Folly Inn, East Cowes

If pubs were all about location, the Folly would certainly be a front runner. Situated on the edge of the River Medina with the yachts bobbing up and down and waders scavenging the water’s edge, a pint on the front terrace could not seemingly be more idyllic. The pub is accessed by a road that is little more than a dirt track and the car parking area is extremely rough and uneven, fine if you have a 4x4 but if you want like dirty cars, leave it elsewhere and walk or alternatively, there is a seasonal waterbus that operates between the pub and Cowes. Legend has it that the pub started as a grounded French barrge and gradually evolved into the pub we see today (there is a notice saying the pub was established in 1792). It is clear that the initial building has seen a few add ons and extensions over the centuries and the large L-Shaped, mainly wooden (retrieved from ship's timbers), interior is a bit of an open plan sprawl aside from a few sections divided by some rustic pillars. There is an unobtrusive pool table and plenty of old boat pictures but it is the river views that people come here for and there are open air tables by the dozen on both sides of the pub as well as the covered riverside terrace. I get the impression that at peak times the place gets extremely busy. The pub is part of Greene King and the beer selection is therefore rather mundane although the sole Greene King ale (Old Speckled Hen) was at least supplemented with the local Goddards Scrumdiggity. A third hand pump was unused at the time of our visit which was admittedly not exactly peak season. The pub did appear to be more geared for diners with an extensive pub grub menu, main courses between £7-£15. As ideal as it initially appears to be, take away the location and the Folly isn't really much more than a pub that could be aimed at tourist coach parties and somehow I get the impression that the magic and tranquility of the area is lost when the place is in full swing. For me the pub is probably best enjoyed on a cold winter’s day when no-one is around, the birds aren’t disturbed and the patio heaters are on full blast.