Archive review: Wonky Café, Whitecliff Bay
Uncategorised 15th December 2009
Archive review: the Wonky Café has closed. Despite getting about, Matt and Cat can still find new places to visit – and eat – on the Isle of Wight. On an unexpectedly rain-free day in winter they decided to don their wellies and check out the coast at Whitecliff... 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
Kings Manor Farm Café
18th July 2009 9
Another sunny afternoon; another farm café. Yes, friends, it’s hard enough work reviewing the Island’s food at the best of times, but summer is a particularly strenuous season for diligent Matt and Cat, as they dash from one end of the Island to the other in an attempt to... Read more
Watch House Barn, Cowes
10th May 2009 8
Shops in Cowes – and indeed people – seem to be divided into two broad groupings. Either impossibly chic and inaccessible; or quaint to the point of impracticality. Both have their merits, but Matt and Cat undoubtedly tend to favour the fanciful when faced with the choice. So with... Read more
Puckpool Tea Gardens
2nd October 2008 2
Even on the most unprepossessing of days, visitors to the English seaside will seek out crazy golf and a nice cup of tea. The Island is well-provided with venues for both of these past-times, and it happened one brisk autumnal afternoon that Matt and Cat set off for one... Read more
The Hungry Caterpillar, Medina Garden Centre, Wootton
23rd June 2008 3
The Island’s landscape is often called ‘England in Miniature‘. Maybe it is. But if so, it’s a bit short on some things. Thank goodness, there are no nuclear power stations, no motorways, no slag-heaps and no international airports. And no pylons. Or are there? Here’s a game you can... Read more
Mottistone Manor Tea Garden
4th May 2008 1
The Isle of Wight is a wonderful place to live and a Bank Holiday weekend is a great excuse to mess about doing touristy things like visiting a National Trust property and having tea in its sumptuous gardens. Fortunately, there is no shortage of pretty villages and tea shops... Read more
Copper Kettle, Seaview
24th March 2008 11
According to the blurb in the Copper Kettle’s menu, “Seaview once boasted three banks, a large number of butchers, bakers and grocers, antiques and curiosity shops and was once a bustling centre of commerce”. This is hard to imagine, particularly in winter when the population of the village dwindles.... 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
The Forum Cafe, Brading Roman Villa
7th October 2007 11
Video review: 2014 Written review: 2007 The Roman villa at Brading was built on the site of an Iron Age farm, which was positioned to take full advantage of the harbour situated between Sandown and Bembridge. The Romans certainly chose a good spot for a tea room; the... Read more
