Just For the Halibut

After a quick dunk in the salty waters off Ventnor, we can’t think of a better place to set coordinates for than The Hambrough. Perched on a ledge overlooking the sparkling bay below, it’s certainly a scenic spot, but location aside, the real draw is Head Chef Matt Tomkinson. A former Roux Scholar and Michelin-star winner, he continues to impress with his ever-changing repertoire of minimalist fine dining, usually with more than just a little nod to his classical French training. This season, we can’t get enough of his new halibut dish (made from fish caught off the scenic Scottish island of Gigha). Alongside the halibut, Matt plates local asparagus (from the Arreton Valley), topping the fish with spiced crispy potato, before drizzling a luscious lime leaf velouté. Heaven. thehambrough.com

If you happen to find yourself amongst the characterful cottages of Shanklin Old Village, don’t miss the Village Inn — a family-owned thatched-roof pub (and former grocer’s) built from stone just around the time Queen Victoria first took her throne. Stepping inside, you’ll find owner Joan and daughter Lisa behind the bar, ready to offer a warm welcome and to pull you a generously frothed pint of whichever draught beer you fancy. As the clock ticks on towards lunchtime, head out onto the pub’s patio and request the Village Inn’s sumptuous seafood platter. With prawns, salmon, and mackerel, served alongside lemon wedges, salad leaves, doorstep slices of bread, and a bottle of chilled wine, it’s the perfect maritime meal to share on a sunny summer’s afternoon.

Village Inn, Church Road, Shanklin, PO37 6NU