The Old Village Inn, Bembridge

Sadly when we called in much of the pub was under renovation and they were still in covid mode so we drank and ate in a lean-to at the back, there was also a heated tent where the bar was. I plumped for a Youngs Special, whoever brews it these days it was fairly ordinary stuff even for southern beer, although it was served in a plastic “glass”. To be more positive the staff were good and the portions more than generous. Ordering etc is by wi-fi connected buttons.

A rather modernised and sterile place, looks much nicer from the outside. Two bay windows, modern slate floor, pseudo-lounge feel. One item we did like were the stylized wall hangings of old Bembridge. Three ales, Nethergate Growler (poor), Butcombe Bitter and Moorhouse White Witch. Two box ciders. Glacially slow service from a barmaid who didn't even know the stock and had the customer service skills of a dead slug. We noted the blue paper towel pyramid atop the bin behind the bar as she spent her time doing nothing. Only one other customer and it felt like a place that had lost its way. Given it’s GBG-listed, a crashing disappointment. 4.5

A double gabled frontage in white, looking like a 1930s house, with large patio at the rear of the building. The interior is L shaped, with the bar facing you on entry and the space in front of it being more bar room like, the longer space along side the bar is more loungey, packed with tables for food, which they serve all day, though we didn’t eat. The décor is white and wood panel, with a red ceiling and a couple of tiled fireplaces. There are lots of old local photographs, prints of paintings and ephemera, such as brasses. There was a dart board and Sky TV in the bar area. The service was friendly and the clientele leaning towards the younger, but the place was busy and had a friendly feel. There was no music. Beer; tap stuff, with regular and handpulls for GK IPA and Abbot the later being well kept, as well as a so-so Marston’s Pedigree as guest. A nice pub, shame that it is Greene King really, as its not my favourite. It is in the GBG 2010.