British Restaurants in Sandown

“2 visits during a short stay locally, both excellent. Location, Staff, Food first class!!
Clean and friendly, enjoyed the visit.”

“Review of the Yarbridge Inn, Yarbridge Cross, Brading, Isle of Wight Six years since we had dined in the Yarbridge Inn - the last time that we were on the island. Check out the earlier review (28June17) with all those references to the cherished memories that (typical of families) cover all those places much loved and appreciated from the time that we were all kids on those long summer holidays in Brading and the surrounding country with Mum (and sometimes Dad too). There are not many early family times that are remembered better. In June 2023 we’d shared a table at the Yarbridge Inn with the same couple from earlier – a much treasured brother (and his wife) – with whom we had once shared those early summer months - on the Downs above Brading, on the beaches at Sandown and on the steam trains that once serviced the Ryde to Ventnor line. None of your ex-London Central Line tube trains in those days. (Who would have believed it – if you’d have suggested as such – the tube trains followed the electrification of the line in 1967 – that’s almost 60 years ago!) Our previous review had been highly complimentary and the restaurant, table, food, etc. was exactly the same this time too; comfortable dining room in which to eat, prompt/friendly services, high quality presentation/foods and great eating. We’d chosen to share lunch – a couple of easy hours relaxing in the corner with a relatively empty dining room around us and the bar to one side. There was time to reflect upon those earlier times – well, the original two of us – and to appreciate the changes from the perspective of lives subsequently led in different parts of the world. The one who had become a resident of the island and the other who had moved away permanently – and then chosen to shift countries on a fairly regular basis – as life/employment opportunities changed. As kids the Yarbridge Inn had always been there at the end of the village where the cross-roads lead to Brading Downs in one direction and to the long route up-and-over the Culver Downs through Yaverland to Sandown in the other. We’d sometimes walk this route in preference to the easier direct (and much shorter) route Brading-Sandown. Earlier in the week three of us had visited the Roman Villa south of Brading – a first time for us. The museum features a map of the Isle of Wight (called ‘Vectis’ by the Romans). It shows Brading Haven with access to marine shipping – sea route that effectively isolated Culver Downs and the surrounding country as a separate island that was called ‘Bembridge Isle’ through to the medieval period. In the 16th C. the seaways became unusable. Then a causeway was built and, in the late 19 C. the estuary/marshland was drained for access to the land/soil. Lean out over the bridges of the railway or the Yar river next to the Yarbridge Inn and reflect upon the sea inlets that once dominated the country. Choose from a menu of options – whether those that determine life, location, routines or, in the case of the restaurant, the meals provided. There were four menus available – two chalk boards for the day and two formal printed cards. On offer were light/smaller meals (for a set £10.50) and also larger plates with more varied choice of lunch meals (in the range £10-£20). There were also starter and dolce options for those who enjoyed their food (and could space the dishes with time in between to thoroughly enjoy the food/table/company/time.) Our approach came with age/experience – following the mood of the table. It was a pleasant place to be and, crucially, we didn’t know when we’d be back. Go for the moment then. We talked and ate, and talked more. Eat regularly at a place and, typically, you get to know mine host and those in the team that front the public interface – taking orders, serving, covering the cash desk, etc. Twice in six years doesn’t provide that kind of opportunity, but there’s a public ‘Welcome’ note available that introduces Family Fox and the key people running the restaurant/bar. Check out the photo attached … and, of course, complimenti to management and those wh”

“My only complaint is that after coming to the island many times over the last 35 years, we never knew about this place! What a fantastic find! The welcome was friendly, service second to none and food-wise was one of the best meals we’ve had and certainly the best during our holiday. To top it off the views are something else!”

“Comfy, relaxing restaurant/pub with a fab menu and great service. The quality and presentation of the food was amazing for the price.We loved it here and will definitely be back very soon.”

“A lovely pub in a small village. We always book up for the Sunday roast. A decent size. We had the trio roast. The meat was lovely. Roast potatoes were good. Proper roast potatoes not of those silly roasted small new potatoes that some places do.
Roast parsnips , broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, stuffing, mash potatoes. And of course the large Yorkshire pudding.”

“Amazing food, wonderful service. The fish was really good, it has a great kids menu (our 5 and 2 year old cleaned their plates) the gluten free options were great, could order so much off the menu. I'd particularly recommend the cajun salmon.”

“GREAT PLACE ... We were just strolling around and found this place, DOG FRIENDLY which was essential for us. It was a nice day so we sat outside, great views and the food was lovely. Service was excellent, they also had a very prominent Alcohol Free Beer range which was displayed on the bar, not seen that before. i was driving, so it was nice to have a few cold beers and still be legal! Overall, a very nice visit, highly recommended.”

“my wife and i have been going to eat there since our engagement 13 years ago and sill eat there occasionaly.The food etc is first class and worth easily a 5 star and more .rating.The home made rock cakes are the best i have ever eaten,hope they will continue to make them for years to come.”

“Brilliant local boozer. The staff are really friendly and can't do enough for you. It's a nice relaxing atmosphere and there's a good selection of beers ?”

“Have been here many times for breakfast and coffee (always 10/10) but this is only the second time I’ve been for tapas and it did not disappoint! Absolutely beautiful food, great atmosphere, will absolutely be coming back for tapas. Thank you for a wonderful evening.”