabi - the new Basque restaurant by the chain ferry in Cowes. Here is our review of what we thought when we went for Easter Sunday lunch. We were impressed!

We went as a family of 4, 2 weeks after Amabi Cowes opened. We were really impressed. The ambience is fantastic - very Basque and foreign feel, with good music that is not overwhelming. The staff are courteous and knowledgable about the Basque cuisine. The chef is something special - Spanish himself, and his natural feel for his own cuisine really shines through in the excellent cooking and finesse of his dishes. We enjoyed some delicious gambas al ajillo which were perfectly cooked, some excellent croquetas with a delicious filling of cheese and chopped chorizo, tortilla that was still soft and delicious inside and some very fine Jason iberico. The price was very reasonable and we will certainly be revisiting soon, and taking more friends to share the lovely restaurant.

Hi Matt & Cat, will you be trying the new branch of French Frank's in Ryde?

Matt and Cat respond: Hi Hannah, thanks for your comment. We popped into French Franks, Ryde shortly after it opened. Cat had a smoked salmon and cream cheese seeded bagel Matt had a baguette. The food and service are of the same standard as the Newport branch. We'll be bound to write a review in due course :)

Hello Matt and Cat,

May I suggest you both take a trip to Shanklin and try Fine Nammet. A welcome new addition to the Shanklin restaurant scene!

Could I suggest dropping by at the Coffee Shop at Whippingham Church Centre? Bright, clean and full of fascinating displays on the more obscure aspects of history of church and churchyard.

Coffee and soup are of the instant variety. However, it is the cakes that elevate this venue into the elite category! Hearing that they were made by "a local lady and her daughter" was immediately a good sign, and so it proved to be when I bit into a memorable coffee and walnut cake. The main thing, and worth the visit in its own right? Here is to be discovered the ULTIMATE cheese scone...!

Matt and Cat respond: you know exactly what we like, da...

Absolutely cracking little coffee shop at Whippingham. The cakes are a joy and the surroundings peaceful. Excellent spot.

The Roadside Inn at Nettlestone is now well into its stride, having got most of its local trade back and now doing very reasonable food. The young chef, James, is genuinely interested in customers' views, and is doing a good range of properly home cooked dishes. Sunday lunches are particularly popular (essential to book) and there are some innovative touches in the bar snacks (e.g. crispy duck with pancakes). For the pre-quiz snack on Friday, they even laid on a "retro" moment by providing scampi in the basket for a fiver!

Great discovery today - a new tea and cake venue towards the top of Ventnor High Street - going by the name of "Cake". It is an offshoot to one side of the shop "AtSarahsHouse" housed in the former Stiby & Elderfield store.

The tearoom itself is beautiful - restrained colour scheme with classic furniture and real bay bushes in pots in various corners. Window to the back looking out towards holm oaks.

The cakes? Gorgeous textures and flavours abound. My date and walnut cake was moist with almost the texture of a brownie, fabulous spicy tang to it. Another customer left saying she had just eaten the best chocolate cake in the world.

The icing on the cake? The enticing sign outside advertising "sumptuous cheese scones"! I will have to return another day at bit earlier in the day, before they sell out like hot.... scones!

Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comment, da. We were in Ventnor last night, dining at El Toro Contento and spotted 'Cake' on our way back to the car park. It looks lovely from the outside - from what we could see with our noses pressed to the window at 11pm at night!

We are Cowes residents and we used to love this old town legend. However, the young new landlady seems to inexperienced and her start has not been good. She fails to understand the significance of this pub and need to keep a niche in order to gain back the regular crowd through the harsher winter months when the yachties aren't in. She misses a trick with the new menu - we ordered a starter of seafood selection. It was average and contained a standard selection that you could find anywhere. It failed to show off the fantastic local seafood available on the island - Bembridge crab, Ventnor dover sole and lobster. It came with a bland French baguette. Why could the chef not prepare home baked bread using the flour milled locally? This would really impress. There is so much Isle of Wight produce - garlic, tomatoes, seafood and fish, beef, pork. Yet the kitchen fails to showcase any of it. The all female staff are underskilled and rude. We sat at the large table by the end of the bar (we have sat there many times) and no one served us. We had to ask. One barmaid sat checking her Facebook page, while the other two talked loudly about their boyfriends. Also, through the winter one of the real features of the place is the open fire. No one bothers to light this anymore, and it adds to the cold feeling of the place.
Olivia - please take note from your regulars on whom you depend on out season. Step it up or find someone who can.
Keith Winters.

Keith W... interesting comments. But it would be useful if we knew where you were talking about?

It's crystal clear it's the Union that's being talked about...

Re: Roadside Inn Nettlestone.
Not sure about the last review, as I called in last Sunday and found the place empty. Only one choice of meat & unfortunately that was cold, ok when returned re-heated, but still a bit pricey.

In all my disappointment I neglected to name the culprit - of course it is the Union Inn in Cowes.
I am now frequenting the Pier View instead. Such a shame, the Union used to be great.

Well we have been to the roadside, a couple of times now, and we have had the roast and we thought it was very good value for the quality and amount. I think this pub is trying to achieve something a bit better then being just a pub. I have met the chef, James, and he sounds like he knows what he wants to achieve and i have all the confidence that he will, with a bit of support,so i would advise to check them out!

Can I echo the comments of SOPHIE VEENENDALL from last July regarding the Beach Shack at Steephill Cove? This must be the best vantage-point for a panarama of the cove, and positively Mediterranean in its feel. Goergeous crispy baguettes and ever-fresh fillings, accompanied by top-notch coffee! Don't arrive too near closing-time, though - everything is so fresh that the local crab - and even the ham - may be gone by that time!

I cannot comment on the food but I have been to the Roadside for a quick pint to check out the eating arrangements.

The eating area is too near the bar. Not an ideal place for a quiet meal.

The tables are too close. I suggest they take out the armchairs from the alcove and put two tables in there and re-arrange the rest to give more space between the tables.

The tables are covered in red and white checked cloths which looks very much like a greasey spoon cafe. These should be replaced with white tablecloths.

Given the closeness of the bar to the dining area, I would eat early before the drinkers arrived

Firstly thankyou for your comments on our pub .We have only been trading at the Roadside since December having never run a pub before !!!!! I am pleased to say we have been so well supported since our opening by our locals and those who have further to travel .Our Sunday roasts are becoming well known already as good quality ,good value meals and often now booking is sometimes essential as we regularly sell out .
To compare us to a greasy spoon cafe is an unfair comment ,everyone who comes through our doors comments on the look and feel of the pub and think we have made a great effort with our decor .Feel free to visit our Facebook page and view our photos .Yes maybe our tables are close together but no worse than many other pubs unfortunately that is the space we have and we use it the best we can .We have had such lovely comments and support since we opened and as we are new to this trade we are eager to learn .I would like to add that people like us who decide to have a go in this time of recession I believe should be praised and supported ,if not we all know the pub is a dying trend and it would be a sad day to see little pubs like ours disappear .

Three Buoys - Appley Beach. New bistro/restaurant above the Appley Beach Cafe opened a few days ago. Fantastic setting, especially on the balcony overlooking Ryde Sands. Excellent menu, we went for Brunch, all very fresh and innovative, and great choices for us veggies. Emphasis on fresh and natural ingredients, foraged leaves, edible flowers etc. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff. A great addition to the Ryde eating scene. We'll definitely be going back for dinner.

Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comment, SueA. We'd spotted that Bay Grill had been renamed, and we look forward to trying the food at Three Buoys.

The Roadside - I did some work for the last owner a couple of years ago, he told me that despite getting positive feedback from the few diners he served, in general the pub wasn't supported locally so he moved on.
I found the pub to have a small but regular group of vocal 'wet led' customers who contrast starkly to what the new owners seem to aspire towards.
I would think that the suggestion "booking essential" is not used as this is obviously not the case, and will deter the casual diner when passing.

As I previously stated,Paul, the thought of sitting down for a meal with a bar full of pool players and drinkers chattering away about 6 feet from you is not ideal. I have eaten in several pubs and restaurants on the Island and never encountered red and white chequered tablecloths. I've seen them in Gossips at Yarmouth and the cafe in Monkton Street but there again, they are cafes.

With respect to clientele, when I go past during the week there is hardly anyone in. One guy told me it does better at weekends.

Although a Grockle, I have family connections to the Island, and make regular sailing trips and cycle tours.

On somevsailing forums, visitorsto the Newtown/Shalfleet areaI have recommended "The Dairy Deli", farm shop and cafe at Shalfleet, part of Calbiurne classics. I have not yet had an opportunity to visit there yet, but would like to know what our esteemed gastronomes make of it, their website is
http://www.calbourneclassics.co.uk/shop.php

Thanks

Rather than criticising the tablecloths, we should be celebrating the fact that a (mostly) young and enthusiastic team are making a good effort to revive a village pub that was in danger of being closed down and redeveloped. Three years ago this was a lively pub with a very cosmopolitan clientele, but the management at the time walked away because of the rent being charged by the pub company, and the next landlord (despite his comments to paul s) drove off most of the regulars through a combination of hideous "gothic" décor, harsh lighting and incredibly loud music: a combination guaranteed to drive away diners as well as killing the conversation that is a key feature of any village pub. The new team are providing good food in a proper pub atmosphere: a formula that I greatly prefer to those pubs where food is the only emphasis.

By the way, I like the tablecloths - they remind me of many Bavarian hostelries!

My goodness ,how amusing our tablecloths are causing such a reaction !Our customers are loving our decor and love the fact we are making an effort .Our OAP lunches are going down well and again these customers love the fact they can sit in a warm and welcoming setting and enjoy good food at great prices and feel they are somewhere a little bit special .Our decor we feel has the look of a cosy country pub and the table cloths were inspired from french/Italian bistros .Our aim is to offer something slightly different from other pubs .To say booking is not essential is a strange remark as again this Sunday we sold out of roast dinners as we often do ,so the comment booking is often essential is relevant if you know you definitely want to dine with us on certain days .
To keep comparing us to past landlords is silly as we have certainly put our own mark on the Roadside and have given the community back it's village pub .