Braai is a summer pop-up dining spot on the Nunwell estate, near Brading. It’s a collaboration between the estate, its farms and produce providers, and the dynamic Ryde-based restaurant brand The Heron led by chef Alex Kimber. Braai was not quite what we were expecting, and that’s no criticism.... Read more
The site of Cafe de Ryde is a curious one. Originally constructed with pleasant views over the lido to the boating lake beyond; a palisade was erected many years ago to give the swimmers some privacy, leaving the cafe in a hollow without its lakeside view. That said, it’s... Read more
Newton’s Third Law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. And we surmise that this even applies to the yin-yang of the local restaurant scene. So, in the same month in which Shanklin’s Thai Mukda received a damning report from environmental health inspectors, (subsequently... Read more
We know where the best Asian fusion food can be found, the finest fish and chips, the juiciest burger and much more. But sometimes, just like everyone else, what we fancy is a pie and a pint in a quiet cosy country pub. Ideally with the murmur of conversation... Read more
It’s remarkable that Isle of Wight Pearl became the successful and popular attraction that it is. Who first had the idea that you could take over an abandoned holiday camp and sell pearls there? And why pearls? It’s not as though we have any sort of pearl industry on... Read more
ARCHIVE REVIEW: Betty’s Door is now closed There are a surprising number of prestigious restaurants on the Isle of Wight, where you can easily haemorrhage through all your spending money on a single meal, particularly if you also treat yourself to the wine flight. These venues are mostly easy... Read more
Although we are spoiled for chip shop choice in Ryde, with Chipmunks, The Cod Father, the new Esplanade Fish Bar and the ever-reliable Wight’s, sometimes it’s worth venturing further afield for your fried fish Friday. And, should the desire to become a takeaway tourist strike you, we heartily recommend... Read more
Look, let’s just jump in and say it. To eat out at a place like this costs a lot of money, and like most folk we don’t do it very often. So we really want to know we will be getting good value, and that’s what reviews are for.... Read more
There was a time, back in the early nineties, when Pavarotti’s was the go-to restaurant in Shanklin. Cat enjoyed many a work do or birthday party in this trattoria; with its lively atmosphere and traditional Italian menu, it was the place of many happy memories. Fast forward thirty years... Read more
During the pandemic a lot of things changed, but one of the few unexpected benefits was the widespread adoption of a whole new genre of dining – the takeaway dinner. And by dinner we don’t mean the usual fish supper or pizza; no, we’re talking about Sunday roast with... Read more