Horse and Groom, Ningwood
2nd June 2007 20
The design of the interior of a pub or eating establishment will often influence the type of clientèle that patronise it. A bar with traditional beams, horse brasses above the fireplace and a floridly-patterned carpet may appeal to the older punter; a bistro-style establishment with stripped-wood flooring, ten varieties... Read more
The White Lion, Arreton
31st May 2007 7
Sometimes, after a hard day down the salt mine, nothing less will do than a big plate of MEAT. Cat, ravenous from toiling at the day job, knew that this day, of all days, was going to be Red Meat Day and demanded to be taken to the nearest... Read more
The Pilot Boat Inn, Bembridge
7th May 2007 44
Update: Matt and Cat revisited the Pilot Boat Inn in 2010. Had their opinion of this friendly pub changed? Read the original review below this update. For a change of scene, Matt and Cat decided to cast their net wider than their usual haunts for a Monday evening supper.... Read more
Vernon Cottage, Shanklin
1st May 2007 6
Many tourists come a long way to visit the Isle of Wight – so, says Cat, for those lucky enough to already live on the Island, why not play at being a holidaymaker when you can? After all, if this undulating county is a good enough destination for visitors,... Read more
Tides Cafe, Ventnor
30th April 2007 3
Ventnor, once a town of genteel, nay rapid, decay, is now on the up. Its crumbling shops have had their fronts tarted up and are now home to interesting businesses such as vintage fabric emporium Suzes Room, and Sophie Honeybourne’s new handmade jewellery shop along with cafes sprouting faster... Read more
Tesco Cafe, Ryde
24th April 2007 3
One of Matt and Cat’s previous experiences of supermarket cafes was not favourable. In fact, it was this particularly rubbishy experience that inspired them to start their Isle of Wight eating out guide. So, when they visited Tesco’s in-store cafe, their expectations were not high. Looking forward to giving... Read more
This is an archive review. See the new review here. It’s hard to imagine any more prestigious setting for a restaurant than Queen Victoria’s former chapel, overlooking the beautiful landscape of Osborne House. With this in mind, Matt and Cat explored the superb gardens at Osborne one sunny afternoon,... Read more
China Garden, The Strand, Ryde
5th April 2007 7
In the flat-iron building that once housed the Strand Hotel, Ryde now boasts the China Garden Chinese takeaway. Set back behind the imposing Ryde Castle, this modest takeaway is off the beaten track but a popular location for locals. Matt and junior reviewers Bill and Jack strolled into the... Read more
The Arthur Wakeley Restaurant, County Hall
1st April 2007 2
It’s a little known fact that the Isle of Wight Council’s hospitality suite is open to the public when not being used for civic occasions. High in County Hall a modern, air-conditioned suite of rooms – once offices for council bigwigs – now house an urbane and civilised eaterie... Read more
The Bugle Coaching Inn, Yarmouth
27th March 2007 11
The capacious Bugle Coaching Inn in Yarmouth’s pretty town square was the venue for a Sunday lunchtime liaison. The welcoming pub has cosy nooks, a proper bar serving good beer, a light and airy conservatory indoors and a pleasant courtyard garden outside. Matt and Cat sat with a friend... Read more
