Matt and Cat\'s Isle of Wight Eating Out Guide
Coast is now closed Inspired by a lunchtime visit to the burger van at Dodnor, Matt and Cat decided to sample the pleasures of...

Coast is now closed

Inspired by a lunchtime visit to the burger van at Dodnor, Matt and Cat decided to sample the pleasures of other lunchtime snack and light meal venues. Coast coffee shop in Newport was high on the list after Cat spotted a specials board proclaiming field mushrooms stuffed with Stilton and mozzerella.

Coast is perfectly positioned for people-watching, being situated on a corner of the busy South Street and Town Lane. It has sofas for a relaxing coffee, regular seating for light meals and a small counter presumably for those in a hurry. It’s very popular, especially at lunchtimes, and customers may have a brief wait for a seat. It may say something about the sort of cosy coffee-shop atmosphere of Coast that Matt noticed, with approval, that he was the only male customer in the place. Matt and Cat were delighted with their window seat in the sun, and turned their attention to the menu.

There is a good range of filled sandwiches, panini and bagels. Also, much to Cat’s pleasure, the field mushrooms were still on the specials board. Apparently the specials menu is changed weekly. Liking the look of both the mushrooms and the grilled tuna steak with lime and chilli dressing on a bed of couscous and rocket, M and C decided to have both dishes and mix and match.

Tasty tuna steak with lime and chilli dressing

Tasty tuna steak with lime and chilli dressing

There is a wide range of coffees to choose from and a very interesting array of soft drinks, including drinks to pick you up, wind you down and give you a detox. Cat and Matt had some chilled tea – lime and cranberry – served in glasses with ice, if required.

The field mushrooms were delicious, with cheesy stuffing and crunching breadcrumb tops. They were served on a bed of rocket leaves, on which was drizzled a tasty balsamic dressing. The tuna steak was much bigger than expected and, although slightly bony, was soft and tasty. The couscous was particularly flavoursome as it had absorbed some of the tangy dressing. The dish also included some adorable little cherry tomatoes; nice and firm and sweet. At the request of your reviewers both meals came without the red onion that was described on the menu.

Coast is a pleasant clean venue with helpful and chatty staff and, surprisingly for a sandwich bar, the food was better than in some pubs – and also very good value. Definitely worth a visit.