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
Little John Eater, Ryde
24th January 2010 2
The famously mis-spelt Long John Eater has spawned a sidekick – and Ryde Esplanade has gained another fish and chip counter. The Little John Eater is more than a counter opening onto the esplanade – but not a great deal more. For sit-down meals there’s the Long John next... Read more
Subway, Union Street, Ryde
16th January 2010 6
Regular readers won’t need reminding that Matt’s got a bit of a weakness for fast food. By contrast, dainty Cat will often raise her pert nose and walk past even the most tempting of burger joints. One day when The Cat was away, Matt recruited some expert assistance to... Read more
ARCHIVE: Missy J Café, Ryde
Uncategorised 27th November 2009 9
This is an archive review. Missy J cafe is now closed. On a rare week day away from the coal face, Matt and Cat decided to have a nose around Ryde. Having wasted the morning mooching about on the intertubes and browsing the Isle of Wight County Press, they... Read more
King Lud, Ryde Esplanade
21st October 2009 3
Lud, known also as Lludd map Beli Mawr, was a legendary king of Britain some time ago – in fact, so long ago that it’s unclear if he ever even existed. It’s sometimes claimed that London is named after him, and more often that part of London called Ludgate... Read more
Crown Hotel, Ryde
4th October 2009 6
As summer 2009 fades, memories of the carnival, Twestival and Bestival gradually disperse like the seeds of a dandelion clock. Fortunately for the organised Matt and Cat their impression of a Bank Holiday breakfast at the Crown Hotel, Ryde will not dissipate so easily as it can be recalled... Read more
Dell Café, Puckpool
23rd September 2009 13
Last Sunday Matt had his mainlander parents to entertain; plus young Bill and the ever-present Cat twining around his legs. There were too many of them to squeeze into the car and drive to Fields for Sunday lunch so they decided to stroll along Ryde prom and see which... Read more
Chocolate Apothecary, Ryde Esplanade
6th September 2009 22
For over 200 years Ryde Esplanade has provided Islanders and visitors alike with a range of shops and hotels, from the elegant and sophisticated to the tacky and workaday. The Victorian chemist’s on the Esplanade now houses an unusual addition to the seafront; definitely on the elegant end of... Read more
McDonald’s, Ryde
18th July 2009 7
Taking advantage of their employer’s flexible working policy, Cat and a colleague bunked off to Ryde one lunchtime for reasons to tedious to go into. The Cat had already eaten her nammit but her friend, who was recovering from a heavy night on the sauce at Ocean Blue Quay,... Read more
