FOOD
Takeover at Seaview
E
arlier this year Island businessman
and cricket enthusiast Brian
Gardener passed away. Brian was
renowned for building Newclose Cricket
Ground out of farmland. He was also
owner of the Seaview Hotel.
“Dad loved the hotel and had been
visiting Seaview since he was a child”
says his son Martin Gardener, who now
runs the family business. “In 2002 he
responded to an article in the County
Press when former owners Nick and
Nicky Hayward asked for someone with
a ‘big cheque book’ to buy the hotel. He
bought it in 2003 and invested heavily,
safeguarding it through the recession.
I’m very proud and excited to take over
my father’s work, preserving the hotel
for the future.”
The hotel employs a core staff of
36 and up to 55 during the height
of the season. Last year the hotel’s
turnover increased by over 11% and
the restaurant, under head chef Bruce
Theobald, has re-established itself as
one of the Island’s best dining venues.
“Bruce has done a great job transforming
the food offering at the hotel, especially
showcasing fantastic fish and seafood in
the restaurant.” commented Martin.
A seasoned angler and owner of Yateley
West Fisheries, Martin has met staff at
the hotel several times. Although he will
not be moving to the Island he intends to
be very hands-on and wants everyone to
know that it’s business as usual.
Drifting away...
W
ith its lovely beachside setting and
extensive views to Culver Cliffs
on one side and Sandown Pier
to the other, the Driftwood Beach Bar and
Grill is one of the most relaxing places to sit
and take in the views as you enjoy a relaxing
drink or a leisurely lunch.
As the name suggests, the Driftwood
is best known for its classic grills – with
everything from rump steaks to Cajun
chicken – but the varied menu also includes
breakfasts and lunchtime snacks and
sandwiches, as well as a seafood bar and
stone-baked pizzas.
There’s also a huge cocktail menu to try,
and during the summer a programme
of entertainment to look out for. For
more information, see the website www.
driftwoodbeachbar.com.
www.visitilife.com
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