The Spyglass Inn Reviews Summary

Location & Views

Pros:

• "The Spyglass Inn offers breathtaking views of the Ventnor coastline."
• "The view is fantastic, overviewing the sea, listening to the waves crash into the sea and rocks, very atmospheric and beautiful."
• "Wonderful location overlooking Ventnor Bay."
• "Fantastic themed pub right on the seafront in Ventnor with amazing views."
• "The views here are out of this world, with a full on sight of the beach and a spectacular sight of the sea, now that's a sight for sore eyes."
• "Eating outside meant we were also able to enjoy the awesome views over Ventnor and the sea."
• "The location is absolutely amazing at the sea front and at high water it feels like your are dining on the sea."

Cons:

• "I guess on a windy day it may be blustery due to its location."
• "Parking is dreadful but forgiven for such Tasty food and stunning views on such a popular beach."
• "Would be difficult to navigate a wheelchair into the pub."
• "Then when we went outside to see the view and walk up the hill to the car, we could see the RATS, yes rats running around the back of the place."

Food Quality

Pros:

• "The food was delicious as always. I had a burger and chips."
• "It's always nice to visit the Spyglass at the end of the esplanade. It offers a wide selection of meals and beers; beautiful location; and has live music twice a week."
• "The fish was nice and fresh, chips on point, pies superb."
• "Food outstanding (as usual), scenic view and lovely atmosphere."
• "Food was delicious."
• "The crab meat was fresh, delicate, and bursting with flavour."
• "We shared the captains seafood platter, absolutely delicious!! Fresh and tasty, Definitely recommend!"

Cons:

• "The fish pie was piping hot around the outside and cold in the middle also ingredients were obviously not fresh ingredients."
• "Food wasn't my favourite but edible and good price compared to some places in the area."
• "Food was ok. Ok if looking for a theme pub for children but otherwise a bit tacky and rundown."
• "The pie was £18+ which was adequate with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top (not melted). The chicken was anaemic with a squirt of bbq sauce on top."
• "Food disappointing. Chicken curry returned untouched as tasteless, fish pie was dry with very limited sauce and mussels served open with no dish for shells."
• "The food here was the worst thing & I will definitely not recommend you eat here, considering it was actually quite bad, it was very expensive too."
• "The food was such a huge and massive let down, it was clearly microwaved and come from frozen packaging."

Atmosphere & Decor

Pros:

• "This is a lovely fisherman's hut by the sea type of place with a great atmosphere."
• "The staff were super friendly and the place is very atmospheric."
• "Great decor, lovely atmosphere."
• "What a great place to sit and enjoy a pint."
• "Fabulous... great inside the pub as so much history and things to see."
• "Really amazing atmosphere, lots of nautical themed pieces like old muskets and lanterns."
• "The place is very atmospheric with lots of outside seating which gives you the chance to watch the waves and if you're lucky a surfer."

Cons:

• "It's dark, worn out and somewhat grimy."
• "The whole interior needs a major TLC overhaul - it's dark, worn out and somewhat grimy."
• "Dark and dingy, unless you can be outside."
• "A sticky dirty environment to eat your dinner in."
• "The shower floor was black mould, so was the toilet window frame and also damp spots in the shower ceiling."

Service & Staff

Pros:

• "Staff are friendly and chatty, and it really feels like they could not do enough to help with any issue."
• "Clean tables, friendly, professional staff."
• "The staff were very friendly and hard working."
• "The staff friendly and efficient."
• "The staff were very friendly and very helpful."
• "Very friendly & attentive staff."
• "Staff very helpful."

Cons:

• "Staff were quite rude, and more concerned about making sure that we didn't sit or walk through one of the outdoor sections."
• "The staff were not extremely courteous and did not go out of their way to make you feel comfortable."
• "Staff are friendly and helpful but seemingly understaffed at busy times, so service was slow, with a long wait for food."
• "The customer service needs to be improved."
• "Went here with two friends for a meal and drink...the waiter still didn’t want to hear our complaint."
• "It was very busy but they didn’t put more staff on the bar or on food order station."
• "Service pretty good, just needs a better ordering system than going to the bar for food as took ages."

Value for Money

Pros:

• "Food wasn't my favourite but edible and good price compared to some places in the area."
• "The food is well priced, great quantity for what you pay."
• "Reasonable value for money."
• "The food prices were fair for the area."
• "Outstanding and exceptional value for money."
• "The portion was really good value for money."

Cons:

• "But it's just so horrendously expensive."
• "Food was quite pricey but tasty."
• "The macaroni cheese is good but about £6 overpriced."
• "Just everything in there seemed very overpriced just because of the position which seemed a shame."
• "I was charged £5.30 for a bottle of alcohol-free Erdinger, which is extortionate, even by Isle of Wight standards."
• "Prices are on the high side too."
• "So overpriced, I can't believe how expensive it is considering it's such poor quality food."