Like many waterfront taverns, the Folly Inn attracts a crowd of yachting types throughout the year - excessively so in the summer; presumably the sailors are attracted by the adjacent moorings and the excellent food and beer.

Matt and Cat are not afraid to join in the summer throng as there are plenty of tables outside and the food is worth the (short) wait. In the winter the bar is cosy and welcoming with a real fire roaring away.

The menu changes regularly and is very reasonably priced. The food really is excellent and there is a great variety. You vegetarians will not have to suffer the tedium of cheese omelettes - try the spinach parcels with a balsamic glaze. For the omnivores there is plenty to choose, from Aberdeen Angus in red wine to chicken baked with a dusting of garlic and paprika. The puddings are of unusually high quality too, and this is one location where Matt and Cat usually break from tradition and have a dessert. The traditional rhubarb crumble and custard is sublime (and, unlike the pubgrub chains, not microwaved).

A wilfully characterful feature is the table names - each table is named after a boat. No doubt this was not deliberately designed to confuse the customer, but it can embarrass them into saying things like "I'm sitting on the Lively Lady of Cowes". Luckily, the bar staff are wise to this game and there is a chart of the tables pinned up next to the till, where you can mutely point at your location if you are too slow to have memorised your table name, or, indeed, if you can't pronounce it. Look out for Matt and Cat's favourite table, "Boss Cat"!

A great place for an intimate winter meal or a sunny lunchtime snack with a spectacular view of the Medina estuary.

Visit the website: http://www.follyinn.com/