The Crab and Lobster Inn, Bembridge
1st November 2006 41
Bembridge is a former fishing village with a pretty village centre and some interesting beaches. The Crab and Lobster is one of its most popular pubs; the route to which is a journey which probably illustrates the nature of Bembridge quite well. The would-be diner, following an trail of... Read more
The Fleming Arms, Binstead
25th October 2006 14
On an unexpectedly chilly October evening, Matt and Cat fancied a hot meal in a homely pub. Following a friend’s recommendation, they visited the Fleming Arms – an impressive stone pile on the main road in Binstead. Conveniently, the pub has a very large car park at the rear.... Read more
Archive Review: Mr Chips, Oakfield, Ryde
Uncategorised 20th October 2006
Note: Mr Chips has long closed and been replaced by Corrie’s Cabin. Ryde has not one High Street, but two. Not only that, but the street which most visitors call the High Street is actually not the High Street at all. But enough of that. In the lesser of the... Read more
Chipmunks, Monkton St, Ryde
15th October 2006 77
If you’re visiting Ryde and enjoying the esplanade or the huge expanses of sand, you’re unlikely to look behind the rows of imposing Victorian residences that front the shore. If you did, you’d be even less likely to venture down Monkton Street, with its appearance of an inconsequential urban... Read more
ARCHIVE REVIEW: Smuggler’s Haven is now closed, and following a huge landslide in the area doesn’t look likely to ever open again. Which is a shame, they did great cream teas. So long, Smuggler’s Haven, and thanks for everything. The Landslip at Bonchurch is an intriguing place, describing itself... Read more
Bar 53, Union Street, Ryde
8th October 2006 0
Note: Bar 53 is now closed. With a large area of outside seating and an association with the long-established Yelfs Hotel, Bar 53 is a very popular venue for vertical drinking in the summer evenings. However it also serves food, and thus the time came when Matt and Cat... Read more
The Orrery, Ryde (archive review)
Uncategorised 8th October 2006
This is an old review. See the new one here. The creation of The Orrery cafe in Ryde’s Union Street has been viewed over the past year with great interest by your intrepid reviewers; intrigued as the windows to the existing globe workshop were whitewashed and the gates across... Read more
The Spyglass Inn, Ventnor
4th September 2006 44
On a rainy Sunday at the fag-end of the summer holidays, Matt and Cat took a large family gathering to Ventnor in search of a good feed. Naturally their thoughts turned to The Spyglass, which was the first in a notable local chain of pubs across the Island, others... Read more
The Smart Fox, Brading: archive review
Uncategorised 31st August 2006
Note: the Smart Fox is now closed and was replaced by the Dark Horse, which itself closed and was replaced by Kynges Well. Brading is one of the Island’s quaint tourist towns, where, in the daytime, the coaches disgorge bemused oldsters to totter from tea shop to toilet and... Read more
Afton Park Nursery / the Apple Tree Café
27th August 2006 9
Update May 2009. Matt and Cat revisited the Apple Tree café at the suggestion of a fellow Tweeter. Read M and C’s comments below, with earlier efforts below that. Having waxed lyrical about the café at Afton Nursery, Matt and Cat were surprised but pleased to get a request... Read more