FOOD
The Boathouse Seafood :
Catch it while you can !
Set at the heart of one of the most stunning seafront locations on the Island , and open for just three months of the year , The Boathouse seafood restaurant offers a rare and exclusive treat for diners . In fact the Steephill Cove restaurant , with its rustic deck area looking directly out over the English Channel , has been likened to eating places in the Med or the Caribbean . Its simple and unpretentious menu features the local crab and lobster that ’ s landed daily by Boathouse owner Mark Wheeler either in Steephill Cove or at Ventnor Haven one mile east of the Cove – and whose family history of fishing in the area goes back some 500 years . The food is prepared by Mark ’ s wife Vanessa and the kitchen team , whose aim is to “ keep things simple ”. “ We like to let the freshness of the ingredients speak for themselves , so no Thermidors around here !” said Vanessa . “ We just add our lovely fresh salads , along with our own home-made mayonnaise , a selection of other dressings and bread - all of which are home-made and using locally-sourced ingredients ”. It ’ s a recipe that brings an army of regular customers to The Boathouse during its short opening season from the late May Bank Holiday until mid- September .
However , the venue has managed to retain an air of exclusivity because of its compact size – it can cater for up to only 30 . Hence , it ’ s recommended that diners book in advance – but can rest assured that they will never be hurried through their lunch so there ’ s always plenty of time and space to absorb the magical ‘ castaway ’ atmosphere ’ and breathtaking sea views whilst savouring the catch of the day . The restaurant ’ s signature dishes , and by far the most popular menu choices , are the Skipper ’ s Banquet and Fisherman ’ s
Platter , both of which showcase the locally-caught crab and lobster . This year , though , the restaurant is introducing an additional ‘ specials ’ board featuring options such as steak and wet fish , all locally-sourced , and there ’ s also a very popular Chicken Caesar salad . The menu is topped off by Vanessa ’ s delicious home-made desserts and Isle of Wight ice creams . As they prepare for their 17th summer at The Boathouse , Mark and Vanessa look forward to another season of welcoming locals and visitors to the idyllic cove that is their family home . As well as raising their four children , the busy couple also run three holiday cottages at Steephill , The Lighthouse , The Boathouse and The Crows Nest . Lucky holidaymakers staying there can order seafood platters from The Boathouse to be delivered right to their table at the accommodation . It ’ s all hard work of course - but as fabulous family businesses go , this one must be pretty hard to beat . * For booking information , call 01983 852747 or check out : Website : www . steephill-cove . co . uk Facebook : The boathouse seafood restaurant Steephill cove or Steephill cove . Instagram : Steephillcove
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