This unassuming, Italian-biased offshoot of the Robert Thompson empire is clearly extremely popular with the locals with every cover taken on the night we were there. It was easy to understand why. Given the style of the café, we had prosecco rather than champagne, and we are still in the dark as to why anyone would prefer it. The wine... More

I have eaten twice at this exemplary restaurant, named after the picaresque Pond it overlooks, most recently as part of a pasta-making demonstration day with chef and owner, Robert Thompson. The food here is of a comparable standard to the chef’s Michelin starred restaurant up the road, but at a fraction of the price. The food here is always seasonal... More

We tried to have lunch without a reservation. When we arrived we asked whether there is a table available. We were advises that they were expecting several people with reservations soon. We asked whether it would make sense to have a walk and come back later. The waiter ensured that they would have a table available in 30 min and... More

My wife and I were on a long weekend break on the Isle of Wight, and happened on this restaurant via a referral. What a stroke of luck! We had a wonderful meal, and the solo waitress looked after the guests superbly well. I had the mackerel to start with, and then the crab risotto as a main course with... More

I went with a friend, last year with my husband. The food this time was not as good. The risotto was fab as a starter, it was local crab-very yummy. My friend had mackerel and was very unhappy with the portion size. The main meal we both chose was lamb, which was quite tough. The waitress was wonderful, helpful, great... More

My wife and I ate here on a Saturday night for our wedding anniversary. I couldn't choose between two of the main courses so I had a smaller portion of each! All the food that my wife and I had was wonderful and the price was very reasonable for the excellent quality on offer.

As many other reviewers we also came with a local voucher offer for a lunch. The set menue for the voucher offer had a good choice of dishes. I had the cured makerel which was fantastic and my husband had the chicken liver which was great too. As a main I had the pollock which was cooked extremly well on... More

I had heard such good reviews re the Pond Cafe I wanted to check it out so I did so by enjoying morning coffee & cake with a voucher I bought at half price. The chocolate brownie & lemon tart were both excellent & well presented. Had a look at a sample menu. If only I could afford to have... More

I had read good things about this restaurant. The day we went along it was pouring rain and a gale outside and fairly quiet when we went inside otherwise parking outside might be difficult. I have Chicken Liver for Starters which was delicious, and The Pork Belly with Spinach and Pulses for mains was really good as well. I would... More