Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
follow that with filet of Solent cod with braised baby fennel and a Pernod cream
sauce; and round things out with the George's exceptional English cheese board.
In the George Hotel (see below), Quay St., Yarmouth.
&
01983/760331.
www.thegeorge.co.uk. Main
courses £15-£28; set lunch 2 courses £16, 3 courses £20; dinner tasting menu £65. AE, MC, V. Daily
noon-3pm and 7-10pm. Bus: 7.
New Inn
GASTROPUB This dining pub has earned its reputation over more
than a decade. Fish is a specialty here, and the menu features favorites as well as
sustainable alternatives like hake and megrim sole, alongside shellfish platters loaded
with local crab and lobster. Meat eaters are catered for with the likes of breast of local
pheasant with wild mushrooms, redcurrants, and rosemary sauce. If you prefer pub
classics, try a doorstep sandwich, the ploughman's platter, or the fish pie. The wine
list is way above the pub average and includes local bottles.
Mill Rd., Shalfleet.
&
01983/531314.
www.thenew-inn.co.uk. Reservations recommended at weekends.
Main courses £10-£15. AE, MC, V. Daily noon-2:30pm and 6-9:30pm. Bus: 7.
Robert Thompson at the Hambrough
CONTEMPORARY ENG-
LISH Inside a stylish boutique hotel, this Michelin-starred restaurant is the finest
on the island—and, indeed, among the best in Britain. Trained in some of the leading
kitchens in England, titular chef Robert Thompson makes clever use of the country-
side's bounty in such dishes as sautéed mallard duck breast with foie gras and veal
sweetbreads. However, his best dishes have a seafood accent. Details depend on the
catch, but expect the likes of butter poached Ventnor lobster served with a lasagna of
baby gem lettuce and salsify. Fixed-price menus are offered at both lunch and dinner,
with the latter offering more choice and more elaboration in cooking and preparation.
Inside Hambrough Hotel, Hambrough Rd., Ventnor.
&
01983/856333.
www.thehambrough.com.
Reservations required. 3-course set lunch £26; 3-course set dinner £55. DC, MC, V. Tues-Sat noon-
1:30pm and 7-9:30pm. Bus: 3 or 6.
Where to Stay
An excellent alternative to the recommendations below—and suited to families seek-
ing hotel accommodations—is the cheerful
Wight Mouse Inn,
Newport Road,
Chale (
www.innforanight.co.uk
;
&
01983/730431). This remote old coaching inn
close to the southern tip of the island has 10 small to midsize bedrooms prettily deco-
rated in a “modern-country” style. Children are welcome and can burn off energy in
Popzone, an indoor play area. Doubles range from £50 to £65, with family rooms
generally £5 to £10 more. Breakfast is £8 extra.
For self-catering cottages or apartment rentals, try local specialists
Wight Loca-
tions
(
www.wightlocations.co.uk
;
&
01983/811418) or
Island Cottage Holi-
days
(
www.islandcottageholidays.co.uk
;
&
01929/481555).
If there's a festival on—particularly a major one like Cowes Week (see above)—
book ahead of your arrival.
Insider tip:
Ask your hotel about special prices on
ferry crossings; they may be able to save you up to £50 per car if you're coming in
peak season.
George Hotel
The island's most elegant lodgings are at this former gover-
nor's residence dating from the 17th century. Between the quay and the castle, over-
looking the Solent, this is a tranquil, wood-paneled oasis in the port beloved by
yachties. The good-size bedrooms are individually decorated, each with style and an
eye for comfort, tradition, and refinement. Even if you aren't a guest, reserve a table
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