BITE user comments - Polypore
Comments by Polypore
We've visited here a few times when out walking for a drink or two and always enjoyed the garden on a sunny day and the cosy ambience in winter. Recently we decided to have lunch and was not disappointed! The menu has lots of choice and reasonably priced, especially with the portions being generous. The ploughmans was ample and nearly finished me off, but even better to see it wasn't garnished with a slice of orange (which is a frequent oddity on the Island). The Landlady and staff are friendly and approachable, which always makes a pleasant experience. Beer selection could be a bit more interesting, on were: Doom Bar, Yates's Islander (well kept), Abbot. Garden Cider Co in bottles and the wine was acceptable. Overall, a great lunchtime.
23 Feb 2020 13:40
The Sportsmans Rest, Porchfield
Visited whilst passing in the area and what a pretty country pub. As previous reviews state, there are still only two ales on - this visit 'Wight Gold' & 'Hobgoblin'. Nice to see warm mulled wine on offer and two open fires which were very cosy indeed. Staff were helpful & friendly, good Christmas menu options including vegetarian, will be visiting again soon.
28 Nov 2019 00:21
Visited here in Feb 17 after a long ardeous walk and what a gem. There must have been 15+ ciders all in cask or polypin, it took at least 5mins to decide. Sadly only stayed for two, could easily have stayed all afternoon and into the evening with that choice. We just missed the lunch menu, so can''t comment on food but barmaid and locals were on top form. Look forward to returning. Butty bach also on tap, but was definitely on cider mode that day. Well worth visiting.
7 Sep 2017 19:16
A great village pub with well kept ales. Several Harvey pumps and a Thatchers Heritage box on side. A good drinking spot and restaurant to right of pub, although food can be served throughout the bars. On summer Sundays, pizza can be enjoyed on the green overlooking boating lake - most enjoyable. Menu is of high quality, well sourced, offers good vegetarian options and reasonably priced. Obviously busy at peak times, so booking a table advisable. One of the few pubs in existence where just a drink can be enjoyed even during Sunday lunch. Helpful staff make it an enjoyable experience.
2 Nov 2016 22:23
A pleasant backwater pub with a village feel. Generally a good selection of ales, GK obviously, but weekly guest ales including Oakhams Citra. Landlord very helpful and approachable, nice and laid back during the day but busy in evenings with a vibrant atmosphere. Occasionally live music. 2 bars with pool table and bar billiards, large outdoor smoking area plus open garden - perfect in summer. On weekends there are food wagons outside to please your tastebuds and BBQs in summer. Overall, great pub, friendly for passer by and locals alike. Frequent visitor.
28 May 2015 23:05
Nice example of a period pub, complete with original bar partitions and restaurant out back where there once was a skittle alley... Beware of the local thug called 'Nick', he inflicted ABH to myself and to my friend who was pregnant at the time! Police were called, but the bar staff protected his identity when he fled (he obviously has previous). Otherwise enjoyed this pub for many years prior. Many specialist ales on draught and bottled, good selection of nibbles if you can't afford the restaurant. Nice both in summer and winter. Would recommend.
28 May 2015 22:51
A typical country pub, a rarity these days and an absolute gem. Visited one Sunday afternoon to be pleasantly surprised by generous parking, a children's playground and jolly clientele. It probably doesn't operate well if there's a sudden rush of tourists! Proprietors both friendly and good humoured, reasonably priced bar snacks (not sampled), good selection of ales, sampled the rough cider - very good and not that easy to find of late. Overall, will be visiting again soon - timeless on a sunny afternoon.
28 May 2015 21:56
The Pilot Boat Inn, Bembridge
Now a taproom, pizzeria with on site craft brewery! Sampled all six beers and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. The range included strong bitters, stouts, hoppy pales with guest ciders and lagers too, ended up staying for quite some time. Plenty of benches outside, a small sunny beer garden next to brewery and plenty of tables inside for drinkers and diners. Short walk from beach with parking, makes this definitely worth a visit!
25 Jun 2022 07:57