Uncategorised 5th November 2006 Matt and Cat 380
Matt and Cat are always grateful for your suggestions for places to try next. If there’s a food venue you want them to visit, just leave a comment here with your suggestion. They check this post regularly and every suggestion is taken on board… although with so many great places to eat on the Island they might take a while to get round to visit each one.
If you’ve got a comment about a particular restaurant they’ve already visited then please comment on the review page, not here.
Please check they haven’t already been to your suggested venue by using the search feature, as otherwise your wisdom might get deleted unread!
They won’t normally respond directly here in this page, but watch out to see whether your suggestion is taken up. To keep the page to a manageable size comments here are deleted once they get old and/or when the review suggested is written.
Latest comments are at the top of the page
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I would like to recommend the cafe at the Dunelm store in Newport. I went there for the first time today – there is only a small menu but what I had was good – the coffee was about £1.50 and the jacket potato with tuna mayonnaise with salad garnish was if I remember rightly £3.50. The service was quick and I was very impressed to see a member of staff rushing around clearing and cleaning the tables immediately after the customer had left. There were newspapers to look at and colouring sheets for young children. Everything was just right for a quick visit.
Went to the Wishing Well,Pondwell,last Thursday evening.We were greeted by a friendly guy behind the bar,and once settled with our drinks,began to study the extensive menu.I opted for the Chicken Balti on the specials board,and my husband ordered cod and chips.
The wait was not too long,but long enough for us not to be too suspicious that the food was not prepared to order.My Curry was delicious,if a little dry.I asked the barman for a little more sauce,and when it came,it was almost another curry,meat as well.The poppadom and naan which accompanied the meal were tasty also.My husband said the cod was the best he had tasted,and I must admit,the fish did look flaky,not the unappetizing cardboard that you sometimes get.The fish was served with a fresh proper salad,not something that looked like the Chef had left the kitchen door open,and leaves had blown in.Home cooked chips were there as well.
We pass by this Pub,almost every day,and,until now never tried it,but glad we did.The total bill,with four drinks came to around £34,not bad we thought.Will certainly go again,the salmon and dill fishcakes look favourite!!!
How about giving the new pop up Fish and Chip shop ‘Catch’ in Yarmouth a go. Lobster burger, sauvignon ! Is it really a fish and chip shop that offers something out of the ordinary while still producing good fish and chips ?
Had a late lunch in Seven (Brighstone) on Saturday. The staff were very helpful and polite, the food excellent with fresh ingredients, and good beer and wine on offer, well worth a try! (and this on a very wet weekend, on a sunny day, sat outside, I am sure it would be even better!)
HAVE YOU GUY’S NOT TRIED THE BEACH SHACK IN STEEPHILL COVE YET, HAD A WICKED BACON SANDWICH FOR BREAKFAST WATCHING THE ROUND THE ISLAND RACE, STAYED FOR LUNCH AND WE’RE IMPRESSED BY THE MENU WHICH HAD LOCAL VENTOR CRAB IN SANDWICHES OR BAGUETTES, A HOME MADE CRAB TART AND A CRAB SOUP WITH THAI SPICES. WE WENT FOR CRAB SOUP EACH AS A STARTER, FOLLOWED BY A CRAB TART AND AND A CRAB SALAD. TWO WORDS……………..SPOT ON. HAVE NOT SEEN SEEN THIS CAFE ON YOUR RADAR YET. MUST VISIT. SOPHIE.
Not got a venue suggestion as such – but have a suggestion about the site… It would be great if you can have a ‘vegetarian’ category so us veggies can quickly find places you think would be good to eat! Thanks.
Wow! Thanks M&C x
Not so much a suggestion, more a request for a suggestion….
Does anyone know a pub that does good pub grub whilst also offering a reasonable and reliable vegan choice as well? A tall order, or a justifiable expection in this day and age….?
Matt and Cat reply: we crowdsourced your question on Twitter, and The Royal Hotel no less replied: “Roger at the Taverners Godshill is always accommodating, but would call beforehand”
Newport Cafe(formerly Joyce’s Cafe) in Scarott’s Lane market, Newport has just opened under new management. The food is very good with prices kept low. I’ve just been in for a breakfast and I’m very happy now! Pop in and show your support for a new business!
I think it’s definitely worth trying out The Steamer Inn, Shanklin again. Your review is dated July 2007!
They’ve got new chefs,new staff and had a complete outdoor renovation with new terrace, seating, signage etc.
Give it another go! 🙂
Have you tried the Aqua Hotel in Shanklin? Cracking Lunch…try the seafood or the Sunday Lunch is great! Just returned from a weeks holiday there. Fabulous…despite the weather!
Hi Guys
I would be pleased if you could find the time to review Bagel Wrap Coffee house now that we have mved to Union Street. With an exciting new menu,ice cream ,terrace garden as well as our great Italian coffee I am sure you will have a great experience.
Many thanks
Nigel
Proprietor.
PS Snow was falling the last time you visited us.lol.
Having been using the IOW Community Club in Cowes for many years, it has always offered simple food at outstanding value. However last week the caterer of many years retired and some new chefs took over (SAS Catering) so they have made the menu their own, with more modern twists, while still offering good old fashion value for money.
On our first visit over the weekend the 2 Adults had double chilli burger and fries, and a 3 egg ham omelette with a small salad, and 2 kids had tuna/cheese jacket potato and a half size portion of lasagne/chips/garlicbread…all for £12.50!
Outstanding in terms of quality, presentation and value. Everyone ate every mouthful. Well done lads and keep up the good work – at this rate we will be popping in a lot more!
If you get the chance to try – give it a go.
If you are ever in Portpatrick near Stranraer, don’t fail to have a meal at the Crown Inn. The vert best in pub cuisine. Best pub lasagna I have tasted (apart from Bugle, Yarmouth) and the following night reached a state of ecstacy with their Steak and Ale in a Yorkshire Pudding! The meat was of the superb quality that was once served at the George, Newport, before their dramatic and sad decline! All this and clear views of the Antrim coastline….
MESSAGE FOR MAMMA MIA’S – Thanks for advertising your new number.
As well as the former number you quote, in an old advert, I believe it was Yellow Pages, you published a number beginning with 3… for customers wishing to place orders over the phone. As a result, customers aware that Shanklin telephone numbers begin with 8…, thought the 3.. was a printing error, dialled an 8 instead and landed up on my land line. This happened quite frequently at the time,and still occurs now on an irregular basis. I did speak to Mr Mamma Mia about this, but I had to agree there was nothing he could do about it. I seem to remember that to compensate for the inconvenience he did offer to supply me with a Pizza – haven’t claimed it yet!
Have a good summer!
MESSAGE FOR ANTHONY WOOD REGARDING COMMENT OF OUR TELEPHONE NUMBER.
HI THERE NOT SURE ON WHAT YOU MEAN BY YOUR COMMENT, CHANGE NUMBER? BEING CLEVER?
WE HAVE MOVE PREMISES OUR FORMER NUMBER WAS 864999 OUR NEW NUMBER IS 861162 SO NOT SURE WHERE THIS IS GOING!?
If Mamma Mias are reading this, can I please beg them to advertise widely their new telephone number.
I am still receiving calls for ‘orders’ on my home land line from their prospective customers who think they are being clever by changing the old number advertised in an old edition of Yellow Pages to mine thinking that it should start (for Shanklin) 86……
Thank you in anticipation.
P.S. Mamma Mia’s – some form of compensation would be appreciated!
Agree with Eric that the Isle of Arts Festival is great, 4 of us saw Phill Jupitus on Friday (were you there this year M&C alas no songs about you?) then went to New China House after for a sit down chinese meal. Lovely food and good service, with 2 rounds of drinks came to under £20 a head for 2 courses, was impressed all round.
Some people were saying they were amazed the new bistro in Ventnor turned them away at nine, on what was probably one of Ventnor’s busiest evenings! Was a great buzz around the town.
I thought New China House Restaurant very much worth a try!
Just back from Mamma Mia’s in Shanklin, the new one. It has gone up market a bit , still good value, stylish decor and much improved food. Time fo a revisit I’d say.
If your waiting for the Floating Bridge on West Cowes side I see the little shop has had a revamp as a “Proper Pasty Company”
Have you thought of trying the Villa Rothsay Hotel in Cowes. They have been running a carvery restaurant for over 30 years.
Serving fabulous food and traditional English puddings in a really unique setting with first class customer service and stunning views.
Highly recommend The Clifton Hotel, Shanklin. Taken over in 2011 & newly refurbished. Now has a Bistro. Amazing views, deck & lawn area & inside restaurant. Very reasonable snack menu inc selections of burgers at around £6.00. Evening menu to suit everyone. Try it – what have you got to lose?
You should try ‘A and J’s Takeaway’ in Shanklin for some great fish and chips. Some of the best cooked chips I’ve ever had and freshly cooked cod in a lovely batter. Good prices and so much better than fish and chips in most of the Island pubs. It deserves a visit and the good publicity which being mentioned here could give it.
Does the Conservative Club in Shanklin fall within your remit? We eat there regularly, particularly Sunday lunch.
Matt and Cat respond: if it’s open to the public for paying customers to eat, then yes, it’s fair game. Presumably it is, so we’ll put it on the list!
We were all looking forward to lunching with the ‘hoi polloi’ in The Pond Cafe, Bonchurch! You know, Robert Thompson and all that!
What a disappointment! Table booked for 1pm, got out at 3.30pm! £22 for 3 courses & £18 for two. Very limited choice. I had Scallops to start which were fine but my roast lamb consisted of two slices of fat (I don’t eat fat in any shape or form, except bacon!), two ‘roast’ potatoes (awful and barely cooked), one yorkshire pudding (had the consistency of a muffin), two thin slices of carrot and two of parsnips. Oh, and a side dish of polenta.What happened to the green veg, we asked ourselves! Unfortunately, some of our ‘Ladies’ decided to miss out the starters and were sitting until 2.15pm until we all got our main courses. They were not offered a roll or bread (PLEASE note Mr.Thompson and eat at Lakeside, Wooton or Yelf’s in Ryde to see how it SHOULD be done!) I didn’t have a pud but all the others seemed happy with theirs. We were not offered tea or coffee so we left vowing that we would cross this place off our list for the future.
Just to say that the Island bakers is back in Ryde this Saturday am , Do go and have try , The breads etc are exceptional , Tho you will both need to get up early as alot sells out quickly . 8.30 sharp ! …………( this baker is nothing to do with me , i just love the bread ! ) ………
Can I just ask..on your front page it states..That if you like a place it gets a sticker, although you review and everyone can see through this site, what happens to the places that you havent reviewed..if all your followers only stick to your recommendations, they wont actually now about all the others that you havent tried…plus all the businesses that have changed hands in the last few years…appreciate that there are loads and loads of eateries…and it takes time to get around them all…..
Matt and Cat respond: thanks for the question Jules, and all the lovely dots. You have answered your own question, really. There are about 400 reviews on our website. If we revisited venues we’ve already done at the rate of one a week, it would take us until 2019. So we do try to revisit, and to do new places, but we’ve only got so much time… and money!
The best fish and chips around Sandown Bay
Happily, Avenue Road chippie is just around the corner from me ( no listing in the phone book though!!!)…Thouroughly acceptable fish and chips and My daughters both love fish bites and chips.
Best Fish n Chips within 5 miles
Despite my recent comments regarding fish and chip shops on the Island, my wife persuaded me to try another outlet. Following on from an adverse comment by a contributor regarding Brothers shop, he remarked that he wished he had gone to Avenue Road chippy by Caulkheads.
We went to Avenue Road chippy this evening. They had no cod (initial minus point – like a pub without lager) so we ordered two large haddock, one large chips and two mushy peas. Toal cost £12.20.
We had to wait about 15 minutes but it was cooked fresh to order.The meals were absolutely spot on. The size of the fish was exceptional and the batter was perfect(light, smooth and crispy)not the hard, dark brown, spikey hedgehog-like offerings at other places. The chips were tasty and plentiful. The mushy peas were also the real McCoy.
A bit far to travel for us but well worth it. Avenue Road has restored my faith in Island chippies.
A restaurant is no place for babies. I see this all too often. Young parents who are pushing babies about in the street or entering restaurants when all babies should be at home in bed especially in the temperatures experienced this past few days.
I would like you to visit The Three Bishops in Brighstone and see if you have a better experience than my friends and I did last week!
Despite the revamp – yes the fire was very welcoming after a long cold walk, which was the only good thing about our experience. We had luke warm but acceptable leek and potato soup with a meagre portion of stale bread. My coffee was ok but £1.95 for a very small cup is too much. My request for fresh milk was granted but not that cordially. A friend decided to have a pot of tea … she said it was the worst pot of tea she had ever had – no flavour and too weak and to cap it all she was given UHT milk! – I did however calm her down when I shared my fresh milk with her. With so many other places to eat lunch, one would think they would pay more attention to detail. In future we will drive somewhere else, possibly Hulverstone as we enjoy it there.
Try the Pond Cafe at Bonchurch. We had the set lunch today, three courses for £18. – excellent value considering the quality
Are M&C eating out for valentines? Any ideas on most romantic place? Best food?
Seems a lot of places are putting on special menus for valentines day/week – but are they special or just more expensive – knowing people will go out whatever?
We normally go to our local Indian Restaurant (Bengal Palace) same prices all year round and great food – I may even break the poppodums into heart shapes – and who says romance is dead!!
Matt and Cat respond: Aw, heart-shaped poppadums, Casanova? Who said romance is dead! We’ll be out and about on Monday and Wednesday, trying a couple of new venues but not Valentine specials. However, for a lovely romantic venue and excellent food you should try Burr’s. Or for a bit of flamboyant old-skool Italian, book a table at Valentino’s, Carisbrooke. Although we haven’t been for a while we really liked the menu and swanky interior at Lakeside Park Hotel, Wootton Bridge, great for impressing a prospective mate. Or there’s always afternoon tea for two at The Royal Hotel, Ventnor. Hey, we should write a website about this sort of stuff!
Tumblers Cafe opposite the station at Shanklin. Nice, clean, traditional family cafe. Geoff had full Veggie breakfast and I had 2 poached eggs on toast, and pinched a few mushrooms, beans from his plate. All freshly cooked and eggs were lovely and soft. Tea/Coffee/Toast included in breakfast at £4.50, poached eggs £2.40 + 90p for mug of coffee. Great value.
I agree with Jon. Out of season you need to get locals in…Jon have you tried set menu at Lugleys in Cowes, is really good value and excellent food, see link above, also Mojacs is great value with the free wine, and the Little Gloster do a set menu, when they reopen on Feb 10th.
Hey guys,
as i surfed threw the thread i realised you have not updated the Mamma Mia shanklin page,
they have moved up the road in a new establishment not sure on the number but is very nice.
They have brought a whole new look to the place nice elegant and warm.
only been in once through the week and once on weekend and has been full on both occasions.
Try it out matt and catt its rather nice
MATT AND CAT!!! This is a bit of a question!? Have you possibly reviewed Forresters Bistro And Wine Bar? I cannot find it on here, yet I cannot believe you’ve let this one slip through the net?! It’s on trip advisor with raving reviews. I think it’s worth a visit….
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your suggestion, Miss Food Critique. No, we haven’t been to Forresters. Yes, it’s on the list!
Reminder: Brasnnons in Wooton Bridge with free parking for travellers between Ryde and Newport urgently needs a review: Christmas chore for Mat and Cat please!
Matt and Cat reply: Thanks for your suggestion Barry. We hope eating at Brannons won’t be too much of a chore! It’s on our list.
my fave little sarnie shop….. lunch stop in union street ryde great salad bowls rolls Paninis toastys n more all as you want fresh and tasty at great prices and friendly service
Dickie, if you read the two posts, you will discover it was Brunoicat who commented on the staff dressing up. I happen to agree that one goes into a restaurant to be fed not entertained. The staff should not be expected to put on a pantomime for customers. I am sure the staff are also polite and friendly.
I have not been in the restaurant personally but was commenting on Bruniocat’s experiences in relation to mine with respect to quantity. I assume Bruniocat can count past 3 and if he says only 2 pebble sized potatoes were on the plate then it cannot be contradicted. He also says the food was of good quality.
The fact remains that certain restaurants appear to be in a competition to see who can charge the most for putting the least on the plate. I care not if the starter is by Gordon Ramsay, the main by Jamie Oliver and the sweet by Delia Smith. If they put mouse-sized portions on my plate, they would get a complaint.
re comment on Fox’s in Bembridge my wife and i have had several meals theirs.Never had a complaint about any thing.The size of the meals arn’t small it is all freshly cooked to order.The staff are always friendly and helpful.You are always asked if you would like anything extra.And as for the comment about the staff not being dressed up christmassy is a a ridiculous remark,how many places to you get that.I think Paul Mullary needs to visit the restaurant before he leaves comments
Stop trying to educate us with your unisland supernatural ways you witches, burn them.
On the other hand I found the reviews very interesting and even though I live on the IOW I discovered a magical vessel that for a lot of gold coins will take you away to a magical land where you can try things such as restaurants, and go to markets and enjoy yourselves and share it with your interested readers…I was at the restaurant near were you went called Roast recently and I went round Borough Market, both made for a great day out.
Could you not put all the non-Island reviews onto a different website, rather than making us read about restaurants that we will probably never get the chance to visit.
Your site is excellent with the unique reviews and helpful banter from the readers. I fear that you’ll lose people by too much non-Island material. After all there are great establishments on our doorstep that warrant reading about.
…and given the ever-growing panoply of mainland venues flooding onto the site, could I make a renewed plea in favour of Bob Carver’s miraculous fish and chip restaurant in Hull…?
Since you’re now including all sorts of mainland venues here, could I suggest Garlands in the Duke Street Arcade, Cardiff? Their laverbread and cockle pie is particularly memorable…
Not a venue as such , But have you checked out the Island Bakers stall at Ryde market on Saturday mornings ? , On seeing your recent trip to Borough market this is i slice of that, A fantastic range of breads and pastry’s using alot of Island ingredients ( Cheese , Garlic etc ) Get there early tho ( 8.30 ? ) cos alot will sell out .
Sadly can no longer recommend Fakenham Farm – all the allegations were true, as reported in the IWCP this week.
I see that the Rawlings Hotel in Cowes now has a tapas evening! About time to correct the glaring omission of this gem of a place from your site – and beef up the meagre tapas section….??
Thanks Matt and Cat. My usual forensic perusal of your website failed me this time and I have now read your review from 2008. We had very full plates of beef in Guinness with proper mash (not tasteless smooth puree) and veg washed down with a pint of excellent Ringwood ale.