We’ve recently returned from a holiday in the Cotswolds. Snowshill, where we stayed, was almost painfully picturesque. Golden stone cottages encircled a pretty church and there was even a working red telephone box. The entire hamlet could probably be mistaken for a Olde Englande theme park created just for... Read more
Some combinations just seem to make sense, but even so, somebody was the first to try them. Imagine the first person to put mustard on ham, for example. They must have felt pretty pleased with themselves. Or the smart alec who worked out that cheese goes with wine. Really?... Read more
When we started this food-reviewing lark more than a decade ago, we pretty soon spotted that quite a few venues seemingly played exactly the same unchallenging middle-of-the-road cheesy music to keep their diners in compliant mood. The familiar tones of Tina Turner or Phil Collins were the inevitable accompaniment... Read more
Isle of Wight Pearl
Uncategorised 21st June 2016 0
We love the Isle of Wight. We love its history, geology, landscape and wildlife. And of course the food. All of these things make it a great place to live and to visit. Almost everywhere you go you’ll see something that adds to its fabulousness. Take the West Wight... Read more
The Cow Co, Tapnell Farm
Uncategorised 17th March 2016 0
It must be an interesting process, starting a new restaurant. Do you, perhaps, take over an existing established business but possibly end up having to live up (or live down) to the previous restaurateur’s reputation? Maybe it would be safer to start from scratch in a high street location... Read more
On The Rocks
Uncategorised 28th December 2015 1
Regular readers will have discovered, through the medium of Matt and Cat, the delights of eating out on the Isle of Wight. They will have read of the skill of master chef Robert Thompson, vicariously enjoyed the fruits of Cantina‘s artisan bakers and had their mouths positively watering at... Read more
The Hut, Colwell
Uncategorised 30th June 2015 4
It’s a ‘hotly’ contested accolade; the Isle of Wight declares itself the Sunniest Place in Britain, despite some vigorous but unsuccessful chest-beating from Eastbourne. An old sun recording machine from Shanklin is in Matt’s possession and, although the natural light in his humble dwelling never troubles its sensitive needle,... Read more
Yarmouth Spice
Uncategorised 18th May 2015 1
Much is made of local provenance, particularly in the food industry. The Isle of Wight’s farmers, producers and artisan bakers enjoy a justly-deserved cachet. Steaks can be identified by their originating herd. Many restaurants serve up “a trio of Island cheeses” as a dessert. Crabs practically scuttle up the... Read more
Off the Rails, Yarmouth
Uncategorised 7th September 2014 6
The question that Matt and Cat most often hear is “Are you guys really fat?”. Well, aside from the fact that Cat is not a ‘guy’, the answer is well – no, maybe yes, in places (mostly restaurants). While Matt is content to lean back in his chair and... Read more
Chessell Pottery Courtyard Café
Uncategorised 15th June 2013 1
Out in the West Wight countryside Chessell Pottery Barns is a popular venue that seems to have broken the mould that typifies chintzy tearooms in the thatched Meccas of Godshill and Shanklin Old Village. The mould-breaking analogy is perhaps apposite; in order to succeed as year-round destination the former... Read more
