A Night to Remember at The Hut on the Isle of Wight
It’s 8:30 pm on a Monday in mid-July. The sun is slowly disappearing behind the horizon, casting a warm glow over an empty beach. The ocean waves gently touch the shore, and the air carries the scent of fresh seafood. As I sit on the edge of the sand, I’m greeted by Beth, our cheerful waiter, who tells me that the catch of the day is red snapper. It comes with roscoff onions, new potatoes, chive beurre blanc, and sauce vierge. The only hint that I might not be dining in the south of France is the addition of Isle of Wight tomatoes.
Let’s take a step back. Earlier this year, I wrote about how much I love this diamond-shaped island, which has been my home for the past four years. I raved about its stunning beaches, some of which could easily rival those of the Caribbean. But I also highlighted the growing culinary scene that’s making waves on the Isle of Wight.
The Hut in Colwell Bay is the most famous and exclusive restaurant on the island. It’s often regarded as the most popular seaside eatery in the UK. However, as someone who can’t afford regular fine dining, I was initially skeptical. As a local, I’ve heard stories about celebrities like Kate Winslet and Benedict Cumberbatch taking speedboats across the Solent for a romantic dinner. Some even arrive by helicopter. The Hut is known as a yachty hotspot, where the wealthy come to dine and drink. A 75cl bottle of Domaine Leflaive Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru, a French white wine, costs £2,625. Clearly, it’s not the kind of place for the average budget.
But despite the less-than-glamorous journey in my Fiat Panda, once we arrived at the roof deck, the experience was truly top-notch. From the moment you walk in, the staff makes you feel like the only guest in the room. Even though it’s a Monday night, the restaurant is packed. The Hut is infamous for being booked months in advance, so planning ahead is essential. You can join the waiting list, but there’s no guarantee of a table on your preferred date. Still, that exclusivity adds to the allure.
There’s a lively holiday vibe here. Even though I live just 40 minutes away, my partner and I both feel like we’re in the Mediterranean. People who have dined here before say it’s like going on holiday for lunch, and I completely understand.
As the designated driver, I head straight for the mocktail menu. I order the ‘Coastal Spritz,’ a refreshing mix of blood orange, basil, and tonic. At £10, it feels expensive for a non-alcoholic drink, but the overall experience—especially for the average earner—is designed to be a treat. We’re seated next to a couple celebrating their wedding anniversary, who receive complimentary champagne upon arrival.
Jacob tries The Hut’s signature cocktail, The Painkiller—a Piña Colada-style drink made with aged rum, crème de coconut, and pineapple juice. He says the £15 price tag is worth every penny.
But the real star of the evening is the food. The restaurant is known for its seafood and grilled meats, and as a food lover, I couldn’t wait to try it all. We start with the fish tacos at £15 per person: two pieces of battered cod in fresh tortillas, served with baja sauce, green mole, wasabi soy, and coriander. The starter is so good that I stop what I’m doing to text my sister. She needs to know they’re the best fish tacos I’ve ever had.
Next, we try the tom yum goong, one of our favorite dishes from our travels in Thailand. The hot and sour shrimp soup with coriander and lime is so flavorful and aromatic that I’m instantly transported back to Koh Tao.
I’ve been thinking about lobster for weeks. Like many, it’s not something I regularly enjoy. The last time I had freshly caught crustacean was in Hong Kong in March. Here, it’s served with fries, salad, and dripping in garlic butter. It’s freshly caught in Yarmouth, one of the main fishing hubs on the island. A 700g portion (which I naively assume is enough for two) costs £78. I devour the whole thing.
Luckily, Jacob orders the seabass, which comes with seaweed dumplings, surf clams, and braised chicory for a more affordable £34. It’s described as heaven on a plate.
As I lean against the glass balcony, taking in the panoramic views of the bay, I ask myself if this place really lives up to the hype. Yes, it’s expensive. But the food, hospitality, and immersive holiday-style experience are worth every penny.
The Hut, I’ll be back.
Getting There
The Isle of Wight is just two hours from London, but the only way to get there is by boat. The most common route is by train followed by a ferry. Several operators run multiple daily routes, with the most popular being Portsmouth to Fishbourne.