Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2014 | Page 89

FOOD

New era at Culver Haven Inn
T

im and Kate Green took on the
Culver Haven Inn in February as a
family business. Kate grew up in a hotel
in Sandown, while Tim did a virtual
apprenticeship working at the Chequers
Inn for 24 years.
The pub is next to the iconic Yarborough
Monument on Culver Down with
amazing 360 degree views of the whole
of the Eastern end of the Island and the
Solent. Inside however, it was in need of a
freshen up and friends and family got to
work with scrubbing brushes, paint and a
few DIY tools.
The biggest professional job was
redesigning and updating the kitchen to a
modern standard, but they knew this was
vital as a menu change was definitely part
of the plan.
Lee, the new chef is cooking up a storm
with a small but fresh menu using local
ingredients and suppliers for wholesome
pub grub to complement the range of
local beers and great wine that Tim has

personally picked for this Free House.
Kate enthused: “It’s been brilliant! We
opened at Easter and, so far, it's been jolly
busy. Mind you, we could never have got
the job completed without the help of
family, friends and the professionals.”
Tim added: “Our vision for Culver
Haven has always been to do things
simply but well. We are concentrating
on traditional British pub food as we are

both big fans and it is something that we
both know well. Even my mother-in-law,
Patricia Gazzard has shared her excellent
cake recipes!
“Customers can sit and watch ships go
by, sup good ale or a glass of pinot and
eat delicious fresh cooked food and boast
a view that stretches from the Spinnaker
Tower to Shanklin and beyond.”
To book a table call [phone].

Three Bishops has
something for everyone

W

ith the festive season fast
approaching it’s time
to think about family
meals out, and inevitably office
parties. Often though, the problem
for one or two of the group is that
they have a food allergy, and need
to know exactly what they are
eating. But those concerns can be
quickly erased if you choose the
popular Three Bishops pub on the
Main Road at Brighstone.
Chris Hessey and his team at the
Three Bishops have been working
overtime to ensure that virtually
every diner’s dietary requirements
can be met, and the options include
a full gluten-free specials board,
with all the dishes homemade,
including one for vegetarians.
Chris said: “We appreciate
people have certain allergies, so we
endeavour to cater for everyone’s

dietary requirements. So all the
specials board meals, and around
half on the main menu are gluten
free. The idea began when someone
came in with a mushroom allergy
several years ago. We appreciate
it may be difficult for someone to
book a meal with friends or family,
but have to explain their dietary
needs, but that is no longer needed
here. And there is absolutely no
difference in the taste of the food.
“We have found over the years
there are many individuals in
groups who have an allergy and
therefore cannot go to some places
on the Island because they don't
know what is in the food.”
All the Christmas party meals at
The Three Bishops, on a pre-order
basis, will also be fully gluten free,
with the festive menu available
from December 1 to 23. Tel: 740226

Cowes at Christm,as

C

owes Christmas Festival returns on
December 13 and 14. The Festival is hosted
at Cowes Yacht Haven and features the very
best food and drink products, craft and gift stalls, a
Cookery Theatre, Vintage Vacation Santa’s Grotto,
children’s entertainment, carol singers and much
more. Get tips from top local chefs and learn new
seasonal recipes.
Family and friends travelling from the mainland
can also take advantage of the ‘two for £12’ Red
Jet offer. Why not go along with the kids and watch
their face light up when they get a special gift
from Santa? There will also be a special Christmas
competition with great prizes up for grabs. For
more information or to downlo BF