Caffè Isola, Newport
7th June 2008 1
It sometimes seems that the installation of the eating classes on pavements is the solution to all society’s ills. With tedious regularity politicians and commentators can be heard praising the ‘café culture’ of the continent – where young couples sit at tables scattered casually around the piazzas, generating economic... Read more
The Square, Newport
11th May 2008 1
What a continental sight; Newport’s St Thomas Square on a hot day. The farmer’s market was in full swing, lunchtime drinkers – and smokers – were crowding the tables outside the Wheatsheaf, and Matt and Cat had plonked themselves down at a jammy table outside a little pasty shop... Read more
Archive review: China China, Bembridge
Uncategorised 17th April 2008
This is an archive review. China China has now closed down and is replaced by the Lu Shan. Somebody once said that the average age of the Isle of Wight’s population could be significantly altered by the flooding of the east and west yar rivers; making the county the... Read more
Bizzy Wok, Ryde
Uncategorised 3rd April 2008 6
The heavens opened as Matt and junior reviewers Bill and Jack dashed home after a busy day out. Grabbing the nearest takeaway menu that had fluttered through the letterbox, Matt rang the Bizzy Wok, a takeaway in central Ryde that Matt and Cat had never previously tried. A polite... Read more
Archive review: Cinnamon, Ryde
Reviews 11th March 2008
This is an archive review. Cinnamon has now closed. Heston Blumenthal‘s laboratory kitchen, what’s that all about, eh? Who in their right mind really wants to pay ninety quid for a taste of snail porridge or egg and bacon flavour ice cream? Oak flavoured crisps? Leather mashed potato? To... Read more
Archive Review: Corrie’s Cabin, Ryde
Uncategorised 17th February 2008
Update: this is an archive review. Corries Cabin is now under new ownership, although, to be honest it’s pretty much the same. The wheel of fortune turns inexorably: restaurants open; pubs are redeveloped; cafés are closed for refurbishment; and takeaways change hands. So it proved with one of Matt’s... Read more
ARCHIVE POST: Monsoon is still trading (Jan 2020), but as a takeaway only. Ryde is a curious town in layout – a long, thin chain of shops, pubs and restaurants snakes its way uphill from the esplanade – where the visitor arrives fresh from the ferry – thence up... Read more
Archive review: Island Images, Newport High Street
Uncategorised 30th November 2007
Island Images is now closed. Matt and Cat have updated their review of Island Images at the request of one of the staff. Has the place changed? Read their conclusions below. The original review follows on. Matt and Cat eat out. A lot. See this excerpt from Matt and... Read more
Royal China, Sandown High Street
30th September 2007 17
Late on a wet Sunday evening on the last day of the summer season, Matt and Cat imagined they’d be lucky to find anywhere to eat in Sandown that wasn’t closed or nearly empty. So the bright lights of the Royal China were a welcome sight. Even when much... Read more
The Plaza Ice Cream Parlour, Cowes
9th September 2007 2
Summer, seaside, ice cream. How easy can it be? On the Island, you’re rarely more than a few moments from an ice-cream vendor of some sort or other. Matt and Cat, like everyone else, occasionally indulge, and today in Cowes they found themselves in need of cooling sweet refreshment... Read more
