Fighting Cocks, Arreton
The Fighting Cocks was for many years a very low-profile venue. But it has changed, and recently new management took over. The word went out that things were markedly better. Invited by friends to revisit, Matt and Cat decided to mix business with pleasure and see if things have improved since their previous - and disappointing - visits in 2006.
It certainly seemed that this centrally-located pub is extremely popular. A table had been booked for M and C's party, and a good job too as the pub was turning people away at the door (or at least making them wait for a seat to become free).
It was the only hot Saturday night of the summer so far and the pub was steaming with the heat from the many bodies plus the sun's rays which poured through the double-glazed windows of the conservatory.
Review continues:
Gathered around a vast table, Matt, Cat and friends studied the menu. There was certainly a far better selection than before; at least two chicken dishes along with plenty of steak, pasta and burgers. The specials board had some very interesting options including sea bream and banana. There was something for everyone, including vegetarians, and so a variety of meals was ordered; gammon, spaghetti, lamb steak and jambalaya king prawns.
It looked like the Fighting Cocks still had pretensions of being a drinking establishment, rather than solely the food conveyor belt it could so easily become. This aspiration was probably not obvious to the dozens of hungry diners, but did lead to a bit of confusion at the bar as there are separate drinks and food ordering tills; most of the punters seemed to be milling about and the bar staff were constantly trying to corral people into the appropriate queue.
With a packed pub some delay was inevitable, but when the food did arrive it looked pretty good - this was certainly a great improvement over the former menu. Matt was delighted with his jambalaya prawns - a generous mound of shell-on king prawns cooked in spices, served with salad and a slice of bread which was optimistically described as 'a crusty bloomer'. If there's one thing you don't want on an evening out it's problems with your crusty bloomers, and Matt might have preferred a bit more bread to soak up the delicious spicy juices oozing from his piping-hot prawns.
Cat too was very pleased with her meal. Spaghetti bolognese can be a touchstone for a restaurant - it's a simple dish that everyone knows. Cat found the Fighting Cocks' bolognese to be first class, a flavoursome and rich sauce with few embellishments, served over good fresh pasta and garnished with fresh parmesan shavings.
At this point one of Matt and Cat's companions had made some progress with her lamb steak, but found it to be medium-rare as opposed to well-done as she'd requested. She went up to the bar to make representations, and the party were most impressed when the Fighting Cocks not only apologised without hesitation but rather than simply cook over the steak, very quickly produced an entire new meal, complete with vegetables. This was very good service.
Matt and Cat's bill
Crab & prawn mornay £11.45
Spaghetti Bolognese £10.95
Chocolate waffle £3.95
Beer (1/2 pint) £1.25
Lemonade (1/2 pint) £1.20
Crab & prawn mornay £11.45
Spaghetti Bolognese £10.95
Chocolate waffle £3.95
Beer (1/2 pint) £1.25
Lemonade (1/2 pint) £1.20
The dinner passed with a pleasant round of chatting and eating, and the busy and cheerful venue lulled the diners into requesting the dessert menu. Matt and Cat gamely chose a pudding called Chocolate Waffle Overload. It didn't seem worth the bother of asking what this was - frankly, the clue's in the name here. It proved to be a curious round chocolate sponge pudding with squirty cream, and it was only after some excavation that the waffle element was revealed - chunks of waffle were baked into the chocolate sponge. Not a bad pudding.
Matt and Cat were more than pleased by the 'new' Fighting Cocks. The menu, the service, the food and the ambience all seem to have made significant improvements - albeit from a fairly low base - without any major impact on the prices. This pub can now hold its head up with some confidence in the big league of massive family eating-houses on the Island.
UPDATE: Matt and Cat have been here now quite a few times. It's a consistently good eating experience all round, with impressive service, a decent menu and always reasonable food and beer. Given the size and popularity of the place, this is no mean achievement; and puts to shame some other family 'mega-pubs' on the Island.
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Published: 20th July 200812526 views
Categories: We like, Pub Grub, Family friendly, Sandown & Shanklin, Local produce
34 comments
Comment from: Wendy
Veggie options have improved since the last time I looked at the menu, and there's a good range of fish dishes (the last time the menu actually put me off going there). I ordered cajun salmon with yoghurt dressing, jacket potato and salad. The rest of the party ordered steaks, and loin of pork, the pork proving so plentiful that there was some to bring home for the dog afterwards, who I"m sure would post an appreciative comment if she could! My fish was fairly light on cajun flavouring, but nicely cooked. The small salad was crunchy and fresh, but dull in a standard pub way: undressed, lettuce, bit of tomato and, yep, raw onions - you're not on your own, Cat, I don't like them either. And though packet sauces were on the table, French dressing wasn't amongst them, just salad cream and mayo.
For pudding I chose the waffle with meringue ice cream, and berries, which sounded (and was) a tad less sugar-laden than the rest. Not bad, but the berries had that slight mushiness to them that suggested they'd been frozen.
Service was friendly and helpful, and the tables were full. I don't like the layout as much as some of the other big rural pubs - it doesn't feel cosy - but it does what it does pretty well and gives decent value for money.
For pudding I chose the waffle with meringue ice cream, and berries, which sounded (and was) a tad less sugar-laden than the rest. Not bad, but the berries had that slight mushiness to them that suggested they'd been frozen.
Service was friendly and helpful, and the tables were full. I don't like the layout as much as some of the other big rural pubs - it doesn't feel cosy - but it does what it does pretty well and gives decent value for money.
02/08/08 @ 13:19
Comment from: Natalie
My family and I had a rather dismal meal there in the past few months, it was a Sunday and we'd heard the roasts were very good so decided to give it a try...compared to some restaraunts the servings were meagre, the vegetables were fairly varied and seasonal but the plate still didn't seem very full. I myself had a chicken salad which was evidently made from pre-packed chicken, very fatty and chewy, the salad itself was on a huge plate but for quality it got a thumbs down. The only redeeming part of the meal was the pudding which was a lovely chocolate orange torte, but my fellow diners did wonder whether these were frozen as well...don't think we'll be going there again.
19/12/08 @ 20:30
Comment from: Amanda
Well we took the trip to the fighting cocks in Jan 09 after hearing that the pub had been bought out again. We very impressed with the new menu and the food we were served. We had heard that it was the previous owners of the white horse in Whitwell who had bought it ( the white horse has a very good reputation for food!!).
The décor hasn't changed but it is clean and nice enough for a village pub.
I ordered mushroom storganoff which was amazing and filled with mushroom, peppers and a dash of brandy...yummy!! My other half had a mixed grill and said it was delicious! the new owners seem to be focusing a lot more on fresh, local produce 0 so long gone are frozen veg and desserts.
Please give this place another go as the new owners have really turned it around and the food is lovely with large portions - much better than the bugle!!
Matt and Cat reply: we did go again, and liked it. In fact we've been three times. The most recent review is at the top.
The décor hasn't changed but it is clean and nice enough for a village pub.
I ordered mushroom storganoff which was amazing and filled with mushroom, peppers and a dash of brandy...yummy!! My other half had a mixed grill and said it was delicious! the new owners seem to be focusing a lot more on fresh, local produce 0 so long gone are frozen veg and desserts.
Please give this place another go as the new owners have really turned it around and the food is lovely with large portions - much better than the bugle!!
Matt and Cat reply: we did go again, and liked it. In fact we've been three times. The most recent review is at the top.
21/05/09 @ 18:24
Comment from: adrian
this is not about the food, but about the common decency of returning a phone call.
i responded to a vacancy they had on the 20th of june, i gave my details to a gentleman, i told him my age, my experience(40yrs), and phone No, and was told the owner would call me when he arrived. three days later nothing, am i too old? too experienced? guess i will never know.
i responded to a vacancy they had on the 20th of june, i gave my details to a gentleman, i told him my age, my experience(40yrs), and phone No, and was told the owner would call me when he arrived. three days later nothing, am i too old? too experienced? guess i will never know.
22/06/09 @ 11:59
Comment from: Bushy
We called in at 1.45 p.m. on Saturday after our family outing to Carisbrooke castle was cut short by rain. Despite the place being heaving - augnmented by the almost simultaneous arrival of a crowd of cricketers whose game had just been cancelled - we were instantly made very welcome and found a table. The whole impression we got was one of professional service, excellent pub grub, a great family atmosphere. Considering the size of the place and the number of covers they serve, it puts to shame some supposedly highly rated establishments that we've visited recently!
13/07/09 @ 16:06
Comment from: ANN & STEVE
We've just got back from our annual trip to the Island where we dined at the Fighting Cocks twice.It is vastly improved from our previous visits & the food is very good.I had the Steak & Ale pie,it was huge!But very very tasty,with a rich gravy oozing out from the tender meat within.I also tried the crab salad & again it was lovely & fresh with a large variety of salad veg on the plate along with very fresh crab!No room for puddings on either visit!
07/10/09 @ 13:42
Comment from: Ron Hjerling
My wife and I would not enjoy our visits to the island without going to the FIGHTINGCOCKS for our evening meals.The menu is very good and varied and the steaks are to die for.We are talking of going over from NorthNorfolk just for a day so that we can have a steak with the mushroom sauce and veggies.We would not miss out that place when we are on the island.Ron and Sheila Hjerling,Eccles-on-sea North Norfolk.
29/11/09 @ 07:53
Comment from: Joan Holland 
I met my Accountant for lunch in the Fighting Cocks today ...
We both chose duck from the menu...but sadly it was soooo tough (like eating old boots) ...that I had to leave mine
(My Accountant did wade her way thru' her's ....but admitted it was not good!)
I complained to the waiter who said he would inform the chef.
On ordering my sweet I informed the three bar staff of my dissatifaction with the duck (which in my annoyanceat at the total lack of customer service ...I accidentally referred to as liver....)OOPS!
I was rather sarcastically informed by the lady who appeared to be in charge that obviously duck is much tougher than liver ..she then huffed off to serve someone else >>>
I was then charged the full price for my dessert ....which I queried .....expecting it to be free gratis after what had happened .... but was told "NO ....Sorry !!....that will be £3.75 ...thanku !!!"
So!!!! The Fighting Cocks is certainly not on my Xmas Card List ....& I'll make sure my friends & my customer's are made aware of my dissatisfaction...
We both chose duck from the menu...but sadly it was soooo tough (like eating old boots) ...that I had to leave mine
(My Accountant did wade her way thru' her's ....but admitted it was not good!)
I complained to the waiter who said he would inform the chef.
The Fighting Cocks is certainly not on my Xmas Card List
Half an hour later there was still no news from the chef ...& as I hadn't been offered an alternative meal... I was still feeling peckish so opted to have a sweet & call it a day..On ordering my sweet I informed the three bar staff of my dissatifaction with the duck (which in my annoyanceat at the total lack of customer service ...I accidentally referred to as liver....)OOPS!
I was rather sarcastically informed by the lady who appeared to be in charge that obviously duck is much tougher than liver ..she then huffed off to serve someone else >>>
I was then charged the full price for my dessert ....which I queried .....expecting it to be free gratis after what had happened .... but was told "NO ....Sorry !!....that will be £3.75 ...thanku !!!"
So!!!! The Fighting Cocks is certainly not on my Xmas Card List ....& I'll make sure my friends & my customer's are made aware of my dissatisfaction...
12/12/09 @ 16:40
Comment from: Rachel Burrows (Manager)
Dear Ms Holland,
I appreciate you bringing your complaint to Matt & Cats notice. Here at the Fighting Cocks we value every piece of feedback whether it is good, or in your case bad.
On the day mentioned, we had a new waiter on duty who was unaware of our customer service procedures. He failed to let the manager on duty and the head chef know of your complaint. He has been spoken to and will not make the same mistake again.
On hearing the full complaint from the waiter, unfortunately by this time you had already left, the manager on duty personally checked with the other customers who had the same meal. Which they replied their meals were lovely.
The Duck starter you ordered was a breast between the two of you, which unfortunately must have been a tough one.
We would be happy to send out a voucher for the full amount of the two starters, if Ms Holland would kindly email us her address to philmew@hotmail.com
We endeavour to make sure all customers leave our premises happy and satisfied.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Rachel Burrows
Manager
I appreciate you bringing your complaint to Matt & Cats notice. Here at the Fighting Cocks we value every piece of feedback whether it is good, or in your case bad.
On the day mentioned, we had a new waiter on duty who was unaware of our customer service procedures. He failed to let the manager on duty and the head chef know of your complaint. He has been spoken to and will not make the same mistake again.
We endeavour to make sure all customers leave our premises happy and satisfied.
The lady that you mentioned was the manager on duty, and only heard half of your conversation as she was in the middle of serving another customer. She only wanted to make sure you were talking about the same meal.On hearing the full complaint from the waiter, unfortunately by this time you had already left, the manager on duty personally checked with the other customers who had the same meal. Which they replied their meals were lovely.
The Duck starter you ordered was a breast between the two of you, which unfortunately must have been a tough one.
We would be happy to send out a voucher for the full amount of the two starters, if Ms Holland would kindly email us her address to philmew@hotmail.com
We endeavour to make sure all customers leave our premises happy and satisfied.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Rachel Burrows
Manager
15/12/09 @ 12:13
Comment from: Mike
Went out with a group one Friday Night in December, which was Steak Night.
Many of the group had starters, but I waited for the main course which was the Mix Grill.
Good value for money, everything i could eat, and the rest of the group, also had a good meal, we would go back again.
Many of the group had starters, but I waited for the main course which was the Mix Grill.
Good value for money, everything i could eat, and the rest of the group, also had a good meal, we would go back again.
26/12/09 @ 12:08
Comment from: Fiona
We order the local lobster which was good value for money although everything had been in the micowave to re heat. Generally the quality of the food was good.
BUT........ I like wine. There was a Romanian wine Pinot Gris so I tried it the wine itself was acceptable however totally the wrong temperature and therefore totally ruined the taste. The Cabernet Savignon from California was the cheapest nastiest tried to date also the bottle had been left open far too long and was definitely on the turn.
I cannot imagine why if you try to serve good food, you pay so little attention to the wine. Most people who like good food like good wine, not some rubbish you can make the most money on. Altogether this attitude leaves a bad taste in the mouth much like the wine here.
BUT........ I like wine. There was a Romanian wine Pinot Gris so I tried it the wine itself was acceptable however totally the wrong temperature and therefore totally ruined the taste. The Cabernet Savignon from California was the cheapest nastiest tried to date also the bottle had been left open far too long and was definitely on the turn.
I cannot imagine why if you try to serve good food, you pay so little attention to the wine. Most people who like good food like good wine, not some rubbish you can make the most money on. Altogether this attitude leaves a bad taste in the mouth much like the wine here.
10/02/10 @ 15:02
Comment from: phil mew
It's not often i take notice of comments, as i believe that people should make up there own minds and have there own opinions positive or otherwise, however statements made should be factual, the comments made by Fiona are not. the wine is served from single serve 187ml bottles,fresh every time,it may not be to their taste but not old or on the turn as stated. Also the lobster is never put in a microwave, all food is prepared and cooked in 415v(3 phase)combi oven to ensure speed with quality.
Fiona,feel free to come in and discuss my wine list any time, I'm always willing to listen to constructive comment.
Fiona,feel free to come in and discuss my wine list any time, I'm always willing to listen to constructive comment.
10/02/10 @ 17:25
Comment from: lynda
went for a meal with my partner to the fighting cocks.as soon as i came through the door i felt welcome!im shocked to hear the lady above
talking about bad wines.as i noticed from the wines menu that the get there wines from yates brewery.i had the cab sav which was lovely!fresh from single serve bottle and good price!not ott and defiantly not on the turn?!?!!we must support the local brewerys!food was good value and lovely.i will be back!great for families!i notice big enclosed play area for the kids!
talking about bad wines.as i noticed from the wines menu that the get there wines from yates brewery.i had the cab sav which was lovely!fresh from single serve bottle and good price!not ott and defiantly not on the turn?!?!!we must support the local brewerys!food was good value and lovely.i will be back!great for families!i notice big enclosed play area for the kids!
17/02/10 @ 00:42
Comment from: Mrs James
I have used the Fighting Cocks several times and always find the food very nice with not too long a wait but after my visit yesterday (Friday 16th April 2010) I will not be returning or recommending anyone else due to the fact I am Chemical Sensitive and always try to be seated well away from the toilets etc. I tried sitting outside but there is no “No Smokers” area and I’m affected by Smoke so we sat in the conservatory myself my Daughter and three grandchildren, so five meals and deserts plus drinks (not cheap) as we finished our main meal a waitress started spraying a Green Chemical Liquid on the tables as they were reset, my daughter alerted me but I was so sure she would not spray the tables next to us I carried on but to my horror she came and sprayed right next to us which caused a chocking / coughing reaction for me so we opened the fire door to get some air and I moved round to the door area to get more air my daughter went ahead and ordered the deserts so as not to disappoint the children and when the waitress cleared the table asking if everything was ok I thanked her for the meal saying it was lovely (even though the Bolognaise was quite horrible that one grandchild had) yes I tried a bit, but that I was coughing & wheezing due to the cleaner she was using so close to me... She just said oh I’m sorry about that... Then while my daughter was ordering and paying for the deserts another girl came to clean a large table next to us and went to get the chemical cleaner when she returned I called her and asked if she would mind just using a wet cloth until after we had finished our deserts as I’m allergies to the chemical cleaner to witch she replied "no I cant do that as someone may want the table" (by now the conservatory was empty apart from us) I said could just leave it while we finish eating please again the abrupt response was No...!!!
I then had to go outside and take the family outside to eat our deserts ... I would have asked to cancel the order and have my money for the deserts returned had I not had grandchildren with me as I didn’t want to spoil their day out but I’m disgusted with this treatment and shocked that the owner, Michaela, would allow this to happen apart from being shocked that any eating place would allow such a strong chemical cleanser to be used on tables and worse while people are eating so close to it as it would go onto food via the mist of it...
I’m suffering today with a sore throat & chest pain all because this "Jobs Worth" member of staff wouldn’t make allowances for my health needs so as far as I’m concerned it will be the Dark Horse for all family treats out in future as I know it wouldn’t have happened there ...
I then had to go outside and take the family outside to eat our deserts ... I would have asked to cancel the order and have my money for the deserts returned had I not had grandchildren with me as I didn’t want to spoil their day out but I’m disgusted with this treatment and shocked that the owner, Michaela, would allow this to happen apart from being shocked that any eating place would allow such a strong chemical cleanser to be used on tables and worse while people are eating so close to it as it would go onto food via the mist of it...
I’m suffering today with a sore throat & chest pain all because this "Jobs Worth" member of staff wouldn’t make allowances for my health needs so as far as I’m concerned it will be the Dark Horse for all family treats out in future as I know it wouldn’t have happened there ...
17/04/10 @ 13:05
Comment from: A. Diner
First meal at the Fighting Cocks last week, on recommendation from friends that it was a good dining pub. I thought the food was nice enough, adequate, but a bit oevr priced for what is essentially pub food in a rather bland setting. We had to book though, just for two of us, and it was very busy (mid-week)so that has got to be a good sign(hasn't it?!) Nothing on the starters menu leapt out at us and they were quite pricey, so instead we chose a couple of sides (garlic bread with mozzarella, and battered onion rings)to share. Both tasty. For my main I had lasagne, which was home-made and cheesy, but nothing to rave over. My friend had lamb, which was cooked perfectly and very tasty, but was about £11 - to me that is restaurant prices.
19/04/10 @ 22:18
Comment from: Tim
The Fighting Cocks is one of the best pubs on the island at the moment for good value food in my opinion. In addition, the staff are really friendly and helpful. I had never thought of going specifically to this pub until it was recommended by a work colleague. The veg are always perfectly cooked and not smothered in butter and the fish specials are always really fresh and nicely cooked too. It's not my local but it is my first choice on the island and that of many other people judging by how popular it is.
22/05/10 @ 23:45
Comment from: dave smith
Well it must be said that I have enjoyed my holiday on the IOW this year I ate out every night and the food was great some better than others but none of them were bad.The Fighting cocks really is one of the best.we ate here on four nights of our holiday and might have gone back more if it was not for the fact we wanted to try others.Try the fresh whole place if you go there or the or the crab and prawn mornay The duck was excellent and the Hong kong chicken great the best sweet for me was the waffle berries and ice cream I had that twice
14/08/10 @ 18:06
Comment from: TREV AND MARGt · http://www.yahoo.co.uk
TREV AND MARG
MEET FAMILY ON THE FIRST NIGHT ON THE
ISLE OF WIGHT AT THE FIGHTING COCK.WE HAD A GREAT
GREAT NIGHT AND WE HAD A LOVELY MEAL.THE
STAFF WERE FRIENDLY.WE WILL GO BACK THEIR AGAIN
AGAIN.
FROM BIRMINGHAM
MEET FAMILY ON THE FIRST NIGHT ON THE
ISLE OF WIGHT AT THE FIGHTING COCK.WE HAD A GREAT
GREAT NIGHT AND WE HAD A LOVELY MEAL.THE
STAFF WERE FRIENDLY.WE WILL GO BACK THEIR AGAIN
AGAIN.
FROM BIRMINGHAM
23/08/10 @ 17:10
Comment from: Ann & Steve
Had a very nice meal here at the beginning of our holiday.We didn't book as it was a Monday but had to be seated as they were very busy.I tried the homemade chicken kiev with chips & salad,it was huge!Luckily I was hungry,so soon made short work of the very garlicky buttery juices on the plate!Steve had the red snapper special & said it was delicious!No room for puds as too full.
Staff are friendly & helpful.It is a dining pub that turns over pretty quickly but we didn't feel at all rushed & enjoyed our visit there.Will return next stay.
Staff are friendly & helpful.It is a dining pub that turns over pretty quickly but we didn't feel at all rushed & enjoyed our visit there.Will return next stay.
10/10/10 @ 14:37
Comment from: Hannah age 8
The fighting cocks is one of the best places to eat in the world. If I was asked where I wanted to go to have lunch I would choose the fighting cocks or the sloop inn. The reason why I like this pub is because I can have my favourite meal for a good price. They have loads of different food and drinks to choose from. If I could give this pub a score out of 10 I would give it 9.
13/10/10 @ 17:44
Comment from: JO
Excellent swift service, especially considering the pub was very busy, but food was only average which was a bit disappointing. The vegetables served for two people were sparse and rather overcooked. I won't be going there again in a hurry. The White Horse at Whitwell manages to accommodate a lot of customers and still manages properly cooked vegetables and good local produce; even if a little over generous!
23/10/10 @ 23:00
Comment from: IOW Fibre Crafts
The IOW Fibre Crafts met there this past Monday - 22nd October 2010 - We were a group of seven.
We arrived in batches and each ordered as we arrived, the staff held the order until all the food was ready at the same time so we could all eat together.
The portions were huge and beautifully cooked.
The staff were friendly, polite and discreet: a paramedic arrived as we were getting ready to leave; a woman had collapsed in another part of the restaurant and we knew nothing about it until then.
I would definitely eat there again
We arrived in batches and each ordered as we arrived, the staff held the order until all the food was ready at the same time so we could all eat together.
The portions were huge and beautifully cooked.
The staff were friendly, polite and discreet: a paramedic arrived as we were getting ready to leave; a woman had collapsed in another part of the restaurant and we knew nothing about it until then.
I would definitely eat there again
25/11/10 @ 21:22
Comment from: PAUL MULLERY
Tried the Fighting Cocks (Sunday 6th March) Some of the roasts were sold out when we arrived at 7.00pm but my wife chose the remaining pork dinner and I had the liver and bacon with mash and peas. We also had two prawn cocktail starters and a bottle of wine.
The starter came within 5 minutes and the main within 15 minutes, despite the restaurant area being about 70% taken, all excellent and good portions. The staff were friendly and helpful. All in, starters, mains and wine cost a little over £40 which isn't bad. Well done to the chef and front of house staff. Will definitely go again.
The starter came within 5 minutes and the main within 15 minutes, despite the restaurant area being about 70% taken, all excellent and good portions. The staff were friendly and helpful. All in, starters, mains and wine cost a little over £40 which isn't bad. Well done to the chef and front of house staff. Will definitely go again.
07/03/11 @ 08:36
Comment from: J & J
My wife & I use the Fighting Cocks regular, we have used it for large family occasions,the food & service has alway been great.BUT on the last few occasions my wife & I have been very disappointed with the portions of 'VEG'.We had a portion of veg to share a few carrots,1 small Broccoli florret,A spoon full of cabbage and an exceptable portion of swede.SURELY IT WOULD BE BETTER TO SERVE INDIVIDUAL PORTIONS.
VERY DISAPPOINTED BUT WILL RETURN.
VERY DISAPPOINTED BUT WILL RETURN.
02/05/11 @ 19:48
Comment from: Ann & Steve
Returned here again as last years meals were pretty good.It was very busy for a Monday night so had to wait a short time for a table,which was fine.We both ordered the haddock from the 'specials' board which sounded good,but when it arrived it was swamped with a sauce so you couldn't see the fish,we checked the main menu only to discover there was another haddock dish available which we had been served in error,plus they had charged us for the main menu dish which was dearer than the one we ordered!!French waiter didn't seem to understand the error so we asked to speak to Manager who had the plates whisked away & shortly replaced with what we ordered in the first place,no apology from anyone was made,even when the refund was dumped in front of my husband!Charming!The 'special' haddock dish turned out not to be so 'special' after all the hassle we'd encountered.
This has put us off bothering to return again,the fast turnover of covers seems to be the main aim of the evening,so much better when Rachel was running it!Glad she's now at the Pointer inn & doing just fantastically!
This has put us off bothering to return again,the fast turnover of covers seems to be the main aim of the evening,so much better when Rachel was running it!Glad she's now at the Pointer inn & doing just fantastically!
22/06/11 @ 19:49
Comment from: Miss RT
Went to Fighting Cocks for about the 6th time in 18 months tonight. Unfortunately, I was let down by the food tonight. Busy warm night in the summer holidays, but thankfully we took a table outside and our food was delivered promptly. Other half had a chilli burger, and loved it as he always does here. Tiddler had a childrens cheeseburger meal and it was huuuuge - came with chips and beans (which seem to be a good quality brand of beans!) but was far too much for his 4 year old tummy! I went with the Mariners pie - not a good move on my part. I used to have medium steak with stilton & port sauce before becoming pregnant, but without the sauce you can keep your steak, and as stilton is now off the menu for me....
The Mariners pie in theory should have been excellent - a vast amount of salmon was hiding underneath a generous portion of mash. But that was literally it. Just salmon, with dry mashed potato and melted cheese on top, and an abundance of herbs (also encountered the over-use of herbs with the lasagne on a previous visit). It came with two chunks of bread, and some salad (and also a tiny bit of notepaper accompanying the salad - hmmm). Thankfully I ordered chips too, as I simply could not eat the 'pie'. Dry mash, no sauce with the fish - I love a good cheesy, saucy fish pie. I ended up ordering a goats cheese starter (it was all I fancied, sorry baby bump) which was beautiful, and made me much less grumpy. Service was efficient, and tiddler loved playing, all in all a typical pub meal really!
The Mariners pie in theory should have been excellent - a vast amount of salmon was hiding underneath a generous portion of mash. But that was literally it. Just salmon, with dry mashed potato and melted cheese on top, and an abundance of herbs (also encountered the over-use of herbs with the lasagne on a previous visit). It came with two chunks of bread, and some salad (and also a tiny bit of notepaper accompanying the salad - hmmm). Thankfully I ordered chips too, as I simply could not eat the 'pie'. Dry mash, no sauce with the fish - I love a good cheesy, saucy fish pie. I ended up ordering a goats cheese starter (it was all I fancied, sorry baby bump) which was beautiful, and made me much less grumpy. Service was efficient, and tiddler loved playing, all in all a typical pub meal really!
02/08/11 @ 21:37
Comment from: Paul Heathcote
Went here for lunch last week, and it was every good as the year before, if not better! My usual ham, egg and chips was great (good chips!) and the extra bread was lovely fresh bloomer, unlike a lot of places. Wifey had a cheeseburger that looked great and got the thumbs up, whilst the kids portions were huge!
We sat outside in the sun and were expecting quite a wait being the height of the summer holidays, but everything came in less than 15 minutes. With the great facilities in the garden the kids ate and went off to play, which allowed us to have a nice leisurely lunch together - something we don't often get.
If you're looking for somewhere the kids can amuse themselves whilst you have a nice lunch, can't recommend this pace highly enough......10/10.
We sat outside in the sun and were expecting quite a wait being the height of the summer holidays, but everything came in less than 15 minutes. With the great facilities in the garden the kids ate and went off to play, which allowed us to have a nice leisurely lunch together - something we don't often get.
If you're looking for somewhere the kids can amuse themselves whilst you have a nice lunch, can't recommend this pace highly enough......10/10.
06/08/11 @ 12:48
Comment from: loius gibbs
just been on holiday to the isle of wight and on our last day(friday) we stopped for dinner as passed it couple of times and car park full lunch and evening!!always a good sign of a good pub.the pub was heaving inside so asked friendly bar staff if any tables free?!the lady squeezed us in on a nice table in the dinging room which was great as the two children went and played in the great park!!the table was going out twice that night!!we both ordered fillet steak and there were really good!perfectly cooked. kids had beef lasagne which there eat the whole lot which is very rare!!!all that walking round the island must of gave them good appitite!!!impressed with the friendliness of the staff!!we been returning next year but ill make sure i book!!!!had couple of bad meals on the island!!also as walked out the door i clocked there food hygeine was 5 star!!!pretty impressive for a big pub but can see kitchen is run well and food is great!!
13/08/11 @ 23:40
Comment from: Sarah
Had a fantastic meal here last week while on holiay in the Isle of Wight. There were five of us, and no disappointments. Staff pleasant, lovely atmosphere, reasonable prices, great childrens play area, great food....what more could you want?
14/08/11 @ 22:47
Comment from: David Smith
Another Holiday over but the Fighting cocks is a beacon to all those other pubs that wonder why sales are falling.It may not be fine dinning but the Quality of the food is great the staff are friendly and alert.We ate in several places while on holiday here this year and the fighting cocks was our second favourite.We shall be back next year.
15/08/11 @ 16:57
Comment from: ron Hjerling
This place is our number 1 eating place on the island.
We have just had another 12 days of eating at the fighting cock.Booked the first night by email from home and the rest of the bookings when we arrived there.The owner greeted us by first names which made us feel very welcome.The food as usual was excellent,the only complaint was that even asking for small portions we were hard pushed to clear the plates.Every night we were given foil to wrap any left over meat to take for our dog.They even made and packed sandwiches for us to take on our journey home,and very tasty they were.This place is our number 1 eating place on the island.We will return again and again.
16/10/11 @ 11:44
Comment from: john
i would just like to thank all the staff at the fighting cocks, me and my family had a lovely meal when visited sunday afternoon, the service was great, we were made very welcome and our table was ready and waiting even though it was very busy at the time! my two daughters and sons in law all had the roast lamb and said it was absouloutley lovely, my wife had the cod special with the tomato and basil hollandaise, she said was fantastic and i had the Smoked haddock & wholegrain fishcakes and thought that they were superb!! A 10/10 for food and service...well done fighting cocks.
02/02/12 @ 11:59
Comment from: jane
I ate there with my family for a birthday meal and it was HORRID!!! I had the Poole bay mussels and I must say the ones you get vacum packed from the co-op ar far nicer!!. They were tiny and the liquor was like pond water. My partner had Hunter's chicken and that was just awful too, It was caked in something that resembled tomato ketchup yuk!!, He couldn't eat it. My sister had the fish pie which was still frozen in the middle!!.
I haven't eaten there since and nor would I ever again.
I haven't eaten there since and nor would I ever again.
03/02/12 @ 13:21
Comment from: Downsviewduo
Visited recently as a party of four, and have to say I was impressed with the service received. Between us we had the Sea Bass, the Carbonara, the Bacon and Cheese burger and the Hawaian burger. The food was all cooked well, good portion size (very generous), and was of a good quality. From the moment we arrived I was impressed with service from the staff, it being the school holidays the place was very busy yet waiting times were short and the staff were calm, polite and professional. I thought the prices charged for the food were good, and the menu catered to all tastes. I suppose the competition for this establishment would be The Dairymans Daughter, The Hare and Hounds and The White Mouse, and based on my visit I think it wins comfortably (particularly over the latter two). Recommended.
12/04/12 @ 16:44
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