Archive review: Blaze has now closed For many years Matt and Cat took advantage of generous offers punted under what was, until recently, “Orange Wednesday”. The buy-one-get-one-free tickets at the cinema and BOGOF pizza at Pizza Express made for a cheap date night. However, also until recently, Pizza Express... Read more
Coast Bar, Cowes
Uncategorised 9th June 2015 1
The Coast Bar, in the trendy heart of Cowes, is unquestionably one of the most popular places in the town. Both the previous times M&C dined at Coast it left something to be desired, and the venue felt the rough edge of Matt and Cat’s virtual pen. However, M&C... Read more
Archive: Mess Canteen, Cowes
Uncategorised 9th June 2015 5
This is an archive review. The Mess Canteen is closed. It’s not as though they don’t warn you. Were you imagining a stuffy private club, where silent staff obsequiously bring gin and tonic on a silver tray to an harrumphing old commodore? There may be such places in Cowes,... Read more
Yarmouth Spice
Uncategorised 18th May 2015 1
Much is made of local provenance, particularly in the food industry. The Isle of Wight’s farmers, producers and artisan bakers enjoy a justly-deserved cachet. Steaks can be identified by their originating herd. Many restaurants serve up “a trio of Island cheeses” as a dessert. Crabs practically scuttle up the... Read more
Fresh Coffee House, Sandown
Uncategorised 21st April 2015 0
Matt and Cat have been part of the Isle of Wight community for many years even if they can’t boast actual Caulkhead status. As taxpayers, voters and residents however, they like to think that they are nonetheless entitled to comment on local matters – not just the food. And... Read more
Seaview Hotel
Uncategorised 21st March 2015 1
There’s something fishy going on at the Seaview Hotel – something fishy and good. It’s always been a decent place for something to eat, but if you haven’t been there in the last year or so, Matt and Cat politely suggest that you rectify that. Chef Bruce Theobold first... Read more
Coffee Room at Skintrade, Newport
Uncategorised 12th March 2015 2
Guinness World Records is an astonishing institution. Under what other circumstances would the oldest ever person, the world’s longest human nose and Norma Stitz’s …ahem… assets appear in the same publication? And how about that perennial favourite world record: how many women can be squeezed into a Mini? What... Read more
The Royal Hotel, Ventnor: Afternoon tea
Uncategorised 22nd February 2015 0
A Frequently Asked Question of Matt and Cat is ‘are you guys really fat?’. Another question in the top ten would be ‘where’s the best place to eat?’. That question is much harder to answer than the first (which, by the way, is dodged by the statement ‘Cat is... Read more
For a county with nearly seventy miles of coastline, there are surprisingly few venues with a sea view. Pretty much the whole of the south west coastline has nowhere punters can enjoy a bite to eat and a glass of something stimulating while contemplating the English Channel. Even the... Read more
Archive review: Mrs Jones Tea Depot
Uncategorised 10th January 2015
This is an archive review: the Tea Depot is closed. There’s a joke that’s made on the Isle of Wight every March when the clocks change, which is: “Don’t forget to put your clock forward – to 1952”. Well, in East Cowes there’s at least one person whose clock... Read more
