I have heard The Hut recommended by lots of friends over the last year but only went myself this weekend (April). It’s had a revamp and is twice the size (if not more, looking at photos of its former self) with an extended patio area, an upper deck and a VIP area – which you can hire with £1000 minimum spend.

There are two guys on boats employed by The Hut to pick up the customers who arrive by boat, once you’ve anchored down they take you onto dry land (they aren’t so lucky but are well prepared in their waders!)

We had a table on the sun deck, overlooking the water, the staff were lovely, funky music played and with the view of the Solent it felt more Ibiza than Isle of Wight.

The meal did take quite a long time to come but the kids were happy playing on the small beach area a bit further on from the restaurant and as the tide was going out the beach outside The Hut appeared too.

The bar area has little sun hats for lights and the hat theme is continued with hats covering most of the walls.

Following the lead of the table next to us, my kids picked their own to wear for the meal.

This was the opening weekend and they were already full for both the 12 & 2pm sittings, if you’re planning a visit I’d advise booking early. I hear you need to book three weeks in advance in the summer months.

This really is a very cool venue and one I think we’ll be visiting a lot this summer, in fact we’ve already booked to take the out-laws there next weekend!

Menus for The Hut, Colwell Bay, Isle of Wight –