Adgestone Vineyard
Uncategorised 6th September 2014 2
People on the Isle of Wight have long, long memories – and unforgiving ones. Matt and Cat have heard tales of folks who have vowed never to revisit a particular establishment after a single disappointing experience – and cling to that simple principle for so long that generations later... Read more
The Isle of Wight does funny things to people. Some folks that move here just don’t get with the vibe and can’t wait to leave. If you’re not used to a place where everyone’s cousins live nearby, the roads have names and not numbers, and local businesses are obsessed... Read more
The sun has got its hat on, hip hip hip hooray! Not every day, admittedly, but today was The Day. And, as tradition dictates, everyone has to ‘make the most of it’. Which, for you mainland readers, translates as an hour sat dehydrating as you rage in your car... Read more
The Royal China, Sandown
Uncategorised 13th May 2014 1
It’s something that Matt and Cat have sometimes pondered – what gives a place the name ‘Royal’? It seems to imply some sort of royal presence or patronage, but is this title actually something that anywhere could adopt without censure? Apparently not in the case of the short-lived rebranding... Read more
There has been much debate on the Isle of Wight about the merits and disadvantages of chain and franchise eateries. If the arrival of Costa in Newport’s St James Square raised a few eyebrows then the rumours of Starbucks has aroused widespread consternation. However, left to itself, the Island... Read more
Paramount Café, Shanklin
Uncategorised 21st July 2013 2
It seems that the hottest dinner ticket in Shanklin is Fine Nammet. Again and again, Matt and Cat have pressed their noses optimistically at the new restaurant’s windows, only to see the place packed with diners who’d had the foresight to book a table. They’ll have success there one... Read more
The Bugle, Brading
Uncategorised 15th July 2013 6
Family pub dining is big business; if a venue can satisfy a clientèle range from grannies to newborns then it has potentially struck gold. Many venues specialise in attracting large groups, yet families sometimes pay large sums for lacklustre food whilst herds of cola-fuelled kids run around making a... Read more
Dalyan, Shanklin
Uncategorised 7th May 2013 5
When Cat first started going out with Matt she did what all new girlfriends do, she introduced him to her pals. So far, so typical. However, one day when she and Matt were out she bumped into one of her mates. Introductions duly made Cat was shocked when her... Read more
Hare and Hounds, Arreton
Uncategorised 24th February 2013 4
Think back to your childhood, and one of those family days out to meet the relatives. If you’re anything like Matt and Cat, such a visit would have either been the best thing ever, or a dismal chore that nobody looked forward to. Some relatives always seemed to be... Read more
Archive review: Larder and Pie House, Sandown
Uncategorised 5th January 2013 6
This is an archive review. The Larder and Pie Shop has now closed. Cat was born in Essex. Not quite within the sound of Bow Bells, but surely it makes her more of a Cockney than Sussex lad Matt? Yet it’s been a while since she cavorted in the... Read more
