Food and drink
Dining with dinosaurs !
Known and loved by generations of Islanders and holidaymakers for its golden sands and safe swimming , Sandown seafront is still the perfect spot to relax , revive and have fun .
Apart from the appeal of its glorious beach , Sandown also offers a traditional seaside esplanade , full of cafes , bars and beach shops - plus the Island ’ s only remaining amusement pier , built in 1879 and still boasting all the attractions you ’ d expect of the classic British seaside resort . One venue that ’ s perfect for taking in the unique atmosphere of Sandown – not to mention the stunning views right across the bay to Ventnor Downs – is The Beach Shack , which sits just under the cliff at the start of the Sandown to Shanklin revetment . With its Mediterranean feel and classic beach vibe , the bustling cafe enjoys its own little micro-climate , with sheltered terraces to the side , tables at the front right by the beach wall , plus stylish indoor seating . Using quality ingredients that are all freshly-prepared on the premises , the Beach Shack ’ s menus include delicious dishes such as popular Potato and Chorizo Rosti , Sweetcorn and Broccoli Fritters , Grilled Fish and Salsa Verde – plus their awardwinning Crab Cakes . It makes the perfect spot for a relaxed family lunch , a mid-week getaway or a pause for refreshment during an esplanade stroll . As a licensed cafe , it stocks local gin and vodka as well as ales and beers . Apart from the stunning real-life views , the cafe also boasts artworks by local artists , including Tony Trowbridge , the man behind the striking Fossil Art Trail , which brings prehistoric life into the 21st Century . The trail , with its giantsized mural images of
weird and wonderful creatures that inhabited the Isle of Wight millions of years ago , begins with the huge ammonite painted on a disused building on Sandown High Street , and continues with a magnificent hybodus shark on another redundant building at Ferncliff Path , next to the Beach Shack . Owners of the Beach Shack , Greg and Amanda Orr , loved Tony ’ s artwork so much that they commissioned their shutters to be done in a similar theme , to reflect their great seafood reputation . This unique fossil art trail is still growing , with more giant images to follow – so watch this space . It ’ s rumoured there may yet be a dinosaur coming to a wall near you !
Find the Beach Shack at Western Esplanade , Sandown , PO36 8JS , call 01983 401392 or visit www . beachshackbar . co . uk
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