Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2006 | Page 77

Sponsored by - www.holidays2remember.co.uk - FOOD - DRINK - ACCOMMODATION

Taste of the Orient
comes to Cowes
After an extravagant refurbishment that
took nine long months, the Island’s exciting
new waterfront restaurant China China
had a baptism of fire by opening right in the
middle of the busy summer season.
Owner Mark Fan, who also has
three Chinese takeaways on the
Island, says the adventurous revamp of the old Globe Hotel at
Cowes seafront took far longer than
the three months he expected –
which meant the opening happened
in July, rather than March.
But the result has been more than
worth the wait. Etched glass and
black lacquered tables were bought
from China, 40 tons of granite
was used to create stunning floors
and washrooms, and the piece de
resistance was a unique, custombuilt ceiling design featuring both
cleversound-proofingandgorgeous
coloured lighting effects reflecting a
suitably nautical wave theme.
The ultra-contemporary space
can cater for up to 250 people, with
seating at ground and first floor level
and space for up to 100 outdoors.
Many of the restaurant’s first
visitors made a bee-line for the
upper floor, with its fabulous views
of the Solent – and during fine
weather, the terrace seating was
definitely the place to see and be
seen. But the stunning circular
glass bar on the ground floor has
also proved to be a big attraction for
relaxed drinks.
“This is a prim