Watch House Barn, Cowes
10th May 2009 8
Shops in Cowes – and indeed people – seem to be divided into two broad groupings. Either impossibly chic and inaccessible; or quaint to the point of impracticality. Both have their merits, but Matt and Cat undoubtedly tend to favour the fanciful when faced with the choice. So with... Read more
This is an archive review. The Hambrough is now run by a different team and Robert Thompson now has his own restaurant. Bring to mind, if you will, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Special Envoy Terry Waite; Our Very Own Frankie Howerd; and Robert Thompson The Hambrough. Institutions that have... Read more
Archive review: Island Deli, Ventnor
Uncategorised 5th April 2009
The Island deli is now closed. If the Isle of Wight is twenty years behind the mainland then in 1989, the north island must have been awash with trendy tapas bars, cheap carveries and boutique Indian restaurants. Matt and Cat are pleased that the Island may be in a... Read more
Garlic Farm Café, Newchurch
31st March 2009 20
Just what the heck is going on? If you’re under forty, please indulge M and C for a moment of rose-tinted nostalgia. If you’re old enough please join in. Do you remember, back in the day, when all you had to do was ride around on your chopper bike,... Read more
Ming Garden, Newport
22nd March 2009 19
The global recession seems to be passing the Isle of Wight’s high streets by. Apart from the sad demise of Woolworth’s, the Island’s town centres seem to be bucking the national trend, with new restaurants, at least, opening weekly. On their regular stroll to Farmhouse Fayre to buy their... Read more
Lakeside Restaurant at Rookley Country Park
15th March 2009 5
How often in films do you hear the phrase, “I’ve got a bad feeling about this“? If Star Wars is anything to go by, far too many. However, to exhaust the phrase one final time, these were the words that issued from Cat’s lips as she and Matt drove... Read more
Loaves and Fishes, Godshill: Archive review
Uncategorised 13th March 2009
The Loaves and Fishes is now closed. Matt and Cat have a good friend from the West Wight who’s a bit of a bon viveur, and who enjoys exchanging notes with them on the latest Island eateries, preferably over a glass of some appropriate quaffage. Over the years they’ve... Read more
Chale Green Stores
22nd February 2009 32
OK, alright! You’ve spoken up and, as always, Matt and Cat have taken heed. You’ve shone the beacon into the sky and your call has been answered… Chale Green Stores it is! As if the price of petrol was no object, Matt and Cat made their second trip west... Read more
This is an archive review. This venue is now closed. It seems like ages since the Hong Kong Express opened in Newport, and whilst chatting to the staff in the new bar at that time Matt and Cat were amazed and delighted to discover that yet another HKE was... Read more
The George, Newport
27th January 2009 14
Eeny meeny miny mo, to which venue will M and C go? Having visited nearly all of Newport’s eateries, Matt and Cat found themselves at the junction of South Street and St James Street where, side by side, were the two of the most prominent untried dining rooms of... Read more