2019
ISLE OF WIGHT BRANCH
The Isle of Wight’s only comprehensive pub guide 30YearsSpyglass_IW Pub Guide_DPS.indd 1
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How to use the Isle of Wight Pub Guide... We have split the Island into six geographical locations: North, North East, East, South, West and Central. Pubs are listed within each area and given a grid reference relating to the map on pages 28–29. Each pub listing includes; full contact details, opening hours, regular draught beer and a short description.
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Each listing includes facilities symbols:
K
Top 10 CAMRA Pub of 2017
E
Dedicated pump for local ale
C I
Family pub Outdoor drinking area
A
Accommodation
M
Wheelchair access
F
On or near bus route
G
On or near train route
J
Parking available
B
Dog friendly
L
Free Wi-fi
D
Live Music
O
Wild card – not a traditional pub but known to serve real ale in a good setting
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Welcome to the Isle of Wight Pub Guide The Island is reputed to have more pubs per square mile than any other county, but if that is true or not, it certainly has more than its fair share. Whether it’s a pub famed for real ale, a foodies’ Mecca or a great place to hear some live music, you will find one to tick all the boxes. There are over 140 pubs featured, as well as local breweries and ales, making it the Island’s most comprehensive pub guide. Working in association with the Isle of Wight branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) you will find listings as well as interesting editorial to help you find your perfect pub. If you love pubs and beer, then this is the book for you. Cheers!
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CONTENTS
Contents 132
Pub Walks Some of the best walks in association with IW Ramblers...
48
34
Keep all generations happy...
(also 42, 53, 58, 78, 89, 90, 113, 124 & 144). We take a look at those that have pulled their last pint...
Pubs to take the whole family to
Lost Pubs of the Isle of Wight
68
Meet the Landlord:
Mhairi Macaulay, Ventnor Exchange (also 40, 96,114,131 & 141)
70
Dog Days Pubs to take your four-legged friend...
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CONTENTS
156
Hop to it Hop growing and picking...
08
About CAMRA
10
When is a pub not a pub?
12
A quick round
16
Goddards Brewery – Brewery Guide...
A brief guide to the history of pubs and brewing on the Isle of Wight
28
Isle of Wight Area Map
30-43
North Listings
44
British Beer
50-69
North East Listings
54
Back in the day (also 61, 62, 91 & 108)
72
Timeless pubs A brief guide to the history of pubs
74-97
East Listings
98
Bring your dancing shoes
20
Yates’ Brewery – Brewery Guide...
Top pubs for live music
100
Food glorious food Pubs where food is the star
102-115
South Listings
116
Stay awhile Pubs with rooms
120
Top of the pubs Award-winning pubs on the Island
122-131
24
Island Brewery – Brewery Guide...
West listings
136-147 Central listings 148-155 A-Z listings 162
CAMRA joining form
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ABOUT CAMRA
About CAMRA What is real ale? Real ale is the name we give to traditionally brewed beer. It is brewed with top fermenting yeast with usually only three other constituents: liquor (that’s water to you and me), malted barley and hops. There are, of course, exceptions to this – wheat beer and the Belgian-style fruit beers for example. However, the most important defining aspect is that it is “cask conditioned” and goes through secondary fermentation. When your pint is dispensed from the handpump, the beer in the barrel is still working. The yeast is still doing its job of converting the sugar in the malted yeast to alcohol and carbon dioxide. This does make it a tricky product to look after properly. Before the beer is ready for sale, the beer has to settle, allowing the yeast to drop to the bottom of the barrel. Sometimes this can take a matter of days. When the barrel is tapped, it has to be vented to prevent a vacuum. This means that the beer has a limited shelf life as it begins to oxidise. A rule of thumb is three to four days. Once a barrel is opened, it can’t be moved. The Keg “Revolution” During the 1960s, the easier to handle ‘keg’ beer began replacing the traditional ‘cask’ beer. With keg beer the fermentation has stopped and the fizz is reintroduced at the point of dispense by means of gas – usually carbon dioxide but sometimes nitrogen. This makes it a very friendly product; easy to produce, easy to dispense and, most importantly, easy to transport – no need for small local breweries. The nation’s desire for beer could be satisfied by a few huge megabreweries sending their products all over the country.
Real ale from a tankard, perfect.
Small breweries and their tied estates were being bought up by the larger breweries (and as likely as not, closed down). By the end of the 1970s the pub and beer trade in the United Kingdom was dominated by the ‘Big Six’: 1.
Allied Breweries (Ind Coope, Tetley’s etc.)
2.
Bass (including Charrington, Mitchell’s & Butler and Stones),
3.
Courage (including Tennent’s and John Smith’s),
4.
Scottish and Newcastle – known affectionately as “Jock and Geordies” (including McEwans and Youngers)
5.
Whitbread (Strongs, Brickwoods, Flowers)
6.
Grand Metropolitan (which included Ushers, Mann and Watneys)
These breweries had huge budgets and spent a fortune on persuading us what great beers they were producing. Many will remember ‘Double Diamond works wonder’ and ‘Join the Red Revolution’; the latter to promote the infamous Watneys’ Red Barrel.
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ABOUT CAMRA
Find your favourite real ale.
“We’re the people who try to make sure you’ve nice beer to drink in your pubs and try to stop blokes in suits buying your local and turning it into a shop” Fortunately, four journalists, Michael Hardman, Graham Lees, Jim Makin and Bill Mellor, dismayed at the disappearance of traditional breweries in Ireland, and realising that the same could happen here, decided to do something about it. The Campaign for the Revitalisation of Ale was formed in Kruger’s Bar on the Dingle Peninsular on Tuesday 16th March 1971. The name was altered at the AGM to The Campaign for Real Ale – CAMRA. The membership at the first AGM were the original four with a few friends, however the cause was taken up by a national daily newspaper and membership grew
almost overnight. By the second AGM the membership had swollen to over 5,000. It is now 191,855 (September 2018) and recognised as one of the most successful consumer organisations in Europe. CAMRA Now Although the battle to save traditional real ale is won, CAMRA continues to campaign for important issues: •
In 2002, after pressure from CAMRA, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, introduced a progressive beer duty relief for small brewers resulting in a record number of new breweries starting up. There are now more brewers than any time since the end of the Second World War (1,424 at the last count).
•
In 2012, a mass lobby of Parliament, led by CAMRA, persuaded the Government to scrap the Beer Duty Escalator and the following year the Chancellor announced a 1p cut in duty on a pint of beer, the first cut in 60 years!
•
In 2014, again after pressure from CAMRA, the Government announced a statutory code of practice for the large pubcos.
If good pubs and beer are important to you, please consider joining The Campaign for Real Ale, CAMRA. camra.org.uk
Tim Marshall
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GODDARDS BREWERY – BREWERY GUIDE
Goddards
Goddards – Isle of Wight born and brewed.
The Isle of Wight’s oldest brewery in operation, Goddards, began life back in 1993. Started by husband and wife Anthony and Alix, who had previously run a vineyard business in East Cowes but were forced to sell up due to the Lloyds crash of the early 90s... The family relocated to a caravan at the then derelict Barnsley Farm in Ryde, where they began renovations and started up their new business… The Head Brewer, of what was then Burt’s, decided to join Anthony on the adventure. In 1993, Goddards began with a 15 barrel brew-length plant, installed in
the old barn at the Farm – the first brew was racked off that Spring, just in time for the tourist season. In 2018 Goddards celebrated its 25th anniversary. That’s a whole 25 years of brewing and within that time it is said that the brewery have brewed a whopping 10,207,013 pints — that’s enough in pint mugs side-by-side to stretch from London to Prague or, if you prefer, from the brewery in Ryde to the southern tip of the Shetland Isles! Goddards marked the occasion with a re-release of its very first brew, the award-winning Goddards Special Bitter. Goddards have gone on to win many more awards since that very first brew, most recently picking up accolades from The British Bottlers’ Institute (BBI) for both Ale of Wight and Duck’s Folly.
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GODDARDS BREWERY – BREWERY GUIDE
Selection of Goddards best loved ales.
Classic Beers:
Starboard! (4.0%) ABV
Fuggle-Dee-Dum (4.8%) ABV
A golden, quaffable session beer with an aromatic ‘nose’ that comes from English hops added in the fermenter.
Brewed with roasted malts and English Fuggle hops, to give a smoky, spicy hoppiness on the nose.
Wight Squirrel (4.3%) ABV
Ale of Wight (3.7%) ABV
A rich, russet-coloured full-flavoured, easy drinking Best Bitter. Brewed with Crystal Malts giving a smooth caramel taste.
A refreshing bright blonde ale, with delicate citrus notes.
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GODDARDS BREWERY – BREWERY GUIDE Seasonal Beer:
Speciality Beer:
Inspiration (5.0%) ABV
Special Bitter (4.0%) ABV
Pale, refreshing citrus-y ale. Despite its strength, this is amazingly zingy and fresh, packed full of hop aromas and flavours.
Refreshingly clean, easy drinking bitter that carries through to a satisfying after taste.
alc 4.0% vol
Winter Warmer (5.2%) ABV
Island Pride (4.0%) ABV
Dark, rich and hearty. Bitter chocolate malt leading to a sweet fruity finish.
Island Pride Ale is brewed with locally sourced Island barley and English hops.
Duck’s Folly (5.2%) ABV
Quarr Abbey Ale (6.5%) ABV
A dark amber, strong ale, with a spicy aroma and a complex sweetness to complement the hoppy dry finish.
A Benedictine style ale, a strong full bodied ale with an amber colour and complex palate.
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GODDARDS BREWERY – BREWERY GUIDE
Goddards is the Isle of Wight’s most established brewery. Our ales are brewed using Island grown barley, sourced from local farmers, so it is truly ‘Isle of Wight born and brewed’ To find out about our full range: goddardsbrewery.com | office@goddardsbrewery.com 01983 611011
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NORTH
North Southern Vectis Routes: 1, 4, 5, 32
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The Anchor Inn, Cowes.
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Cowes Ale House
5a Shooters Hill, Cowes, PO31 7BE Midday-11pm Mon-Thu Midday-Midnight Fri-Sat Midday-10.30pm Sun 01983 294027 alehousefamily.co.uk
This small and friendly pub is ideally situated in the town centre. There are normally four real ales on stillage and in an ever-rotating selection, expect to find the occasional mild and porter. Bar snacks only available. Many events are held during the week which starts with a well supported Irish Night on Mondays, a popular quiz on Wednesdays and music on most Fridays and Sundays. Usually four real ales (four changing). MCBDLFK
The Anchor Inn
1-3 High Street, Cowes, PO31 7SA 11am-11pm Mon-Thu 11am-Midnight Fri & Sat Midday-10.30pm Sun 01983 292823 theanchorcowes.co.uk
The Anchor Inn, originally ‘The Three Trumpeters’, dates back to 1704, is well placed adjacent to the Marina tempting the visiting yachtsman for their first pint ashore. Hugely popular during the summer months, there is a pleasant beer garden with instant cover to cope with Great British weather. A good selection of beer is on offer, with one Island ale and four guests always available. Enjoy a varied food menu, with good portion sizes. Live entertainment is on each weekend during the winter and most evenings in the summer. Accommodation is available in seven comfortable rooms and there is a large public car park nearby. Usually five real ales (two changing). ECIAFDPB
The Duke of York
Mill Hill Road, Cowes, PO31 7BT 11am-Midnight Mon-Sat Midday-Midnight Sun 01983 295171 dukeofyorkcowes.co.uk
A popular street-corner town pub, which has enhanced its reputation by serving interesting and appetising freshly prepared food. From the moment you walk in the door, there is an air of charm with memorabilia and signs celebrating Cowes and its association with yachting and the sea. Well priced accommodation is available. Beers are kept in fine condition and the pub offers two real ciders. Discounts for CAMRA members. Usually three real ales (one changing). CIAPJLBFE
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The Folly Inn
Folly Lane, Whippingham, PO32 6NB 11am-11pm Mon-Thu 9am-Midnight Fri & Sat 9am-10.30pm Sun 01983 297171 greeneking-pubs.co.uk
This large, open plan pub has a rustic feel and is perched on the banks of the River Medina, just up from Cowes in Whippingham. Attracting a large number of yachtsman and other river users as well as being popular with visitors to nearby Osborne. This part of the river is often busy so the view is always interesting. Three real ales are normally available and breakfast is served from 9am to 11am. Usually three real ales (one changing). CIPMBJLDFE
The Fountain Inn
High Street, Cowes, PO31 7AW 11am-11pm 11am-Midnight Fri & Sat Midday-10.30pm Sun 01983 292397 oldenglishinns.co.uk
Located in the heart of Cowes, the Fountain Hotel dates from 1793 and has been refurbished in recent years in a traditional style with a host of modern facilities. It has a long-standing history in the area and is the first port of call for many visitors to Cowes arriving via the adjacent passenger ferry terminal. The bar serves cask ales, premium lagers and fine wines to complement its traditional English menu. The hotel boasts 20 rooms that are described as ‘traditional, but stylish’. Usually one real ale (one changing). IAPMBDLF
The Globe Sports Lounge and Kitchen The Parade, Cowes, PO31 7QJ Midday-11pm Mon-Thur 11am-Midnight Fri-Sat 11am-11pm Sun 01983 506053 theglobe.bar
A landmark on Cowes Parade, the previous Globe Hotel dated back to the 19th century is now The Globe Sports Lounge and Kitchen. This a place to enjoy real ale whilst playing pool and watching live sport TV on the big screens. There are comfortable sofas inside and a pleasant patio outside overlooking the Solent. Enjoy a range of beers, lagers and ciders as well as craft spirits and an impressive wine list. Usually two real ales (one changing). PCBL
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Lost pubs of the Isle of Wight... Although we have a good amount of pubs here on the Island, it was not that long ago that there would have been nearly double the amount that there is today. Here we take a look at those that have pulled their last pint, the lost pubs of the Isle of Wight...
The Rowbarge, Newport: This little pub first appeared in the 1750 Licensed Victuallers’ List but there is reference to it in a document dated 1738, it survived until the late 1960s. Backing onto the new fire station in South Street, it became a favourite haunt of firemen who found time for a quick drink by jumping over the back wall. The Rowbarge building still survives in Pyle Street.
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The Horseshoe Inn
353 Newport Road, Northwood, PO31 8PL Midday-Midnight Daily 01983 292349
A 17th century coaching inn, originally known as the ‘Halfway Inn’. There is a public bar with pool and darts and a saloon bar that boasts a glass-covered well with fish. Sports TV is available in both bars and there is regular live music. The pub has a large car park. Usually three real ales (two changing). ICJBLDF
The Kingston Arms
176 Newport Road, Cowes, PO31 7PS 11am-2.30pm, 6pm-11pm Mon-Thu 11am-11pm Fri & Sat Midday-4pm, 7pm-10.30pm Sun 01983 293393 facebook.com/kingstonarms
The Lifeboat
Brittania Way, East Cowes, PO32 6UB 10am-11pm Mon- Thu 10am- Midnight Fri- Sat 10am-10.30pm Sun 01983 292711 thelifeboatcowes.co.uk
This imposing pub is easy to spot on the way out of Cowes. It has a lively public bar with darts, pool and any variety of other games that might take your fancy. Local beer normally features and is known to be well kept. The pub has a petanque terrain and a Folk Night is held on the first Friday of the month. Usually three real ales (one changing). CIBJDLFE
The pub stands proudly overlooking East Cowes Marina, which is a huge favourite for visiting yachtsmen throughout the season. It is a family-friendly, home-from-home and popular with locals too. In the summer months, its large outside decking area offers one of the best riverside dining experiences on the Island. The menu is a balance of contemporary cuisine from around the world and is served throughout the day. The pub is just a few minutes walk from the Cowes floating bridge. Usually three real ales (one changing). ICPMJBDLFE
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The Isle of Wight’s only comprehensive pub guide • More than 140 detailed pub listings • Editorial features and articles on pubs, beer and brewing • Learn about the history of brewing on the Island • Informative local brewery section listing Isle of Wight beers with tasting notes
Produced in association with:
TASTEOFTHEWIGHT.CO.UK
ISLE OF WIGHT BRANCH