JOYRIDE GUIDE

The Isle of Wight is one of the best-kept secrets in UK cycling. People assume that the Island is too small to be a cycling destination, but with its smooth-rolling roads, coastal views, sunshine and delicious home-grown produce, it makes for some of the best riding you’re likely to find in the South of England.

"Simple yet delicious food, in a relaxed, beach-front location” is the mantra of this super-popular seaside venue. The Hut boasts wonderful views and an electric weekend atmosphere seven days of the week - particularly as the afternoon wears on.

The smart set arrive by restaurant tender from their turbo-charged rigs, principally from Lymington or Southampton, and this combined with water’s edge dining or a berth on one of the first floor terraces adds to the febrile ambience. But it’s the kitchen’s understanding of seafood and their ability to combine the classic with the innovative that is the real success driver.

Following half a dozen oysters, chilli-salted edamame or arancini, tuck into a crab & crayfish cocktail, grilled octopus or a zingy ceviche. For mains, the menu touts lobster spaghetti, sole or cod alongside risotto, lamb cutlets or grilled aubergine. All to a good standard. Copious quantities of rosé are, of course, de rigueur, but the short wine list offers a nice selection both at the quaffing and heavy-weight ends.

If locals complain that success has gone to its head - "prices up, food standards down" - it hasn't stopped any of them going, or the fun from escalating.

The Seaview Hotel has all the charm of a classic British seaside hotel and inside lies a restaurant paying homage to the ‘beautiful ship’ RMS Aquitania, with the walls lined with razzle-dazzle camouflage alongside images of the jet-set itself. However, the nostalgia stops with the dishes served at this intimate, seafront stop. Working hand in hand with the abundance of local producers, each dish is a true taste of the Isle. Don’t skip on their Green Barn Farm goats cheese soufflé, or the watercress veloute, two dishes which exemplify their ‘Modern Wight’ ethos.

As the name suggests, the Terrace restaurant boasts a beautiful harbourside terrace, and like all of our favourite foodie spots on the Isle, they take full advantage of the island's best produce. From the tomatoes and garlic, to the freshly caught fish, and those cheeses made just minutes from their door, expect a concise menu of classical dishes reflecting the seasonality of the island’s finest ingredients. Oh, and whilst you’re there, don’t forget to ask for a look at their ever-changing “Chairman’s cellar” wine menu, specially selected to complement the delightful dishes of the day.

This quaint shack perched on the southern tip of the Island’s diamond shaped coast is nestled into an idyllic fishing cove with its own micro-climate. The menu mirrors the stunning location, a flavour haven of locally caught seafood, mineral-packed plant-based dishes and specials designed by a local lobster legend and award-winning chef, Adam Fendyke. Don’t miss out on this alfresco feast.

Holding warmth from its southerly aspect and with chalk downs fending off the cold northerly winds, the Botanic Gardens boasts a climate more akin to the Mediterranean – enabling wild sprouting of subtropical plants usually considered too tender for mainland Britain. As a result, sun-loving herbs and Australian eucalyptus are fresh for picking, the latter was used to add a punchy hit of citrus to complement the botanical rich Mermaid gin for welcome drinks on our first visit.

The Botanic Gardens is a beautiful setting to grab a drink all year round, whether that’s a coffee at their plantation room cafe, or a post-ride beer at the Hopyard & Microbrewery.

We know how important the mid-ride coffee stop is. So, when you’re planning to take on one of our epic rides, make sure to factor in a stop at Caffé Isola for a taste of their very own Island roasted beans. Set in a converted and beautifully refurbished church, this spacious cafe has a profiling roastery above the main cafe, meaning those coffee fanatics amongst you can learn about the full roasting process from start to finish. Do so whilst tucking into one of their homemade, generously sized cakes. They’re worth it.

Nestled into the seafront of beautiful Ventnor, the base for our joyriding weekend is one of only 30 establishments to be listed in every Michelin Guide since it was first published in 1911.

Having hosted crowned heads of Europe, The Royal Hotel is steeped in tradition, yet offers every modern comfort you could ever wish for. Local sourced produce wrapped in fine dining, world-class hospitality and sumptuously decorated rooms fit for royals.

Chefs often joke that British people are scared of garlic. However, the Islanders are obsessed with it, and rightly so. The Garlic Farm produce over 15 varieties, and infuse all kinds of products, such as mayonnaise, chutneys, beer and ice cream. 

A mid-ride meal isn’t out of the question either, with renowned Island Chef Charlie Bartlett and his team serving up dishes which celebrate the Island’s finest produce, including their very own reared Highland beef, which can be seen enjoying the open pastures around the farm.

Beyond the pastures are handmade yurts situated in a secluded field boasting all the comforts of a luxurious country cottage, yet offering a ‘back to nature’ style escape. A perfect place to unwind, sample delicious homegrown produce and explore the hidden pathways leading to the Isle’s most spectacular vistas.