The Pilot Boat Inn, Isle of Wight

We popped in here today to sample the ales from the Wightknuckle Brewery. The Zapp was well received! We decided to have a bite to eat and the fish gougons, nachos, and bacon, brie and cranberry baguette were all excellent. Served by the delightful Emily and Freya, so friendly and helpful. We'll definitely be back to this lovely little pub.

just spent a few days on the I o w and would like to recommend this pub.We spent a very pleasant evening at the pilot boat inn ,the food was excellent and a added bonus they brew their own beer.The staff are very pleasant and would have no problem recommending here.

Nice beer, food good ,garlic bread was fantastic staff friendly and chatty Would go back to try bigger menus and take friends Local brewed beers And took cash unlike the other cafes a long the front so wouldn’t use them Very helpful Did not stay in rooms

We arrived about 2 hours before we could check in which we weren't worried about as we were just wanting to grab a drink and enjoy the sunshine. My partner wanted a lager shandy....but it was off....so opted for a cider....which they didn't have.....so ended up with a soft drink. Asked for Cheese and onion crisps and again nothing, only cider vinegar and lightly salted...I opted for one of their porters on offer and we hit the fresh air. After a couple of pints we walked up to the local village and another local pub which had good food. Can't vouch for food here although there is a menu on the wall showing many options available, all info points to just pizza so it left us a bit confused, but like I said we didn't ask, so can't confirm. We were in the Captains cabin which access is via a key safe on the wall and first impressions were clean, airy and well equipped. However everything in the cupboards leant toward just couples staying. I.e. 2 plates, 2 cups, 2 bowls, etc etc...whether that's based on the amount of people staying at that time I don't know...the extra charge of a foldable z bed that's already in the living room seemed a bit steep. The wooden flooring is nice and rustic but not forgiving in the acoustic department. More noticeable when in bed, as the wall backs onto the main bar which is the same flooring...so you really hear it when chairs are being moved. The bathroom is lovely and clean and the shower has decent room to wash in. The shower is easy to use. Bed is very comfy indeed and we both slept really well. Note that red sofa in the living room reclines so that's nice when watching telly. Signal came and went on our phones so although there is WiFi, if your phone provider isn't connecting it's a bit naff, but plenty of books in the room to read. The information folder in the room refers a lot to covid restrictions which have long been lifted so perhaps could do with updating, as well as a Captains Log for visitors to leave any comments. Upon which part of the info folder advises that breakfast includes crossiants as part of the continental offerings which was simply Corn Flakes, Crunchy Nut, Muesli, yoghurt, tinned sliced peaches and bread for toast. George is very friendly and very knowledgeable so feel free to ask whatever questions you may have, and he will happily keep you stocked up with tea and coffee. In general a nice relaxing stay in a great part right by the harbour, but not sure it was worth the money we paid. Would liked to have seen more variety in the bar and a little more on offer at breakfast (cold meats, cheeses with crossiants would have been lovely) And a pair of mens black jeans had been left behind by previous guests in the chest of drawers which we alerted George to, should anyone claim them but missed by the cleaning staff.

We had the family room which is a self contained place with bedroom, bathroom, kitchen-dining area, there was lots of room and privacy. It was clean and tidy. It’s right on the Coastal Path so it was perfect for us on a walking holiday.

Nice but basic no sea view unfortunately but only a few steps to the sea and lovely walks, the bar is a bit stark but they sell excellent beer and the pizzas are absolutely amazing, we didn’t get breakfast but was given £10 refund and went over the road to a great cafe with a roaring log fire. We would stay again just for the lovely walks.

We were lucky enough to get the plum room, in my opinion. This quirky 1930's inn has the accommodation on the "top deck", with Bridge having the forward view and probably being the largest. The bed was huge and very comfortable and the bathroom bright, new and spotless. TV and mini-fridge are provided along with a kettle and makings for hot drinks. Breakfast is served downstairs in the taproom belonging to the Wight Knuckle microbrewery and has a good choice of cereals and spreads. Owner George was in charge of breakfast coffees, of which I was especially fond. The coffees, that is. The location close to Bembridge harbour allows for walks along the water's edge and you're within easy reach of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. Glad we found the Pilot Boat and would be happy to return.

Captains Cabin: Noise of the restaurant comes through the bedroom wall which was annoying, but once it closed the room was very quiet. TV is in the living room with wicker chairs, but needed a sofa instead. Apartment was spacious and kitchenette was a brilliant addition. Bed was very comfortable. Staff and owner very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was just continental but a good choice of options.

The rooms and bathroom were very clean, communication from the hosts via text before book in was very clear. Did not manage to log into the Wi-Fi unfortunately it wouldn’t recognise the password. We ate in the pub, amazing pizza and lovely atmosphere. Very close to the sea and marina at Bembridge.