King Lud, Ryde Esplanade
21st October 2009 3
Lud, known also as Lludd map Beli Mawr, was a legendary king of Britain some time ago – in fact, so long ago that it’s unclear if he ever even existed. It’s sometimes claimed that London is named after him, and more often that part of London called Ludgate... Read more
Crown Hotel, Ryde
4th October 2009 6
As summer 2009 fades, memories of the carnival, Twestival and Bestival gradually disperse like the seeds of a dandelion clock. Fortunately for the organised Matt and Cat their impression of a Bank Holiday breakfast at the Crown Hotel, Ryde will not dissipate so easily as it can be recalled... Read more
Dell Café, Puckpool
23rd September 2009 13
Last Sunday Matt had his mainlander parents to entertain; plus young Bill and the ever-present Cat twining around his legs. There were too many of them to squeeze into the car and drive to Fields for Sunday lunch so they decided to stroll along Ryde prom and see which... Read more
Red Duster, Cowes
Uncategorised 17th September 2009 10
Now that Twestival is over, Matt and Cat have been winched back onto the review horse and are galloping into a town near you. One of Matt and Cat’s favourites Saddling up one weekday evening they rode into Cowes and wandered around its streets looking for a place to... Read more
Bestival food 2009
12th September 2009 3
Special daily report by our roving festival reporter, Wendy. Older updates are at the bottom of the page. What a mighty relief it is to see the sun shining on Bestival 2009 at Robin Hill. Last year’s quagmire when most meals were scoffed huddling under awnings seems worlds away.... Read more
Chocolate Apothecary, Ryde Esplanade
6th September 2009 22
For over 200 years Ryde Esplanade has provided Islanders and visitors alike with a range of shops and hotels, from the elegant and sophisticated to the tacky and workaday. The Victorian chemist’s on the Esplanade now houses an unusual addition to the seafront; definitely on the elegant end of... Read more
Fields Cafe, Niton
17th August 2009 10
Churchfields is a pretty red brick house owned by St Faith’s Church, Havant and was for many years the home of Cat’s grandparents, Fred and Marjorie. Back in the 1970s the summers were always hot. Home-grown runner beans and squishy raspberries were harvested from the small but bountiful kitchen... Read more
Playing at grockles one sunny August day, Matt and Cat and junior reviewers Bill and Jack headed west with a plan to have lunch at Warren Farm, a place repeatedly recommended by a colleague. It was closed. Not to worry – something else to eat must be nearby. A... Read more
Kings Manor Farm Café
18th July 2009 9
Another sunny afternoon; another farm café. Yes, friends, it’s hard enough work reviewing the Island’s food at the best of times, but summer is a particularly strenuous season for diligent Matt and Cat, as they dash from one end of the Island to the other in an attempt to... Read more
McDonald’s, Ryde
18th July 2009 7
Taking advantage of their employer’s flexible working policy, Cat and a colleague bunked off to Ryde one lunchtime for reasons to tedious to go into. The Cat had already eaten her nammit but her friend, who was recovering from a heavy night on the sauce at Ocean Blue Quay,... Read more