Cowes Ale House, Cowes

A shop conversion into a micropub, this is the second on the island run by the same folks (the other is in Newport). It’s done pretty well, a long narrow room which is nicely decorated (nautical wallpaper, high-back pew seating, wooden barrels for tables, breweriana) and there’s a rear courtyard. Two ales on (the other was off as it wasn’t clearing “and I’m not serving my customers that!” from behind the bar). The remaining two (Island Vectis and Butcombe Bitter) came off stillage which always makes me nervous but these were in great shape. Also enjoyed some excellent pork cracking from the local butchers. The guy behind the bar was friendly and chatty and another customer came in who proceeded to join in the chat. Really good place, flummoxed as to how this isn’t in the Good Beer Guide (but then again, a number of the local CAMRA branch choices seemed odd to me). One of the best pubs on the Isle for my money and I will definitely pop in again next time.

A Victorian shop converted into a micro pub about two years ago. There is a paved yard with tables and chairs at the back, not pretty but functional, as is the interior décor which hides the original architecture. The wood-floored bar is comfortable for a micro, with a selection of seating styles ranging from church pews to comfy chairs, complemented by a set of wooden barrels converted to tables and chairs. There is free WiFi, but that is the only electronic luxury – the awful row from the jukebox was hardly luxurious. The shop windows had been replaced with etched glass showing the pub’s logo. The welcome from the landlord and the bar-flies was warm and genuine, although there were a couple of autochthonous idiots in the garden who felt threatened by the presence of unfamiliar humans. Three ales on gravity – Courage Directors, Rev James and island Brewery’s Yachtsman. All were in first class condition and most appreciated. I think this is a new favourite in Cowes and will become a regular venue.