So, you’re planning a short break on the Isle of Wight and are wondering where to stay and maybe, more important to some folk, where to eat. Having been involved in the hospitality industry for over 40 years, I am becoming increasingly impressed with the culinary and lodging metamorphosis that is Ventnor and its environs.
OK, so there are still a number of eye-sore properties on the promenade that need airbrushing, while some of the less aesthetically pleasing properties in the town might be marked down to corporate irresponsibility, the recession or a lack of investment over too many years, leaving some structures looking more than a tad unhappy with themselves. However, just take a look at what has been happening over the last few years and certainly more recently with some encouraging private investment in and around the town there is reason for an optimistic future.
There are so many positives to celebrate about this vibrant little Victorian town, located to the extreme south coast of The Isle of Wight. If it isn’t there already, Ventnor is fast becoming the island’s hotspot for high quality lodging and a tempting range of eclectic, value for money and top class eateries.
There are of course the obvious contenders for quality lodging; leading hotels such as The Hambrough, The Royal Hotel, The Wellington and maybe too the less obvious, but very popular The Eversley or St Maur. Another couple of little gems that I would recommend are The Hillside, an 18th century Grade II listed country house, or The Leconfield, a country house hotel, located just outside the town, perched on the edge of St Boniface Down.
If it’s high quality self-catering and location uniqueness that you are looking for, then this is provided at The Boathouse, The Lighthouse and The Crows Nest at the fittingly named Steephill Cove. My ‘global research team’ tell me these little gems, hidden away off the beaten track are fast becoming popular with A-list celebrities, seeking a quiet haven away from the ‘pap’ and the certainty of a bit of quick-fix R&R chic. I can also recommend the beautifully converted barn complex self-catering accommodation at Niton Barns – a fabulous, renovated farm development a couple miles or so outside of Ventnor.
For visitors and locals alike, Ventnor has so much to offer on the food front. A veritable plethora of culinary diverseness awaits gastronaughts keen to indulge their appetites. Maybe it’s down to the influence of the unique Mediterranean micro-climate that you will find three Tapas Bars in the town. We ate recently at El Toro Contento and had a fun family evening of grazing and drinking more than the odd glass of tinto.
I ask myself which establishment fired it all up in the first place and I’m guessing that The Spyglass Inn was the modern pioneer that started to attract diners into the town some 25 or so years back. They must be closely followed by The Royal Hotel, whose kitchen brigade was headed up for many years by my good friend Alan Staley. Steve Harris now plays the piano and heads up the kitchen and the hotel retains its enviable record of culinary rosetted consistency held for many years and I’m yet to talk to anyone in recent years who did not enjoy their dining experience at The Royal.
I can’t write about dining in Ventnor without mentioning the undoubted influence of Robert Thomson at The Hambrough and The Pond. The relentless PR machine that backed Robert from his arrival in Ventnor around 5 years back, until his departure to pastures new in 2013 and his Michelin rated food, firmly placed the town and the Isle of Wight on the UK culinary map. Michelin starred chef Darren Beavers took over the management of the kitchen in 2013 and although the hotel lost its Michelin Star, there are strong indications that Darren will soon bring the Michelin brand back to Ventnor.
You don’t have to search too hard to find some outstanding and diverse eateries in this little town and there are still new ones opening, such as The Hillside Bistro. If you take any notice of websites such as TripAdvisor, you will see that it has already made quite an impact since its opening in the early part of 2013 at 30 Pier Street. Although I have not eaten there yet, my Global Research Team and the Ventnor Grape Vine tell me that it is definitely worth a visit.
Also on the High Street you will find Tramezzini, run by Adam Fendyke (ex-The Royal & Goodmans Bistro) which is a great little Deli cum Italian Café. This informal little eatery is popular for morning coffee with some of Adam’s amazing pastries – his chocolate brownies are to die for! Adam and Gio started opening on Friday and Saturday evenings during the late summer and this proved so popular that they will be offering the same excellent cuisine through the winter months, but be aware that there are no loos! Also in the High Street, my wife and I have been pleasantly surprised by recent visits to Philleas Foggs – the place was heaving when we arrived recently and we were welcomed with a great atmosphere, attentive service and fabulous, tasty food – I particularly enjoyed the Salt & Pepper Squid. Their Sunday ‘Roast’ is a differentiated fish menu, which we are yet to sample. It was very noticable that potential diners were being turned away as the occupied tables were already re-booked for later that evening. Knowing that the Hillside Bistro was already fully booked that evening, I am guessing that there are new opportunities for additional value for money eateries in the High Street.
If you are looking for something a little quirky, then you should go check out The Bonchurch Inn, located in a historic Dickensian Courtyard, dating back to the mid-1800s this stone built hostelry is run by Ulisse and Gillain Besozzi and their children Adrian and Victoria who are now partners in the business. Offering a comprehensive range of Italian cuisine, you can eat inexpensively if you want; grab a tasty lasagne for two and a glass of tinto each and you can come away with change from £20! We went there for my birthday last year and had a fabulous meal.
The Boathouse Seafood Restaurant is a gem of a secret hideaway, located at Steephill Cove on the water’s edge below Ventnor Boatanic Gardens and Ventnor Cricket Ground. The restaurant only opens for lunch time and with just 30 seats to fill, booking is strongly advised. It opens from the end of May bank holiday to the end of the first week in September, but be prepared for either a steep or long walk, depending on which direction you are approaching from.
If you a looking for a different dining experience, then prepare yourselves for some wonderful food at the recently refurbished and re-opened Edulis at The Ventnor Botanic Gardens headed up by Martyn Cutler who works his magic creating ultra fresh cuisine with the finest local produce. With planned jazz and comedy evenings to make use of the newly built stage, Edulis hopes to soon become the hottest out-of-town hang out.
The highly acclaimed Hillside Hotel & Restaurant (same owner as the Hillside Bistro), has “been extensively refurbished with contemporary Scandinavian themes providing great harmony with the environment and a unique homely feel.” This charming 18t
h century thatched country house is only a short walk away from the town centre and can boast some panoramic views and a southerly aspect, overlooking the town and backing onto National Trust land at the foot of St. Boniface Down.
The Leconfield, a country house holiday retreat is situated on St Boniface Down elevated above the historic village of Bonchurch and has spectacular panoramic sea views. You will get a warm welcome, comfortable, luxury accommodation and plenty of beautifully cooked local island produce on your plate. This is the perfect place for a peaceful stay, as the hotel is adult only (16+), so they do not accept families with young children, nor do they accept dogs.
My final offering is Ventnor Haven Fishery, where you can buy fresh crab, lobster or ‘catch-of-the-day’ if you are self-catering or alternatively a very up market fish and chip shop down on the quay. Ventnor Haven Fishery, built and run by local fisherman and personality Geoff Blake and his wife Cheryl is very popular with both visitors and locals alike.
I hope you will agree, this is quite a comprehensive hospitality offer for such a small town on the south coast of the Isle of Wight; so, watch this space because if it isn’t there already, Ventnor is fast becoming the place to go on the Isle of Wight for top quality food and lodging.
MalcolmAlder-Smith 