Pilot Boat Inn, Bembridge

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Roger Button left this review about Pilot Boat Inn

The Pilot Boat stands out like the proverbial aching digit thanks to its external almost folly like appearance. It was converted in 1935 to look like ship complete with port holes and a figurehead (of sorts).

I gather the pub has recently reopened and has undergone a few changes although I don’t suspect that it is very much different. Internally it is one long room with the rear section (or naybe this should be the stern) laid out for diners (although there weren’t any at the time of our visit). The drinkers were catered for at the main bar housed at the front (I’ve had enough of the nautical pedantry).

There are several old local pictures pinned to the red paintwork (which itself is quite overpowering) and the natural light is a bit limited by the porthole windows. If you want to complete the nautical feeling, you can watch the fish swimmuing around the newly installed aquarium.

Beerwise there are 3 local ales, one each from Yates (Undercliff), Goddards (Scrumdiggity) and Island (Yachtsmans Ale). One of our pints was off but changed with no fuss or bother by the very welcoming landlord. The others were fine.

It is an unusal place, maybe a little tacky, and it probably gets rammed at peak times in the yachting season but felt a bit hollow on our mid afternoon visit when it was very quiet. It is worth popping in just for its eccentric characteristics although I suspect it may feel a bit too touristy for most.

On 5^th April 2011 - rating: 6
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