Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2015 | Page 72

FOOD Enjoy food w The Beach Shack T he Beach Shack is the first café on the Sandown to Shanklin revetment, the pedestrian path running under the cliffs between the two towns. For families with children, or for those who just want to get away from the traffic, this is the perfect venue. The added bonus of being under the cliffs is that the cafe enjoys its own microclimate, with notably higher temperatures. With tables along the sea wall and a sheltered terrace to the side of the café, it’s easy to sit and soak up the rays while taking in views across the bay towards Ventnor. The extensive lunch menu includes baguettes, all cooked to order on the premises, to homemade Moroccan or Cajun chicken and, naturally, seafood. In fact the Beach Shack’s homemade crab cakes have won the award for the Best Crab Cakes on the Island for the last five consecutive years. It also offers fresh Bembridge crab salads, seafood platters and fresh lobster, as well as vegetarian options and a childrens’ menu. Find the Beach Shack at Western Esplanade, Sandown, PO36 8JS or call 01983 611707. 72 www.visitilife.com Fisherman’s Cottage A unique thatched pub situated right on the beach at the foot of Shanklin Chine – now locations don’t come much more idyllic than that! The outdoor seating area at Fisherman’s Cottage offers visitors an unrivalled place to relax and take in magnificent views across the English Channel. Now a free house, the original cottage was built in 1817, by the same William Colenutt who made the path through Shanklin Chine. The Fisherman’s Cottage restaurant is open now until the end of October, and offers a quality and varied menu along with great service. Not surprisingly, seafood features strongly on the menu: its sustainably-caught fish includes bream, haddock and cod, as well as lobster, crayfish and a speciality dressed crab. However the Cottage is well-known as a family friendly venue, with a children’s menu that includes lots of fresh produce, a daily specials board and a variety of vegetarian dishes. Find Fisherman’s Cottage at 12 Pomona Road, Shanklin or call 01983 863882.