Matt and Cat\'s Isle of Wight Eating Out Guide
Archive review: this review refers to the previous management of the Blacksmiths Arms. The pub reopened in 2017 under completely new ownership.  Note: After writing this review in 2010 Matt and Cat were banned from the Blacksmiths Arms in 2012, so it won’t be updated. See why at the... Read more
Archive review: alas! The Roundhouse is now closed permanently. That’s it folks! Matt and Cat might as well hang up their reviewing hats as the Isle of Wight’s ultimate cream tea has been found. After years of arduous searching, involving the consumption of gallons of tea, rock-hard to fluffy... Read more
Archive review: Pintxo Playa, Ventnor
This is an archive review, Pintxo Playa is now closed. There’s a lot of hot air talked about ‘real’ tapas. If there’s such a thing as authentic tapas, then presumably you’d need to go to Spain to get it. Or maybe not. Tapas, like so many other national cuisines,... Read more
The Spice Lounge has closed down, and a new venue has opened under the same name nearby. This review is an archive review referring to the former venue. 2010 saw a relaunch for one of Shanklin’s most enduring eating-places: since 1983 known as the Maharaja, the latest name for... Read more
The Waterside Cafe has closed. Summer’s a busy time for food reviewers. New places open like flowers – and sometimes wither in a similar way. Avid readers are keenly recommending new places for Matt and Cat to review, and as new eateries are popping up faster than the duo... Read more
This is an archive review. The Alamo has moved and is under different ownership. Just when you thought that Dos Amigos had cornered the market in Ryde-based wild west-themed restaurants, the Alamo opened its saloon doors. Although superficially similar, with their wood cladding, riding apparel and photos of long-dead... Read more
As regular readers of this blog may have deduced, Matt and Cat work in Newport. Once they have eaten their nammit, they will sometimes spend the remains of their lunchtime having coffee at Olivo, Island Images or the Quay Arts Centre. Just occasionally, for a bit of a treat,... Read more
This is an archive review. The Bay Grill closed in 2011.  The cult of the chef isn’t something Matt and Cat subscribe to – but sometimes you just can’t avoid making the connection. Robert Thompson’s name, of course, is inseparable from his famous Ventnor hotel, and even Alan Staley... Read more
There’s something about sports club buildings. It’s not the age of them – they’ve been building the things for decades and they all look the same anyway. It’s not even the location – although just beyond the edge of town is pretty standard. No, a sports club has an... Read more
This is an archive review. Warren Farm Cream Teas is now closed (although the farm shop is still very much open) Matt and Cat are not morning people, preferring instead to spend their weekends lolling under the duvet for as long as possible. Pleasant though this is, it can... Read more