The Anchor Inn, Cowes

Good Beer Guide 2021 entry - inside was low ceilings/long bar - but we went out to a sheltered courtyard, with outdoor tv and plenty of umbrella shaded seating. Service was excellent and there was a great team checking how they could help before you felt the need to start waving. Good Fuggle-de-dum enjoyed.

An historic town pub with low ceilings, beams and parquet flooring in the front, leading through to a disguised modern extension in the old stables and a courtyard at the rear. A bit of a touristy feel but with some decent and well-kept ales on as well - Islander, Fuggle-de-dum and London Pride on this occasion.

Fairly corporate chain place with a bit of imposed character, two aged (1704) buildings knocked into one. Large front bar is fairly bland and open-plan, save for a wood burning stove. Mute TT racing on the telly and awful canned music. There’s a rear dining area in a nice wood panelled room with function room beyond and a sadly basic patio garden. Five ales on with not much imagination; Thwaites Wainwright, Bombardier Gold, Pride, Ringwood Razor Back and Goddards Fuggle. The Fuggle was a very good drop, to be fair. It’s worth putting your nose round the door to see if the line-up shows any variation but otherwise, it’s crawl fodder only. 6.5