The Ship & Castle, East Cowes

A basic back-street boozer, a marked contrast to the yachtie pubs in the area, although it does retain a nautical theme - a working pub, though, not a comfy cruising bar. The landlady is an experienced sailor and has a tale to tell of her own Atlantic adventures. There was only one other customer in, a sailing type who reminded us of The Simpsons's Sea Captain. Other occupants included a small, mad dog, a caged budgie and goldfish in a tank on the bar. The overall feel is of someone's grannie's back room with rising damp, but it's homely. The walls support a flat screen tv and nautical pictures. The only ale on was GK IPA which was OK, good for a quiet pint or three. Happy to pop in when passing.