The Chequers Inn, Ventnor

A sprawling detached low level pub, with a double gable, in white render, with a pitched roof that gives it a continental feel. There is a massive beer garden and children’s play area. It is in the GBG 2010 and was voted GPG National Family Pub of the Year. The interior has areas and rooms to cover all aspects – a bar area, a dining room, a conservatory, a games room and of course, the garden area. The bar had darts and Sky TV, with stools, comfy chairs and wooden settle, stone floor, some brass ephemera and horse pictures. There was a pool table in the games area. The décor is mainly plain cream or a salmony coloured wall, with some brick and stone, especially around the fireplaces. The pub claims that it retains many traditional trappings, whilst I wouldn’t agree, as the traditional elements feel ‘fakey’, I don’t think it is a problem. The service was fine and the clientele was a mix of families to individuals and holidaymakers to locals – it was very busy and I can see why it is held in such high regard as a family pub. Beer; tap stuff, with a decent keg Banks’s Dark MILD and five handpulls; Hopback Summerlightning and Crop Circle, Ringwood Bitter and Triple FFF Brewery’s Altons Pride and a decent Moondance This pub aims for the passing family trade, yet clearly has it’s own local base and it deserves it – it works hard to supply what families need and yet takes pride in its real ales. It deserves it GBG status and other plaudits.

The Chequers Inn official site, includes menus and beer list - www.chequersinn-iow.co.uk

The Chequers Inn official site, includes menus and beer list - www.chequersinn-iow.co.uk