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Good Isle of Wight pubs
around Sandown and Shanklin
There are some some excellent Isle of Wight pubs near Sandown and Shanklin.
THE CULVER HAVEN on Culver Down
We recommend the Culver Haven simply because of its location. Perched high on Culver Down, it overlooks the whole of Sandown Bay in one direction, and Whitecliff Bay, Bembridge and the mainland in the other. It is quite simply a delightful place to be on a fine day, especially when the visibility is good.
Isle of Wight pubs: The Culver Haven on Culver Down
(Tel: 01983 406107)
The Culver Haven welcomes families and it has a pleasant garden area in which to sit and enjoy the views. The menu is made up of typical 'pub' food, but we found it to be of good quality and reasonably priced.
We spent some considerable time on Culver Down - eating and drinking, then exploring the old war-time battery (National Trust) and Bembridge Fort (also National Trust, but sadly now closed to the public).
Where is it? The Culver Haven is sign-posted off the B3395 road which leads from Yarbridge (near Brading) to Bembridge The turning is easy to miss as it comes immediately after a fairly sharp left hand bend. The OS map reference is: SZ634856.
THE STEAMER INN at Shanklin The Steamer Inn is a sister inn to The Spyglass at Ventnor (i.e. owned by the same family), so there are many similarities - notably the menu (and the prices!). We include it in this section because it is in a superb spot, on the Esplanade, overlooking Shanklin beach.
Isle of Wight pubs: The Steamer Inn at Shanklin
(Tel: 01983 862641)
The Steamer Inn bar area is reasonably spacious and comfortable, and outside terraces add significantly to the seating area available. Personally we were disappointed with the 'home-made' tomato and roasted pepper soup we ordered for lunch, but others seem to have better luck and were enjoying their food.
Where is it? The Steamer Inn is situated on Shanklin Esplanade towards the far end. The OS map reference is SZ587814
THE CRAB AND LOBSTER at Bembridge
The Crab and Lobster has an excellent reputation and menu to match. It is ideal for those adults who appreciate a traditional pub atmosphere and really good food.
Isle of Wight pubs: The Crab and Lobster at Bembridge
(Tel: 01983 872244)
The interior of this popular establishment is pleasing - lots of beams, nooks and crannies and antique pine furniture - and outside a terraced area allows you to sit and look out to sea. Behind this, steps lead down onto the shore (Bembridge Foreland).
The Crab and Lobster is very popular, so I would recommend booking rather than turning up on spec. And you should definitely book in mid-season!
Isle of Wight pubs: The menu board at The Crab and Lobster
Where is it? The Crab and Lobster is notoriously difficult to find. We suggest you head for Bembridge Foreland and the lifeboat station (both are sign-posted). By so doing you will drive along Lane End Road where you will see signs pointing to The Crab and Lobster. Following these you will drive down Egerton Road then Foreland Road. The pub is right at the end of Foreland Road, round the corner! The OS Reference is SZ656873 - or thereabouts!
CAULKHEADS at Sandown
We have just visited Caulkheads for the first time and were quite reasonably impressed.
It's a fairly old pub, dating back to the early 1800s, which has been 'opened up' to form a large, open-plan ground floor area. A family run establishment, Caulkheads appeared clean and welcoming and would seem to be a great place for families. I particularly liked the idea of their 'family dining room' (complete with indoor play area) near the garden and their 'adults only' dining area at the opposite end of the building.
Isle of Wight pubs: Caulkheads, Avenue Road, Sandown, PO36 8AY
(Tel: 01983 403878)
The family dining room leads directly onto an attractive, decked area and well-equipped, children's play area.
Opening Hours Caulkheads is open every day from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Food is served all day, every day, with last orders at 9:30pm. A daily specials board offers good quality, home-cooked meals, while the printed menu offers traditional favourites - all at very reasonable price.
Where is it? Caulkheads is situated at the junction of Fort Street (off Culver Parade) and Avenue Road, Sandown. It is within easy walking distance of Sandown beach. (O.S. map reference: SZ602846)
THE POINTER INN at Newchurch
Situated in the pretty village of Newchurch, The Pointer Inn aims to attract both locals and visitors. It's not a large pub by any means (the pool table in one bar takes up most of the room), but nevertheless it has a pleasant 'country inn' feel about it and the staff are warm and friendly. There is no play area as such, but a pleasant garden is situated at the rear of the property allowing for many more visitors in the summer months.
Isle of Wight pubs: The Pointer Inn, High Street, Newchurch, PO36 0NN
(Tel: 01983 865202)
The large car park illustrated leads into the main bar (with pool table) off which is a very attractive, but fairly small, dining room. The lunchtime 'Bar Snacks' menu is good and reasonably priced - choices of home made soups, baguettes, pasta, curry, bangers and mash etc. The dining a la carte menu offers seafood specials or more traditional english fare. Prices range from £9.95 to £19.95.
Opening Hours The Pointer Inn is open daily from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm. Food is served between midday and 2:30 pm and again between 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm.
Where is it? The Pointer Inn is in the heart of Newchurch village, next to the church (the OS map reference is: SZ562856). The easiest route is to follow the main A3056 Newport to Sandown Road through Arreton, past the Fighting Cocks crossroads, then on for approximately 3/4 mile. Turn left at the small crossroads into Winford Road and continue for a mile or so into Newchurch village.
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