Justin Brown at Farringford
ReviewsUncategorised 16th April 2012 7
Some of the Island’s iconic buildings are intrinsically associated with their previous celebrated occupiers. What would Dimbola be without pioneering photographer Julia-Margaret Cameron? Can you image Osborne minus the pervasive presence of Queen Victoria? And surely Farringford can only be known as the home of poet laureate Alfred, Lord... Read more
Archive review: Marchesa Bar, Ryde
ReviewsUncategorised 5th April 2012
This is an archive review. Marchesa Bar has now closed (and reopened as House of Zabre Cafe Bar) Have you noticed how Ryde’s Union Street is a street of two halves? Slice it lengthwise and you will find that on the western side the eateries are mostly chain-style fast food... Read more
Northbank Hotel, Seaview
ReviewsUncategorised 27th December 2011 2
It is often said that the Isle of Wight is England in miniature. With its castles, tube trains, Neolithic stone monument and Doveresque white cliffs, it’s easy to see why the comparison is made. But it’s not just topographically that the Island reflects the rest of England. Visitors and... Read more
It may be the depths of winter now, but imagine the scene: having spent all day on the beach during a rare hot August Bank Holiday, a day-tripping family tidies up their detritus. Nan is levered out of the deckchair and Dad bounces assiduously on the hissing inflatable banana... Read more
Prufrock Coffee, London
ReviewsUncategorised 29th November 2011 1
This is the second review from Matt and Cat’s visit to London. See earlier review of Elliot’s here. Being a tourist in London can be exhausting; the endless slack-jawed pointing and over-stimulation can quickly deplete one’s energy reserves. Some visitors burden themselves with supplies of squashed sarnies and emergency... Read more
Elliot’s Café, London
ReviewsUncategorised 27th November 2011 0
Although Matt and Cat have explored all corners of the Isle of Wight, they’re not particularly adventurous travellers otherwise. Cat’s experiences of foreign parts are limited to various budget trips to European cities, eating frugal picnic lunches in public parks and worrying about running out of francs. Yes, her... Read more
The George Hotel, Yarmouth
ReviewsUncategorised 29th October 2011 7
After another hard day toiling down the corporate salt mine, Matt and Cat were sat in traffic inching their way homewards. Some might imagine the reviewing duo plotting their next visit to some unwitting restaurant, but nothing could be further from the truth. A typical debate ensued: should they... Read more
Valentino’s, Carisbrooke
ReviewsUncategorised 21st October 2011 10
Come with us on a journey through time and space, to a land of long hot summers, Cinzano and pop charts where ‘Do You Wanna Touch’ was considered a tour de force. A place where, if they weren’t having the neighbours round for fondue bourguignonne – dipping their meat... Read more
Mojac’s, Cowes
ReviewsUncategorised 24th March 2011 9
The southerly approach to Cowes always puts Matt and Cat in mind of the Midlands, with row upon terraced row of red brick houses punctuated by the occasional corner shop or takeaway. By the time one gets to the High Street, the town reveals its historic heart; Georgian buildings... Read more
Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Cowes
ReviewsUncategorised 2nd January 2011 6
The world of the private club is, to Cat and Matt, epitomised by the Drones Club – Bertie Wooster‘s London gentlemen’s club. A fictional place where chinless hoorays lob bread rolls at each other, drink cocktails and hide from indomitable aunts. An alternative view of the private club is... Read more
