New Holmwood Hotel, Cowes
ReviewsUncategorised 16th February 2011 4
England is a country simply dripping with history. Colonials, when visiting, just can’t get enough of it – understandably, maybe, as they have so little at home. The Isle of Wight is no different. Famous as the last place in England to convert to Christianity, later history is equally... 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
The Essex, Godshill
9th October 2010 12
At first glance, some things never seem to change. Bruce Forsyth’s hair suspiciously resists the march of time regardless of the fact it’s trampled all over his face. Madonna remains steadfastly dewy and youthful despite the knarliness of the old bird’s fists. Godshill defies passing trends; pretty thatched cottages... Read more
Archive review: Spice Lounge, Shanklin
Uncategorised 15th August 2010
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
Robert Thompson at Northwood House, Cowes, 2010
30th July 2010 7
When Matt and Cat visited the Michelin-starred Hambrough in Ventnor back in 2009, they were stunned by the superb food, describing it as “alchemical… outstanding and clever”. The venue and service, though, they found “a bit soulless”. So your reviewers were excited this year when they read chef-patron Robert... Read more
Corries Cabin, Cowes
24th July 2010 5
I say! You, yes you over there! Read this review, won’t you? There’s a good chap. Cowes, in the run-up to Cowes Week, is just like that. Everything is vying for your attention. Nowhere else on the Island can one gain such a concentrated sample of the ‘yachty set’.... Read more
The Boathouse, Puckpool, Ryde
3rd July 2010 30
It’s confusing enough that the Island has so many eating-places named The Boathouse. Matt and Cat know of at least four. Of these, two clearly were once boathouses; one other, with some stretching of the imagination, could have once accommodated some modest vessels. But the fourth – the Boathouse... 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
Archive review: Bay Grill, Appley Park, Ryde
Reviews 8th May 2010
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
In the heat of a summer’s afternoon Sandown Esplanade might be mistaken for the Spanish Costas with its towering beach-side hotels, miles of golden sands and the aroma of Ambre Solaire. However, on a miserable gusty evening in April it was more like Skeggie than the Costa Del Sol.... Read more
