August 2025 by karen ash
We haven't been there for many years, so yesterday when we were in shanklin we went back to have a lovely meal, the place, staff and atmosphere is still as good, they now have a shack for takeaway burgers, so we had a Angus beef burger with salad and a drink, we'll definitely will go back when on the Isle of Wight in Shanklin
August 2025 by Gary Bennett
This is a lovely pub at the foot of the Chine. I would recommend booking as it does get busy. When we arrived, we were greeted by a friendly member of staff who thoughtfully moved us from a table for two that was in a busy thoroughfare to the main room which we really appreciated. The wait for food was not very long and staff checked in to ensure that everything was ok with our meal. The fish pie was delicious but the side of chunky chips was on the small side. As this is an old building, there is not the typical width between tables so it can feel a bit cosy and closer to other diners that one would be used to.
August 2025 by IsabelleRose
Waitress was incredibly rude to anyone walking in rather than reservation.
August 2025 by Anthony Beecher
Excellent venue in EVERY area. Have been here many times. But you are strongly advised to book well before you go. 5 stars mean just that.
Tony from Gosport.
August 2025 by Mitchell Brunetti
Cracking little hidden gem. Food was outstanding, good selection of beers. Well worth the visit!
August 2025 by hang sf
We came as a group of 23 people and had booked the restaurant in advance. We are truly grateful that they were willing to host such a large group ? for a restaurant of this size, 23 people is a lot! Every single one of us was very satisfied with the food ? everything was delicious. The staff were also incredibly friendly and attentive.
That day, there was originally a strom approaching, so the weather started off quite gloomy. But as time went on, the sun slowly came out, and we were able to enjoy a beautiful blue sky and sea view while dining. It made the whole meal even more enjoyable.
Thank you for the wonderful hospitality! The photo I?m sharing is of one of the starters ?crispy whitebait? and it was absolutely delicious.
August 2025 by Steve Downes (Steve)
Prebooked and paid a deposit of £60 for the 6 of us. Can understand because of no shows etc. But 2 of us were coming from mainland to IoW and all trains south of Guildford were cancelled. Made alternative arrangements very quickly, and arrived just on time. But poor transport services do put you off either going to IoW, or prebooking.
Service was pretty transactional, wanting to clear plates before everyone had finished their meals. So could not really say the team provided great service.
The food was good but not great. Portion size was good. Dessert menu was pretty dire, total absence of any sort of fruit other than in ice cream. This was mentioned to the staff. As there are a couple of cheesecake options maybe a lemon or blackcurrant cheesecake could be offered.
Not sure if this is a free house, but Stowford Press cider must be one of the worst drinks available on draft. Ironically all the bottled ciders had fruit added to them. Why?
August 2025 by Evgeny Saveliev
Very nice food - got a fish pie, one of the best I've ever had! Very reasonably priced. Gets quite busy, so make sure to book a table in advance. Would recommend!
August 2025 by Frank Flynn
Just back home from restaurant and desperate to review. Appalling. So initially great service. Quick order. Then got the squid starter which was terrible, shoe leather. Then waited over an hour for our mains. I have a pregnant partner and two kids who were starving and hangry. All other tables served and fed before our complaints finally got some service. Then food arrived. My daughter enjoyed her chicken burger. Everyone else was appalled. The fish was tasteless and cheap despite the price. The spag bol was awful. The waitress apologised profusely however offered no compensation. Avoid avoid avoid. 1st day on the Isle of Wight...... thanks for nothing.
August 2025 by 2Wulfmaer
Great proper pub . Lovely pub food especially the fish and chips. The staff are really polite and friendly .
Will definately be back when we are next in Shanklin.
Good idea to book a table as it's popular.
August 2025 by Luke
Positives
- The food is banging! Gourmet burger and chips was absolutely delicious and pricing wasn't too bad.
Negatives :
- The staff was not great: they seemed quite disorganised.
- The ridiculousness of saying to people turning up you can't just sit outside you need to reserve even though on the website it says you can only reserve INSIDE tables and there's a sign outside saying the outdoor tables are first come first served yet the staff slapped a bunch of reserved signs. Complete bullshit. It should just be first come first served. A lot of customers got turned away and we was tempted to leave because of this however we sat on one the benches facing outwards - again a negative here as you're having to share said bench with a bunch of other randoms.
My advice - sort the poxy seating out in terms of reservations or remove them altogether. Also manage the staff better they seemed very disorganised with a lack of leadership.
We loved the food and the location so would still recommend visiting even if it's the once.
August 2025 by Nick Carter-Meadows
Great pub and restaurant is located very close to the beach. The service and food is excellent. I thoroughly recommend the Fisherman's Cottage.
August 2025 by Prashanthan vilvarajah
Not much hype; they need it. Food is overpriced. They allowed pets, but how can others enjoy their meals when pets are barking?
August 2025 by Beth
Amazing service, amazing food and most of all amazing staff! Couldn?t thank them enough for making my Birthday extra special! Kyle went above and beyond! Will be returning for the muscles again ?
July 2025 by Charlotte
Gorgeous little super traditional pub on the beach. What more can you ask for!