A couple of weeks ago (July 2022), The Terrace Rooms, Ventnor very quietly opened their doors to customers.
The transformation by Acorn Interiors of the former 12-bedroomed hotel into a six bedroomed boutique hotel, terrace restaurant and 300+ bottle wine shop has been ongoing since mid-2021 and many in the town, and beyond, have been eagerly awaiting its opening.
One of the most significant openings of the year
Coinciding with some much-needed out of the office time for Ventnor Fringe Festival, News OnTheWight paid Ventnor’s newest boutique hotel a visit.
What we were met with was incredibly impressive and cements The Terrace, Ventnor’s place as one of the most significant openings of the year on the Isle of Wight.
September 2022 update
Sadly for those who haven’t tried it yet, Terrace Rooms have withdrawn the snacks menu, but cheese and meat boards will continue.
The evening restaurant opens from November 2022.
January 2024 update
From Thursdays to Sundays they serve hot soups, toasties, cheese, breads, hummus & charcuterie from 12 – 5pm to enjoy alongside a glass or bottle.
From October 2023 to March 2024 Tom cooks unique multi-course set dinners on Friday and Saturday at 7pm in the Wine Room.
Outstanding menu
Open Thursday to Sunday between 12pm-3pm for lunch ‘snacks’, the menu at The Terrace Rooms changes daily depending on what’s available from the local fresh produce suppliers.
The dishes on the menu are referred to as snacks, but they are nothing like the snacks that might come to mind when you think of that word.
Everything we tried, from the creamed chard, kale, Kohlrabi leaves and walnuts on toast to the courgette-rolled mackerel pate, chilled courgette soup, melon and mint salsa was sensational.
Click on images to see larger versions – then click through the gallery
All dishes are conceived and created by Tom Fahey, one half of the driving force behind the new venture.
So impressed with the after-lunch coffee we had, that returned the next day for another early afternoon lift. You can pop along anytime between 12pm-5pm (in season) if you fancy a coffee, tea or glass of wine.
300+ bottle wine room
After we’d finished working our way through the menu, Ali, the general manager showed us around, beginning in the impressive 300+ bottle wine room.
A great deal of effort has gone into tasting and choosing the wines that are on offer, with a good price range to suit most pockets.
The Wine Room is open 12pm-5pm daily (except Tuesday and Wednesday unless by prior appointment) and customers are invited to visit and choose a bottle (or two) of wine to buy and take home, or enjoy a glass on the terrace, whilst taking in the fabulous views.
Interior design of impeccable taste
It was clear from the interior design on the ground floor that a great deal of attention to detail had gone into the transformation of this former hotel, which was once home to Russian Revolutionary, Alexander Herzen.
This is where Ashley Keen, the other half of the driving force behind The Terrace comes in.
Ashley was responsible for the design for all five rooms that are currently open for bookings. The effective use of unusual spaces to make the most of the 176-year-old building and the stunning views is genius.
In one room you can even be sat on the lavatory whilst looking out across the bay. In another, relax in the freestanding rolltop bath tub whilst taking in one of the best views on the Island, down the coast to Steephill Cove.
When we looked around there were still some pictures to be hung and work to finish dressing the rooms, but we’re sure you’ll agree from the photos that they look stunning.
Have a tour
Ashley and Tom welcome anyone to pop along and have tour of the building to see what they’ve achieved over the last few months.
See The Terrace Rooms and Wine Website for contact information and more details.
Article edit
4.30pm 10th Aug 2022 – Opening times changed from 10am to 12pm
4.45pm 2nd Sep 2022 – September update added
