Places to eat with your pooch

We’re very dog-friendly here on the Isle of Wight, so there’s no need to leave the pooch behind when you go out for something to eat. Here, our friends over at Taste of the Wight tell us about some of the fabulous places that will welcome your four-legged friend…

Pedallers is the only café directly on the popular ‘Red Squirrel Trail’, a cycle route traversing 23 miles across the east Wight. But don’t fear, you don’t have to cycle 23 miles to get here! Located in Langbridge in Newchurch, you can combine this pitstop with a walk through some of the most stunning countryside on the Island, then settle down for a tasty cuppa and a slice of cake.

The people at The Buddle are such dog lovers themselves that they offer a special dogs menu! Set in the perfect spot for a coastal walk, your canine pal won’t feel left out. For posing pooches, upload your doggie selfie to their Facebook page.

If being close to the beach is a priority, then a flat walk along the Esplanade in Shanklin to Fisherman’s Cottage is ideal. Nestled just beneath Shanklin Chine, sit outside here and soak up the view (and hopefully the sunshine!). Seafood is a speciality, and its own-recipe batter on the fish and chips is the stuff of legends.

Located in Ventnor Undercliff, the beautiful Ventor Botanic Garden soaks up sun with its unique microclimate and their fantastic eateries – the Plantation Room Café and Edulis restaurant – are more than happy to take in your furry friend.

The Plantation Room Café offers light lunches, drinks and a selection of tasty cakes and dog treats, with the option of sitting indoors or out on the balcony in the sun. Edulis restaurant, set in the Mediterranean garden, serves fresh cuisine picked from the garden on a daily basis plus delicious, locally-sourced ingredients.

The view at The Pearl Café is worth the trip alone. But seeing as they welcome dogs with open arms and serve some of the tastiest cream teas and savoury dishes on the Island, there are plenty of reasons to take a trip. Situated along the famous Military Road, there is plenty of space for pooches to roam around, and the family will enjoy browsing the famous pearl shop and the on-site chocolate shop!

Either drive up or give the hound a good run with a steep walk up Culver Down to the Culver Haven Inn, in a truly unique position on the Island. Dogs are warmly welcomed and the owners have their own four-legged friend who is always keen to say hello. Expect home-cooked food with generous portions and some wonderful views across the English Channel.

Situated in the heart of Arreton Barns, The Dairyman’s, as it’s more commonly known, is a great choice for all the family, including those of the four-legged variety. The family will enjoy exploring the craft shops whilst dogs will love a quick walk around the village and the downs behind, before settling onto the flagstone floor in the traditional pub. With an extensive menu, everyone will be happy – you might even take home a doggy bag!

Don’t forget to check out Taste of the Wight for more foodie recommendations.