Matt and Cat\'s Isle of Wight Eating Out Guide

Charcoal Grill, Ryde

25th March 2007 3

It’s been a long time since Matt has turned out of a pub at a late hour and teetered into a kebab shop on the way home. In fact, since his days as a student, last century, he’s found no particular reason to enter a kebab parlour… until now.... Read more

Dos Amigos, Ryde

12th March 2007 15

Matt and Cat love living on the Isle of Wight. It’s a great place to be, particularly in the summer with its temperate climate, lively visitors and beautiful countryside. However, off season, it can be a bit, well – closed. At least that’s the experience Matt and Cat had... Read more

China China, Cowes

1st March 2007 9

Like moths to the flame, Matt and Cat were drawn one evening to the enticing pink and purple glow emanating from China China, a most exciting-looking venue on Cowes Parade. The outside of the building is a sight to behold; not only for its sexy lighting but its granite... Read more

The Sun Inn at Hulverstone

25th February 2007 27

The Sun Inn first came to Matt and Cat’s attention some years ago when its name was splashed over the local paper. A campaign by concerned locals to prevent the ancient hostelry from being converted to a house was eventually successful, and the pub, closed for some time, reopened... Read more
Shanklin can’t quite decide whether it is a traditional seaside town like its neighbour Sandown, or a slightly more sophisticated venue, with its smattering of aspirational restaurants. Strolling along Shanklin High Street after a moonlit visit to the Old Village, Matt and Cat eyed the various attractive-looking restaurants that... Read more
Note: Sameannes is closed. The cafe has now reopened under different management with a different name. Readers of Matt and Cat’s eating out guide will have noticed a slant towards the eateries of Ryde and could infer (correctly, as it happens) that M and C live in the area.... Read more

Cowes Tandoori

9th February 2007 6

Cowes, which endures all year around despite the oft-repeated myth that the place shuts down in winter, has the benefit of no less than three good-quality curry restaurants. The final member of this triumvirate to fall under the scrutiny of Matt and Cat is the Cowes Tandoori. The Cowes... Read more
Ko Sing, Lake

Ko Sing, Lake

Uncategorised 10

The Ko Sing is a long-established Chinese takeaway in the small parade of shops that passes for the commercial hub of Lake. More often passed through on the way to anywhere else than a destination in itself, Lake can nonetheless boast at least five different takeaways. Ko Sing is... Read more

The Woodman Arms, Wootton

20th January 2007 21

Matt and Cat have updated their review of the Woodman Arms (or possibly the Woodmans Arms) because they felt like it. The original review is further down the page. Matt and Cat are regularly asked if they have visited every restaurant on the Isle of Wight. With eateries changing... Read more
Archive review: this venue is closed.  Known for many years as “Joe Daflo’s”, the Ryde branch of Joe’s was for a long time one of Matt & Cat’s all-time favourite eateries on the Island. Another branch offering a similar experience exists in Newport – this review is about that... Read more