It’s that time of year when chefs and restaurateurs are on the edge of their seats waiting to see whether they’ve made it into, or remained in, the latest Michelin Guide.
The Isle of Wight should be pretty pleased to see that it’s punching well above its weight in comparison to other areas in the region, with a whopping nine Isle of Wight restaurants listed in the 2017 Guide, including a Bib Gourmand Award for The Restaurant at the Seaview Hotel.
Seaview’s head chef Bruce Theobald said,
“It can be a challenge getting the menu to average out at £28, but
it has always been my philosophy that dining out should be accessible and not cost a fortune.
“Getting the Bib Gourmand for the second year is just fantastic and is a great acknowledgement of all the hard work and skill of my team. And I would also like to say a massive thank you to all our customers!”
Independent Guide
The independent Guide is regarded as an authority on eating out.
Rebecca Burr, editor of the Michelin Guide, said,
“Michelin inspectors will continue to make anonymous visits and to pay their own bills, and we will continue to offer expert, objective and consistent information to our readers.”
You can learn more about the history of Michelin by listening to a podcast from 2011 with Phil Baldock, Head of Communications for Michelin in the UK.
Below are the nine restaurants with the Michelin inspectors’ descriptions. Well done to them all, especially the newcomers and Bib Gourmand.
Ale and Oyster (new entry)
This relaxed little bistro sits in a super spot on the esplanade, looking out to sea, and is run by a friendly, experienced team. Enjoy a light lunch on the terrace or come in the evening for the likes of local lobster linguine.
From £30 to £44
Dan’s Kitchen
Old corner shop in a lovely location overlooking the village green. Simple wood furnishings, scatter cushions and nautical pictures feature. Traditional, hearty dishes showcase island produce; blackboard specials include the daily catch.
From £15 to £48
Isla’s Conservatory, The George
Hidden at the back of the George hotel is this modern conservatory with a lovely garden leading down to the water’s edge. Flexible brasserie-style menus offer tasty nibbles and a choice of dish size; ingredients are local and organic.
From £29 to £45
Isla’s, The George (new entry)
At the heart of an old inn you’ll find this stylishly understated restaurant with large linen-laid tables and detailed service. The three no-choice set menus change with the seasons – cooking is precise, modern and sophisticated.
From £45 to £75
Little Gloster
Set in a great spot among the beach huts, with lovely views over The Solent. Have a cocktail on the terrace then head inside to the tables by the kitchen or the relaxed, shabby chic dining room. Unfussy, flavoursome cooking uses island produce. Stylish bedrooms have a fresh nautical theme and superb views.
From £26 to £48
Royal Hotel (new entry)
Set within an elegant hotel is this fittingly grand dining room hung with portraits and chandeliers. Good value light lunches are followed by more sophisticated dinners where old favourites are offered alongside more modern dishes.
From £22 to £40
Seaview (Bib Gourmand)
The seafaring décor gives a clue as to the focus at this boldly decorated hotel restaurant. Classically based seafood dishes are well-prepared and come in a choice of two sizes. The ‘Naval Mess’ and ‘Pump Room’ provide simpler alternatives and the crab ramekin has become something of an institution.
From £22 to £37
Taverners
Passionately run roadside pub with its own deli selling homemade produce. The main menu lists pub classics like burgers and pies but the more ambitious daily blackboard specials are the ones to go for. Ingredients are local and home-grown.
From £17 to £28
Thompson’s (new entry)
A stylish yet relaxed restaurant in the centre of town; try to book one of the three tables in front of the open kitchen. Original cooking makes good use of island ingredients and exhibits some interesting flavour combinations.
From 22 GBP to 55 GBP
