The Volunteer Inn, Ventnor

This is the smallest boozer on t'isle and one of the very best. It manages to strike the difficult balance of having a cosy environment packed with loyal locals yet manages to be welcoming, both because of the friendliness of the staff and the witiness of the punters. There is a generous selection of ales for such a small place: approx 5, including Ventnor Golden. Its the best place to try "Golden" and the best drinkers pub in Ventnor. You wouldn't believe how many locals do their dog-walking the the Vectis!

7 Nov 2008 00:13

Bar One, Cowes

It closed in circa 2003. The premises was taken over by Cowes Social Club till 2007, and laid empty for most of 2008, opening briefly over Cowes Week as "Captain Jaks".

As Bar One it was a great place to watch footy and play pool on on eof the fice tables.

As Cowes Social Club is was cheap as chips and the perfect venue for a gay disco.

As Captain Jaks is was no ale mecca, but a good spot for a late night drink or a darnce.

6 Nov 2008 23:59

The Waterside, Cowes

The structure of this pub is God-awful. Basically its a tin shed, with a high celing/roof which hemorrhages atmosphere. Its cheap and now serves one or two good, unusual (ever charnging) real ales. It also does pub food, where once it cooked pizzas, in so doing-engulfing the bar with smoke. There's a roof terrace which has the best views of any pub in Cowes by a mile. Its not the most pleasant enviroinment up there though, and the smoking shelter enjoys the prime location at the front of the terrace! This place isn't one to savour but makes up the numbers on a pub crawl.

6 Nov 2008 23:51