With Michelin-starred restaurants, five-star hotels and world-renowned produce, the Isle of Wight is becoming a marque of quality – and for Hampshire mainlanders is only a short ferry ride away
From the most delicious, succulent tomatoes you’ve ever tasted to intense and aromatic garlic; gin with flavours of the sea sold in bottles that are pretty enough to be transformed into light features to luxurious lobster caught just off the coast, if something has the words Isle of Wight in front of it, it is instantly recognised as being of excellent quality…but why?
For too long, the Island has been thought of by mainlanders as a bit ‘behind’, ‘stuck in the past’, perhaps even dare I say it, a bit ‘dowdy’. But with the price of ferry crossings reaching an all-time high, I wonder if this has helped to position the Island as a premium location; turning the heads of the rich and famous who are beginning to see it as a private and luxurious sanctuary.
There’s no denying the fact that the Island’s unique microclimate and fertile fields contribute hugely to the success of its famous food exports. You really won’t taste tomatoes as good as those produced on the Isle of Wight. But the farmers and businesses creating these products are doing so with a luxury market in mind. One visit to The Garlic Farm (for instance), with its award-winning restaurant serving up high quality dishes and its premium accommodation of luxury yurts and self-catering cottages, is enough to show you that these Islanders mean business when it comes to making the most of the tourism trade.
In 2023, the Island was awarded the UK’s best destination for group travel by the Group Leisure & Travel Awards thanks to its huge selection of larger properties to let. And as tourist boards go, Visit Isle of Wight has got to be up there as one of the most successful in the country. As a first port of call for most visitors, the board has taken the opportunity to impress from the get-go. The website is full of high-quality videos showing families and friends living their best lives, comparing the Island to the Spanish Costas or the South of France and showcasing the best of what the Island has to offer.
The championing nature of Visit Isle of Wight doesn’t end with the Island’s marketing, there is also an Isle of Wight BID, which helps to support businesses and ensure that opportunities are being made the most of. Will Myles, MD at Visit Isle of Wight says that recognising the many different elements has been crucial to the growing success of the Isle of Wight: ‘Businesses here recognise that they need to stand out in a sea of sameness. Working with VisitEngland and other agencies, Visit Isle of Wight is able unlock and facilitate a number of opportunities for businesses to develop and grow their offer, including training programmes and hosting seminars, as well as our own tourism industry conference.
‘Visit Isle of Wight believes that working together is key to success and we actively encourage that; developing marketing material for use by the industry, developing our Green Tourism Award to businesses, promoting sustainable transport, bringing journalists to the Island and linking them with a multitude of businesses to showcase what is available here, alongside a dynamic website with blogs showcasing what is available to experience here and highlighting the provenance and quality of the offer.
‘With a well-defined, easily discernible geographic border, and as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Isle of Wight holds a special place in the hearts of many – Islanders are passionate about sharing their island, and make the most of what is here, creating and developing products, from food and drink to accommodation, events, attractions and more that showcase the Isle of Wight - and we love to share these stories with everyone in the rest of the UK and the world!’
With communication from the Island reflecting the best of what it has to offer, this in turn, has enabled businesses to be able to target an audience who are keen to enjoy the finer things in life.
Jack Thompson is an interior designer based in Cowes, where he also runs a lifestyle store and owns holiday letting Harold House, a townhouse which Jack lovingly restored, and has since been featured in publications such as Period Living and Sunday Times Travel. Talking about why the Island is such a unique place to run a business, Jack says: ‘Having the shoreline and countryside as a backdrop gives a tangible relaxed holiday feel that never quite leaves you. There is an interesting blend of towns and villages in a relatively small geographical area, with an eclectic mix of residents, tourists, sailors and holiday homeowners - all contributing to the local economy in different ways, and each having their own expectations of what products and services should be offered.’
Following his first visit in 2008, Jack was charmed by the natural beauty of the Island and, despite the ferry crossing, was surprised how conveniently located it was to London and other parts of the UK in comparison to other coastal destinations such as Devon and Cornwall. He continues: ‘I am heavily influenced by my surroundings, so the Island is ideal for me to be inspired by the local natural landscape. There is so much heritage here, from historical homes to natural gardens - our store is in Cowes close to the harbour, so we see the changing colours of the Solent each day and feel extremely blessed to have special places to visit and feel rejuvenated such as the Botanic Garden in Ventnor.’
Collaborating with other local creatives also offers Jack a unique opportunity to support Island businesses and expand his portfolio of clients. Historically, the Isle of Wight has long attracted this crowd, with Tennyson and Keats both enjoying time on the island with Jack explaining: ‘This passion for creativity is still seen today and growing, with many Island-based artists and skilled craft workers producing locally made goods and services. I interact with many locals and visitors on the island, as our store is located on a busy High Street close to the ferry terminal. I frequently hear praise and recognition for Isle of Wight talent, I believe this is due to the quality of what is produced here and provenance being core values for many business owners. Many local professionals are both thoughtful and considered in their approach to business, and this translates to more premium experiences and quality products as we combine the natural resources and genuine love of island life.’
3 luxury eats
RT Café Grill, Ryde
A must visit, Michelin star chef Robert Thompson OBE moved from Ventnor to Ryde last year, and while you wait for his fine-dining offering, Thompson’s, to open upstairs later this year, RT Café Grill will give you a taste of what’s to come. Expect sea views and simple ingredients cooked perfectly, allowing the Isle of Wight produce to shine. robertthompson.co.uk
Heron, Ryde/Cowes
Now offering two venues to experience this creative culinary journey, Heron is the one to visit now before the inevitable press explosion makes it impossible to book. The menus are inventive, and the dishes artfully presented. Anywhere which serves sea bream on the kids’ menu should be applauded. heroniow.co.uk
The Hut, Colwell Bay
If you haven’t yet heard of The Hut have you had your head buried firmly in some golden Isle of Wight sand? Frequented by what seems like everyone darling, it’s one of the few luxury eateries that will come and collect you from your private yacht. If it’s local lobster you want, you won’t be disappointed here. The atmosphere is beachy and laid-back, and the cocktails are free flowing. thehutcolwell.co.uk
3 luxury stays
Pinkmead Estate, Newport
With 24 acres to explore, resident red squirrels and a vineyard to wander, you can’t fail to fully relax at this award-winning retreat on the banks of the river Medina. Sleeping six comfortably with extra sofa-bed space, this stunning residence is a home away from home, only with much, much better views. pinkmeadestate.co.uk
RT Café Grill A large, ten-bedroom, country estate perfect for families and groups. Being close to Tapnell Farm, and with several other opportunities for accommodation in the group, this is the ideal escape for those looking to celebrate a big birthday, or simply spend time together with extended family. tapnellfarm.com
Shalfleet Manor, Shalfleet
A luxurious and grand Grade II listed historic home which can accommodate up to 22 guests across the main house, barn and cottage. Expect period features such as exposed beams and large fireplaces against luxurious fittings such as roll top baths and walk in showers. Plus, there’s a stunning outdoor pool. shalfleetmanor.com
