BITE user comments - idc
Comments by idc
Food orientated, but does 3 real ales including Abbot and Youngs. Never had any complaint, the beers are always in tip top condition, the menu varied and food always really good. On our last visit, our dessert order appeared to have been forgotten and after about half an hour hadn't arrived. On pointing this out to one of the waiting staff, the bar manager came over, He apologised for the wait, refunded the cost of the sweets without request or prompting and said they would be out in the next few minutes (which they were), You can't fault customer service like that. If only other establishments were like that.
If you visit at busier times by car, the car park can be a bit of a bu**er as it's only small and the pub rightly gets very busy, but it's well worth waiting for a space.
16 Jan 2010 00:04
Great pub! Four real ales always in good condition, including Abbot. Food good too. Rambling pub giving it loads of character. Recommended.
15 Jan 2010 23:51
My last visit here was memorable, but unfortunately for the wrong reasons. It was late summer 2008. On arrival the board outside said all food freshly cooked to order using seasonal ingredients. We ordered our main courses and within a couple of minutes our main courses arrived (freshly cooked to order?) with sprouts amongst the veg (seasonal veg - this was early August! - also had leaflets on the tables for Christmas and New Year bookings!). Found out the pub was part of the dreaded Spire Inns empire, so the meals are delivered ready made and just wopped in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Beer was OK but limited and very pricey.
Shame, this is potentially a lovely pub, in a great location, and I can remember really enjoying the food and drink in years gone by, so glad to read in the last post it was up for sale. Hopefully new owners free of the dreaded pub chains will restore it to it's former glory!
15 Jan 2010 23:42
The Still and West, Portsmouth
Part of the Fuller's empire since their takeover of Gales. If you're sitting outside, possibly beats the Spice Island as you are literally at the waters edge. Visited at the latter part of last summer, and sampled both the Pride and HSB, both in good nick, whilst sitting outside watching the IOW car ferry and catamaran go by. Inside the pub has a rambling nature giving it (for me) a bit more character than the Spice Island opposite. Would definitely visit again.
15 Jan 2010 23:16
The Spice Island Inn, Portsmouth
You can't miss this pub (or the Stll and West opposite) if you're coming in to Portsmouth Harbour on a ferry. Finally got to visit last August, part of the Greene King empire done up inside in their usual style (which is fine), with Greene King IPA (ugh!), Speckled Hen, and Abbot (more than made up for the presence of the IPA - the best beer in the GK range in my opinion) on draught. Tried the Hen and Abbot, both in good condition. Wonderful location. Didn't try the food so can't comment on that, but guess it would be the 'corporate' menu and very similar to what you would see in their other pubs. Would visit and have a pint there again.
15 Jan 2010 23:03
The Plough and Barleycorn, Shanklin
Paid a number of visits since it re-opened. Nicely refurbished in the style of the Fighting Cocks nearby which the owners previously owned. Friendly and welcoming staff. Good couple of real ales in Sharps Doombar and Goddards Fuggle De Dum (the best and favourite of the island ales for me) in good condition. Normally combine visits with a meal, never been disappointed, with menu options not normally seen on a pub menu (Vietnamese Catfish!) alongside traditional pub fayre.
15 Jan 2010 22:42
Can't disagree with any of the previous posts. Stayed a night here between Christmas and New Year, good range of real ales in good nick. Recommended.
15 Jan 2010 22:31
Nice warm open fires but thats about it. Very quiet pub with dull interiour.
25 Dec 2009 13:14
Now owned by the couple who used to run the White Horse at Whitwell on the island, and it's just as good. The pubb retains the character it had previously. Had a good pint of Abbot and Fuggle-De-Dum (local brew), as well as Ruddles Best but didn't try that. Also had a tip top meal. All in all highly recommended and will be back soon.
20 Nov 2009 20:35
Had a pint of 'Wandle' in there last night, it really wasn't in good condition. Toyed with trying a pint of the other real ale on offer, Sharps Doombar, but decided against it. Glad now I didn't after the last post. Much better beer round the corner in the Prince of Wales!
28 May 2009 21:37
Still as good as ever. No more HSB on draught, but London Pride and two others 'Butser' and a changing guest. Lovely range of food.
25 Sep 2008 21:34
Brilliant pub, great food and drink at sensible prices. The current landlord Chris didn't sell it up, and is selling off the Sun Inn at Hulverstone instead! Can't recommend high enough if you want a meal with your drink.
25 Sep 2008 21:28
We went for a walk up there a couple of weeks ago for a drink and meal. As we approached, we noticed the car park was empty, and on arrival saw it empty and in darkness within! Blackboard outside said the pub was shut for a few days whilst the owners moved premises, then we noticed a notice from the bailiff on the window saying they had entered the premises to reclaim property! Real shame, I think the landlord over stretched themselves with building works with a half completed patio area out front!
Hopefully new owners soon who can restore it back to it's glory!
25 Sep 2008 21:22
The Plough and Barleycorn, Shanklin
Now closed and boarded up! Shown for sale on property pages. I think some of it's clientel have hot footed up the road to the newly reopened Mad Cow (was The Bank and Billy Bunters prior to that!)
25 Sep 2008 21:14
Has re-opened as the 'Mad Cow', and appears reasonably busy. Yet to try, but looks like a Sports Bar, widescreens, etc, but no mention of food.
25 Sep 2008 21:12
Has become pricey for food and drink. Excellent range of real ales, but many if not most now in excess of �3 a pint. All the meals come with salad and either chips or jacket (for quick turn round), so not the place if you want veg or a roast!
Trades a great deal on its position, views and range of real ales, but if your willing to settle for a choice of just two or three (good) real ales (or if your tipple is something else), then the Mill Bay also on the front, or Bell Bar in the Winter Gardens above, both offer good quality reasonably priced and varied food, and sea views also!
25 Sep 2008 20:36
Impressed on recent visit, first for a while. Good pint of Spitfire, also does Ventnor Gold, the local beer in Ventnor. Food was very good and reasonably priced, with the salad vegetables appearing to be home grown.
On a nice sunny day, the views sitting outside are as good as you'll get from the Spyglass, except from the opposite end of the bay and being in an elevated position (great view looking down towards Binnel Bay), and you'll save yourself a fair few pence too!
25 Sep 2008 20:18
Remains the best real ale pub on the island, and has just won the IOW Camra Pub of the year again. The food also remains very good as well.
I've seen the Pub is up for sale in the commercial property press, which is a real shame, as no one could do a better job than Paul (it's current owner) and his family. I just hope that he's going to buy another pub on the island, we'll be regular visitors!
29 Mar 2008 20:54
Remains as good as ever, and the beer always in tip top condition. It looks like Bill (the owner) is putting all his effort in to this pub now that he's closed down the Longshoreman on the front.
29 Mar 2008 20:47
Paid my first visit since last October and had the best meal in there for quite a while. The Abbot was getting a bit past it's best and possibly getting to the end of the barrel, but the follow up pint of HSB couldn't be faulted. Both the food and drink were also reasonably priced. After gradually going down in my estimation over the last couple of years, it looks like it may be on the way up again.
29 Mar 2008 20:43
Recently paid first visit of the year. They've changed the real ales, now Hook Norton Best and Old Peculiar. Both in tip top condition and reasonably priced (even after this 'wonderful' goverment's budget rise). The food was as good as ever, and remains the best pub in Shanklin, it's only rival is the Fishermans Cottage on the front
29 Mar 2008 20:33
The Long Shoreman Inn, Shanklin
This pub is no more! Closed and it looks like it will become residential accomodation.
29 Mar 2008 20:26
Still pricey, now �3.10 for cheapest ale on my latest visit, so you're paying 40-50p more than in the other Shanklin pubs. The food is not bad, but fairly average and again pricey for what it is. The gents toilet were also in a bit of state, paper everywhere, which can put you off! On the plus side it is in a lovely location, and the beers are always in good condition, but you will come out lighter in pocket than in the other Shanklin pubs.
29 Mar 2008 20:23
Used to be the pub of first choice in Yarmouth. Had the heart torn out of it with a refurb, replacing warm and carpeted bars with cold and supposedly trendy look. Prices went up to as it had been the most reasonably priced pub in Yarmouth! Now up for sale, and hope new owners will try to restore it to it's former glory!
20 Aug 2007 17:40
Food and drink good quality, and welcoming atmosphere and staff. Up against three other pubs on the same stretch of road, incluing Three Bishops and Hulverstone Sun which we have found to be a little bit cheaper.
14 Aug 2007 21:07
Have had a couple of visits of late and enjoyed both. Beer is well kept and the food has been both well priced and good quality.
14 Aug 2007 20:57
One of the loveliest pub gardens on the island with stream, trout, ducks and doves, and great to sit in it on a nice summer's day with a good pint of beer and a snack. Heard it's now up for sale, which is a shame as Mike and Sally have done a good job over the years.
14 Aug 2007 20:55
Very impressed on last visit. Only small, but quality food and a good pint of beer. Will be returning!
14 Aug 2007 20:46
Very pleasantly surprised on our first visit. Does 3 real ales, including HSB and a guest ale at �2 a pint. Food was good and varied and exceptionally well priced. It won't be our last visit!
30 Jul 2007 22:34
Food and drink not bad, but agree has got pricey of late, especially the snacks for what they are. As a result only get's a very occasional visit now.
30 Jul 2007 22:24
Does a good range of ever changing real ales. Food is very good quality, and lovely sitting outside
30 May 2007 20:06
The Old Village Inn, Bembridge
Our favourite pub in bembridge, good beers and very good food. Menu not as large as down the Crab and Lobster, but much better value.
30 May 2007 20:01
The Old Village Inn, Bembridge
Our favourite pub in bembridge, good beers and very good food. Menu not as large as down the Crab and Lobster, but much better value.
30 May 2007 20:01
King Harry's Bar (Glenbrook Hotel), Shanklin
Good range of changing real ales, with nice garden out back overlooking Chine. Has periodic beer festivals. Entertainment on Friday evenings, and good for a quiet drink on other days.
10 May 2007 21:05
Both the beer and food are reasonably priced, but the beer isn't that great so wouldnt go in there if I just want a pint(shame as Greene King do some good ales, but they don't stock them!),and the food at best average. You will do better eating across the road, or wandering down the Chine Inn or King Harry if you just want a pint.
10 May 2007 20:57
Best pub for food in Shanklin, and plentiful. Two real ales on offer, their own 'Village Idiot' brewed by the Ventnor Brewery, and Theakstons, on our last visit. Also has big eating area upstairs when no space in the main bar.
10 May 2007 19:57
Good range of bitters, and fair size menu. A bit pricey on the drinks and food, but I guess that's because of it's location. Fair amount of outside seating, but not overly big inside, so seating inside is a bit tight.
10 May 2007 19:50
Now very food and family orientated, and is owned by the same people who own the New Inn down the road in Shalfleet. Found the food to be very reasonable and varied. Well worth a visit. Totally non-smoking, but large amount of seating outside.
10 May 2007 19:40
Best pub in Freshwater area, and friendly staff who remember you. Great food, which is both reasonable and plentiful, epecially the sizzling dishes. An ex-Gales pub which has not gone down in quality or value for money since recently becoming part of the Fuller's empire. Three real ales - London Pride, HSB and changing guest ale.
10 May 2007 19:34
Wonderful location right by the seafront, good amount of seating outside. Badger bitters and food lunchtimes and evening, with carvery Sunday lunchtimes. Food good, but slightly above average price wise.
10 May 2007 19:27
Large pub with plenty of parking and childrens area outside. Have visited a few times, but found the food and drink vary's, sometimes OK sometimes not.
10 May 2007 19:18
Very popular with a good selection of well kept ales, and a huge menu plus regular changing specials, all of which are always delicous. It would be great if it opened and did food all day, but the owner is also the chef! We generally go off peak times to avoid waiting for a table!
9 May 2007 21:33
Very family orientated, with maze and play areas out back. Nice inside and does a good pint of beer, and food all day. Will generally visit outside peak season or times when it's less busy. The sandwiches, baguettes and salads are very good, but have found main meals a bit pricey.
9 May 2007 21:26
Lovely pub, big and spacious. Impressed with the food which is both generous and well priced. However, the drinks are pricey, which was the only criticism I could make on our last visit.
9 May 2007 21:13
Never disappointed - all 4 pubs in Arreton do good food, but this is our favourite. Good choice of beers and food is excellent, with ever changing specials. Read it's now up for sale as the current landlord wants to concentrate on his other pub in Hulverstone. The best thing the future new landlord can do is to not change a thing!
9 May 2007 21:08
Currently closed, did reopen a while back but shortly afterwards closed again and the windows were boarded up (bailiffs or trading without a licence?). Have now seen it being offered for sale!
9 May 2007 21:02
The Plough and Barleycorn, Shanklin
Has recently changed hands, and is now run by the (ex) bar manageress of the popular Aviator at Sandown Airport. Have found the pub welcoming, and does a good pint of Speckled Hen. We have also had a couple of meals, and thoroughly enjoyed them! The pub ha two main bars, the Lounge area where you can have a meal or a quiet drink, and the Sports bar if you want a game of pool or watch football, etc.
9 May 2007 20:55
The best place in Shanklin to go for an evening drink. Full of character and in a fabulous location, the beers are always just right. I have to admit that I didn't think that it does food, unless it's only at certain times of the year?
9 May 2007 20:50
Very welcoming and friendly. Both the beers and food are always impressive, with regular changing specials. Very popular and good quiz nights on Sunday evenings out of season.
9 May 2007 20:43
Have been surprisingly impressed on my last few visits as I thought it only really catered for families with children. However, have recently had some impressive meals, and a good pint of real ale. The staff service has also been friendly and welcoming.
9 May 2007 20:33
Simply the best real ale pub on the island, and the food's not bad either! Although not the biggest pub, it does also have a nice patio area outside to soak up the sun on a nice sunny day. Always welcoming, and I hear the landlord's starting his own microbrewery!
9 May 2007 20:26
The pub did change hands last year, and used to be the sister pub of the Crab and Lobster at Bembridge. Still a nice place to go, but not as frequent as we did, as the food and service can be a bit up and down, depending on the chef and staff on duty. However, to their credit the menu has vastly increased and they now do food all day.
9 May 2007 20:22
The Cat and Fiddle, Radlett
Still a lovely place for a good beer. Unfortunately, after many years the current owner, Mike, is selling up, and it'll be under new ownership in 3 to 4 weeks time. I do hope its NOT ripped apart, OR even worse, turned in to yet another restaurant masquerading as a pub by its new owners! There are far too many of those already!
29 Apr 2011 12:07