Matt & Cat's Isle of Wight eating out guide - Latest comments on Granny Winter's Pantry, Havenstreet

In response to: Granny Winter's Pantry, Havenstreet

Adam — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:07:21 +0000

Good review. Ok, so the name dosent exactly sound flash and modern, but neither does The Waverly or The George. I admit the sausages are somtimes a bit barbequed but what we have to remember is that it is run by volunteers.

In response to: Granny Winter's Pantry, Havenstreet

Graham — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:58:06 +0000

This review surprises me greatly!

I agree that the food (the sausages) were not of amazing quality, but I fed my family (three children) any myself for just over £10 so I cant possibly complain.

What really gave me a good experience was how good the service was, the young staff were very friendly and welcoming even though the cafe was very busy, which i found endearing.

I work in the catering business, and we do pots of tea, however the majority of people, always ask for mugs (or cups) so I feel for the pantry on that critique.

Although i have only been to the Steam Railway once, I WOULD love to go again.

Graham - Sheffield

In response to: Granny Winter's Pantry, Havenstreet

Norfolk Nick — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:56:45 +0000

This is a great tourist attraction & well worth a visit but the food is not good. So bad that even my ravenous kids didn’t eat their meals……………..condemnation indeed.

Don’t really think anyone can argue that Matts sausages look very unappetising & for £4.50 I would expect much better.

In response to: Granny Winter's Pantry, Havenstreet

Ellen — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:11:32 +0000

I think that you have been extremely harsh on the Steam Railway! It isn't their fault that they are constantly rushed off their feet with customers to not have the time to constantly clean cutlery. Plastic cutlery is a perfectly sensible back up to the silverware which I'm sure would have been replaced had the issue been brought to the attention of a member of staff. It does say on the menu that the tea is available in a mug, cup or pot, so that clearly is your own fault :) I have been to eat there a few times and I must say i have always been extremely satisfied with my meal. The food being on a hot plate does not bother me because i know it will have been there purely for speed service in busy times, my god they would get complaints if they had to cook the food there and then (!) If you would like to eat something fresher then why not order something else? I know that they have a varied menu. Yes, Granny Winters Pantry might sound like a 1940's tea room but this is the 21st century, they would probably get half as much business if it was to be styled as such - it would probably put families off from bringing their children in. About the insect thing, it is inevitable that a fly is going to be attracted to warm food; it has happened to me a few times but its hardly something to kick up a fuss about - let alone take a picture! Last but not least, I would like to say that the staff are always kind, consistent and welcoming. Big up Havenstreet!

M & C respond: thanks Ellen and you are quite right about the tea. We have edited the review to reflect this. We also agree with your remarks about the staff - perhaps we could have emphasised more that they were all very friendly and helpful. The fly, however, had for some time been beyond being attracted to anything, except by gravity.

In response to: Granny Winter's Pantry, Havenstreet

Neil (local) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:58:30 +0000

Well I've been a few times and have to say although the place is generally clean and the staff are polite, the quality of the food has a lot to be desired.

In response to: Granny Winter's Pantry, Havenstreet

Simon — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:39:52 +0000

Well, it must just be "Horses for courses" here. I had a fish and chip supper at the Steam Railway this week, and I thought they were possibly the nicest chips I had eaten in a long while. The cafe was clean and very pleasant and the staff. as always,polite and efficient. What are you talking about you two?...and more to the point WHY??? !

In response to: Granny Winter's Pantry, Havenstreet

bushy — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:51:46 +0000

How sad that the two family tourist attractions you have visited recently have been such a let down. What a contrast to the two we've been to in the last few weeks: Robin Hill and Carisbrooke Castle, both of which distinguished themselves with freshly made food and regularly cleaned tables.

In response to: Granny Winter's Pantry, Havenstreet

Nick Churchill — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 21:43:12 +0000

Once again M&C you have hit the nail on the head in your observations. Having visited Havenstreet on a number of occasions over the last few years I knew this year to take a picnic for my son and I rather than eat at Granny's Pantry. While the rest of the site is excellent, especially if like Alex and I you are Steam enthusiasts. but the one part that does let it down is the catering and catering facilities.

Once again M&C you have hit the nail on the head in your observations.

For an attraction that has so many visitors you would think that they would get that part right, apart from anything else think of the lost revenue that could be ploughed back into the attraction!! One other thing that rather annoys me is that the 'tent thing' they have for people to eat under can only be used if you purchase from them and there is nowhere else under cover to use for a picnic if the weather is inclement!

I would have thought that having somewhere for a picnic under cover would keep people on the site and more likely to spend more, but obviously someone hasen't thought of that!!