Freshwater Simple

Principal town of the West Wight, and much favoured as a retirement area. The Bay is popular for bathing, and there are good walks up Tennyson Down and across the cliffs to the famous Alum Bay.

ALBION HOTEL
Gate Lane
01983 755755.
www.albionhotel.info
Bus Route 7,7A,7B,11
Waterside at Freshwater Bay
Weekdays 11 - 11 Sat 11 – 11 Sun 12-10.30
Bass
Flowers Original
With a history stretching back 300 years the “Cabin” as the local smuggling trade knew it is now part of the Albion Hotel. Situated at the waters edge with good views of the surrounding cliffs and English Channel across Freshwater Bay.

Sandpipers, Coastguard Lane
01983 753535
www.fatcattrading.co.uk

Bus Route 7,7A,7B,11
Through main Bay car park, clearly visible
Weekdays 11 – 3, 6 - 11 Sat 11 – 3, 6 - 11 Sun 12 – 3, 6 – 10.30
Range varies, usually at least 4
A real gem, tucked away within the Sandpipers Hotel and situated between Freshwater Bay and the Afton Nature Reserve. There is an ever-changing range of well-kept ales and a stunning array of past beers from the smaller breweries, all served in convivial surroundings, well frequented by young and old alike. If you choose to stay and book ahead, you may well be able to choose your favourite tipple for that home from home feeling. Comfortable chairs add to the relaxing atmosphere and the friendly welcome is a joy. For the children, there is an adventure playground and for the adults, a choice of patio or garden area for outside drinking. The traditional public bar has been replaced by a games area with pool table, darts and the like, well used by the locals. The adjoining hotel offers a full range of accommodation and a comprehensive menu.

PRINCE OF WALES
Princes Road
01983 753535
Bus Route
7,7A,7B,11
300 yards off Totland-Freshwater road as you enter Freshwater
Weekdays 11-11 Sat 11-11 Sun 12-10.30
Tetley’s Mild
Boddingtons Bitter
Wadworth 6X
Greene King Abbot
Once part of the Whitbread estate and now in the free trade, this fine, unspoilt Town Pub is run by possibly the longest serving landlord on the Isle of Wight. There is a strong games section that adds to the lively atmosphere. Situated just off the main Freshwater shopping centre, there is a large garden to relax in during the hot summer days and a pleasant snug bar to sample the well-kept ales during the winter. Now keeps a barrel of Cider out the back. Should you have one too many of an evening, no need to phone for a taxi – the landlord has one!

RED LION
Church Place
01983 754925
www.redlion-wight.co.uk
Bus Route 7,7A,7B,11alight at the Co-Op
Up the hill leaving Co-Op on RHS
Weekdays 11.30 - 3, 5.30 - 11 Sat 11.30 - 3, 5.30 - 11 Sun 12 - 3, 7 - 10.30
Fullers London Pride
Flowers Original
Goddard’s GSB
Guest
Former 3 bar coaching inn dating back to the 11th century, now converted to one large bar but still retaining much of its character. Situated in the most picture postcard area of Freshwater in the church square and by the Causeway from which can be had splendid views up the River Yar towards Yarmouth. The pub has been voted Isle of Wight dining pub of the year by the Good Pub Guide and is also recommended by Egon Ronay, all whilst the present landlord was the incumbent. This is unashamedly a traditional English country pub, good food and no music. The bar is comfortably furnished with settles and chairs around scrubbed pine tables. The log fire burns all the winter. A recent innovation is the ‘Dome’ in the garden and it has been hugely popular for private lunches and suppers for up to 40 people.

ROYAL STANDARD
School Green Road
01983 754227
Bus Route 7,7A,7B,11
Opposite Somerfield in town centre
Weekdays 11 - 11 Sat 11 - 11 Sun 12 – 10.30
Courage Best
Directors
This eleven-bed hotel and free house situated in the centre of Freshwater with two bars, restaurant and function room was originally Burts (Ventnor) most westerly outlet. Small car park.

VINE INN
School Green Road
01983 752959
Pub Map Ref 146 Bus Route
7,7A,7B,11
Centre town opposite Lloyds bank
Weekdays 11 - 11
Sat 11 - 11
Sun 12 - 10.30
Gales Best
Gales HSB
Splendid George Gale public house with a warm atmosphere and two real ales always in tip top condition. There is a pleasant garden to the front with a patio under the actual vine. Good reputation for food with an interesting selection on the specials board. Occasional live music.