Northbank Hotel, Seaview
ReviewsUncategorised 27th December 2011 2
It is often said that the Isle of Wight is England in miniature. With its castles, tube trains, Neolithic stone monument and Doveresque white cliffs, it’s easy to see why the comparison is made. But it’s not just topographically that the Island reflects the rest of England. Visitors and... Read more
It may be the depths of winter now, but imagine the scene: having spent all day on the beach during a rare hot August Bank Holiday, a day-tripping family tidies up their detritus. Nan is levered out of the deckchair and Dad bounces assiduously on the hissing inflatable banana... Read more
Quarr Abbey Tea Garden
ReviewsUncategorised 15th November 2011 11
Due to entirely foreseen circumstances, Matt and Cat found themselves without internet access one clement autumn day. This enforced Luddism could have inspired a frenzied bout of housework or perhaps baking, but those who know M&C well will already be guffawing at such ridiculous options. No, they decided to... Read more
The George Hotel, Yarmouth
ReviewsUncategorised 29th October 2011 7
After another hard day toiling down the corporate salt mine, Matt and Cat were sat in traffic inching their way homewards. Some might imagine the reviewing duo plotting their next visit to some unwitting restaurant, but nothing could be further from the truth. A typical debate ensued: should they... Read more
Archive review: Tuscan Hills
ReviewsUncategorised 1st October 2011
Archive review: Tuscan Hills is now closed. Some partnerships seem destined to endure longer than most marriages: variety stalwarts Morecombe and Wise’s relationship was only curtailed by the untimely death of Eric. Other seemingly inseparable double-acts, such as the legendary Lennon and McCartney, are torn asunder through creative differences,... Read more
Archive review: The Dark Horse, Brading
ReviewsUncategorised 11th June 2011
Archive review: the Dark Horse closed in February 2014. A while ago, Brading’s former Red Lion Inn looked as though it was going to follow so many small rural pubs, and turn into housing. But it didn’t – quite the contrary. After a sojourn as the Smart Fox, the... Read more
This is an archive review. Little Gloster is now closed. There’s definitely some kind of social pecking order out in Cowes, but being from Ryde, Matt and Cat really don’t get it. Take Gurnard, for example. Is it a wannabe suburb of the cosmopolitan hub that is Cowes; or... Read more
Besty and Spinky’s, Ventnor
ReviewsUncategorised 9th April 2011 14
Wanna know a secret? Matt and Cat don’t have one but, like many Island folks, they have been privy to all sorts of open speculation about the next occupant of the suddenly vacated Ocean Blue Quay. From Michelin hopefuls to Mediterranean transients and maybe even One of the World’s... Read more
Chez Mourad
ReviewsUncategorised 11th March 2011 3
So, just how far south do you have to go before you can sense the North African influence of Morocco? As far as Ventnor? For four days only, this is apparently the case. Chef Mourad Sahnoune has opened his first ever pop-up restaurant, Chez Mourad, in Ocean Blue Quay,... Read more
Lugley’s, Cowes
ReviewsUncategorised 10th January 2011 3
What a difference a week makes! As visitors to Cowes on the penultimate day of 2010, Matt and Cat were thrilled and delighted by the ‘Not New Year’s Eve’ event at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club. The place was positively buzzing with peacocks and party princesses, jollied along by... Read more
