News and comment | Matt and Cat's Isle of Wight Eating Out Guide

A Weekend in Southsea Hot

Articles 18th March 2019
Leave your own comment on this place 0

We had a couple of lunch dates in Southsea this weekend but, what with Storm Hannah brewing up, we realised that we might either not get across the Solent or, if we did, we might get marooned over there. What to do? Make a weekend of it and stay... Read more

New Chef at The Hambrough, Ventnor

Articles 9th March 2019
Leave your own comment on this place 0

There’s a new hand at the helm at Ventnor’s Hambrough. Experienced chef Ashley Randle has worked alongside some prestigious culinary names, and now plans to bring a local food twist to his modern European menu. We were invited to check out his work – well, it would be rude... Read more

Burns Night Supper at The OTTO Club, Ryde Hot

Articles 27th January 2019
Leave your own comment on this place 0

We’ve already enjoyed the fruits of the mixologist’s skill at The OTTO Club, Ryde’s newest (and only?) members club. Last week we popped in for the Burns Night supper crafted by head chef; Jack Blumenthal, who demonstrated his special culinary expertise. Having experienced a hardcore Burns Night supper elsewhere,... Read more

Devon Food Movement at Kynges Well, Brading

Articles 28th November 2018
Leave your own comment on this place 0

We’re used to our favourite bands going on tour, and comedians have been doing the circuit for years. But what about chefs? Chef/founder of the Devon Food Movement, Luke Fearon, doesn’t have his own kitchen. Instead, he make guest appearances at existing venues, and this week he brought his... Read more

Twelve Course Vegan Tasting Menu at Quay Arts

Articles 13th November 2018
Leave your own comment on this place 0

Cat’s a bit of a vegan-dabbler, although it will take a lot to turn Matt’s head away from sausages. Talking of which, we were delighted to have it further confirmed that vegan food needn’t be sawdusty fauxages. When in the supremely talented hands of Quay Arts chef Dave Holley,... Read more

Cruising on a Ventura Adventure

Reviews 20th September 2018
Leave your own comment on this place 0

Living as we do on the edge of the Solent, we often gawp at the vast liners as they head east through the Solent on their way to exotic climes. And, last week, we were among the passengers aboard the P & O Ventura, on its way to Normandy... Read more

High tea at the Spinnaker Tower

Uncategorised 20th September 2018
Leave your own comment on this place 0

As residents of Ryde, the Spinnaker Tower is a familiar landmark on the other side of the Solent. If we can see it from the Isle of Wight, imagine the view of the Island from the tower’s top! We popped over to Pompey, courtesy of Wightlink, and took a... Read more

Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion

Reviews 28th August 2018
Leave your own comment on this place 1

Pompey girl Cat has always had a place in her heart for Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. This relentless innovator, with his over-compensating stovepipe hat and ginormous cigars, cut a formidable dash in that famous pin-up photo of him in front of the chains of the SS Great Western.... Read more

Top five places for vegetarian and vegan dining on the Isle of Wight

Reviews 8th August 2018
Leave your own comment on this place 2

These days denying yourself is the new hedonism. Where we used to brag about how much our houses were worth and chunter on about our exotic foreign holidays, now it’s all about staycationing and the hair-shirtism of Dry January. Around the world people are woke to the nightmare of... Read more

Plant-based Dining at Ventnor Botanic Garden

Uncategorised 23rd July 2018
Leave your own comment on this place 1

Veganism is the new black. Or something. Certainly there has been an upswell of interest in cutting meat out of one’s diet – but dairy too? Is that a step too far? Although fish is usually on the menu at the Edulis restaurant in VBG, Chef Brad Roe used... Read more