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
Seafood Corner, Newport
Uncategorised 16th March 2014 3
Although there are a couple of pretty fine restaurants in town, Newport’s food offering is primarily geared towards lunches. From about midday, office workers can be found insouciantly perusing the menu in Olivo in the way that only those with more than the statutory half an hour break can... Read more
Once our ancient ancestors had got a handle on fire and established the principles of agriculture they had the components to create that staple of the human diet: bread. And whether it’s with a hand-kneaded artisan loaf, nutritionally-questionable sliced white or a communion wafer, the practice of sharing bread... 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
Catch, Yarmouth
ReviewsUncategorised 20th August 2012 18
There was a time when a ‘pop-up restaurant’ on the Isle of Wight was a phenomenon which drew naive provincial diners like moths to a cosmopolitan flame. It was beyond exciting when a new one ‘popped up’. Tickets would sell within moments. But it didn’t take too long for... Read more
Butterflies of Yarmouth
ReviewsUncategorised 24th June 2012 1
How does Yarmouth’s Old Gaffers Festival do it? Every year without fail the organisers manage to pick a scorching weekend on which to hold this celebration of classic boats, street acts and local produce. In 2012, because of the diamond jubilee celebrations, the event was brought forward a week... Read more
Noodle Pot, Newport
ReviewsUncategorised 5th May 2012 1
Matt and Cat are big lovers of sci-fi. Matt, who fancies himself as a writer and a scientist, combines those two interests in a bookshelf chock full o’ the works of Asimov, Heinlein and Iain M Banks. Cat prefers to have her sci-fi injected straight into her eyeballs. In... Read more
Ritchies Diner, Lake
ReviewsUncategorised 8th January 2012 5
Years ago, Matt and Cat had a very enjoyable visit to Lizzie’s Diner, an old skool café set in a windowless industrial unit in Lake’s old fridge factory. The experience was pretty good – in fact, they described the place as “a perfect example of the genre at its... Read more
It may be the depths of winter now, but imagine the scene: having spent all day on the beach during a rare hot August Bank Holiday, a day-tripping family tidies up their detritus. Nan is levered out of the deckchair and Dad bounces assiduously on the hissing inflatable banana... Read more
Hong Kong Express On Wheels
ReviewsUncategorised 9th October 2011 1
Note: this van is still around at times, but not any more at the site we originally reviewed it. It doesn’t seem to have a regular spot any more. Matt and Cat are fans of the Hong Kong Express chain of Chinese restaurants. Starting in Ryde, the brand spread... Read more
