Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2017 | Page 119

Food and drink
Grown-up dining
Much as you might love your kids or grandkids, there are times when it’s
nice to enjoy a relaxed meal out in peaceful, child-free surroundings.
And, judging by the popularity
of one adults-only hotel and
restaurant in Shanklin, there are
plenty of people who feel that way.
Hoteliers Des and Linda
Eastman took on their lovely
Victorian period hotel in 2008,
and soon decided that the
imposing character building
made it an ideal venue to cater
exclusively for grown-ups.
So as well as making their guest
rooms adults-only, the couple
also have the same rule in their
restaurant, which is open to non-
residents.
Offering 26 covers, and featuring
an a la carte menu, the restaurant
has become popular with locals for
its child-free early evening dinners,
which run 6 - 8pm.
Says Linda: “It’s essential to
book for the restaurant, but that
is so our diners can then relax at
their table for the evening, since
we only allot one booking for
each table per session”.
Ironically, Linda and Des have
found that their hotel and
restaurant attract more than
their share of schoolteachers
and grandparents – all keen
to get away from their little
darlings for a while!
For bookings – which need
to be made at least 24 hours in
advance - call 01983 867875.
You can find the Belmont Hotel
and Restaurant at 8 Queens Road,
Shanklin, PO37 6AN or visit the
website: www.belmont-iow.co.uk
www. visitilife.com
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