Island Life Magazine Ltd October/ November 2012 | Page 116

FOOD

A right Royal occasion
Island Life's James Rolfe savours the delights of a
Dine and Stay at the Royal Hotel

By James Rolfe
What better way to enjoy an evening
of fine food , stunning surroundings
and serenity than at the Royal Hotel,
Ventnor?
Upon arrival you soon make your
way to a picturesque room to relax and
instantly unwind. The room is very
spacious, equipped with everything
you need for a comfortable night’s
stay. The bathroom was large with a
walk-in shower, free standing bath
and a vast array of complimentary
toiletries.
Down in the bar we were handed the
evening menu to peruse whilst sipping
our prossecco. My starter selection
was the Ventnor Bay lobster thermidor
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with English mustard, brandy sauce,
sweet meat and a creamy buttery sauce
- the perfect seafood lover’s choice.
For the main I chose the Pork
tenderloin, pork faggot creamed
potatoes with a roast pork jus, the
faggot was wrapped in potato spaghetti
and fried for an appetising crunch
before the flavoursome meat. This was
twinned with black pudding and the
best part of any pork dish, crackling!
To finish I had just enough room to
devour the baked almond and ricotta
cheesecake, roasted peaches with a
raspberry sorbet, a great combination
of warm cheesecake cold sharp sorbet
with toasted almonds. Refreshed after

a peaceful sleep the aroma of breakfast
lures you from the lobby to your table
where you are greeted with tea, coffee
and a selection of juices.
There is a vast choice of cereals,
home-made Swiss muesli fruits,
pastries and Greek yoghurt with
home-made fruit compotes, but I
opted for the nation’s favourite a full
English. This was a peaceful, relaxed
stay with incredibly friendly and
helpful staff.
The residents dine and stay offer is
£80 per person. Call 01983-852186
for information.