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Cambridge PuG Crawl, Friday 5th April 2024 with Gann on the Pub Forum

The Spyglass Inn, Ventnor

Esplanade
Ventnor
PO38 1JX
Phone: 01983855338

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Reviews (Current Rating Average: 8 of 10) Add Review see review guidelines


adrian mester left this review about The Spyglass Inn

Fantastic location with great views. Authentic interior which is spacious and welcoming, regular live music and on the day of my visit the food was very good. Good selection of well kept ales and lagers, a haunt for locals and holidaymakers

On 19th March 2024 - rating: 9
[User has posted 3 recommendations about 3 pubs]


Malden man left this review about The Spyglass Inn

The pub occupies an enviable location at the end of the esplanade with views over the beach below and out across the Channel. There is of course an extensive tiered outdoor terrace designed to make the best of the views plus some well positioned indoor tables with large viewing windows.
Inside there are various cubby holes, nooks and crannies and all kinds of maritime paraphernalia along the walls and across the low ceilings. Seating as far as I could see was at proper tables of varying size, flooring mainly tiled but some areas carpeted too.
Food obviously is important and the pub is unashamed to attract the tourists but portions are large and in our opinion on the day quality good. Prices reflect the location as you’d expect.
A few cask beers on, I failed to note them but there were a couple from Ringwood and also the local Goddards Fuggle Dee Dum.
Live music features regularly.
A decent spot, much better than I expected on approaching, great outside on a fine day but I imagine cosy and atmospheric on a stormy winter’s night.

On 10th August 2023 - rating: 8
[User has posted 1707 recommendations about 1681 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Graham Coombs left this review about The Spyglass Inn

A full-throttle holidaymaker pub, exceptionally located at the end the Esplanade with views over the bay. The multi-roomed interior is liberally covered in nautical tat; come to that much of the extensive tabled outside is also. If you can ignore the tourist overkill and avoid busy days, it is actually quite a pleasant cosy place for a pint, especially on a miserable day. Ales on were locals Wight Gold and Islander, and from Ringwood (Marstons) Razorback and 49er.

On 5th April 2022 - rating: 8
[User has posted 3322 recommendations about 3259 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Ian Mapp left this review about The Spyglass Inn

Maybe the only Good Beer Guide 2021 entry to be guarded by a plastic pirate? Who knows.

A lengthy queue had to be negotiated for a table at 4pm on a Monday. God knows what it would be like at a busy time. Kind of odd, as the inside of the pub was completely empty - so how you would get it if you just wanted a pint, I don't know.

We were eating - so happy to wait and the table, service and food was all perfect. I can only assume the queue was to stop the kitchen being overwhelmed.

Beer wise - its unusual to see a Marstons in the GBG - and all that was on offer on our visit was their beers - Ringwood Forty niner in decent condition - but its never a "destination pint"

Pleasant experience and hats off to the staff for their humour and professionalism.

On 3rd July 2021 - rating: 8
[User has posted 1329 recommendations about 1315 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Spyglass Inn

Very attractive pub in a splendid position overlooking the western end of Ventnor's small bay, and understandably often very busy in the tourist season. The interior is a jumble of small nautically-themed spaces, all in a very traditional style. However, if good weather and you can get a table, the front terrace is the place to be. Efficient food service. Also offers accommodation apparently. Five of six handpumps in operation on this visit, with the regular Ringwood beers (Best and Forty Niner) supplemented by Banks's Sunshine, Shipyard Summer Ale (a Marston's collaboration) and the local Wight Squirrel from Goddard's. First rate.

On 4th June 2017 - rating: 8
[User has posted 8061 recommendations about 8061 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Bucking Fastard left this review about The Spyglass Inn

From the outside the model of a pirate with a stuffed parrott ,and an unexceptional exterior might lead to the conclusion this is a seaside rip off venue,but proceed inside into a real classic.It's only been a pub for 25 years,but the owners have lovingly recreated a sea shore pub with the use of real flag stones,wooden furniture,wood panelling and a low ceiling .The interior is divided into many small sections while the walls are decorated with model ships in bottles,nautical paintings,oars hanging from the ceiling,a real fire and an interior which is dark, a little cramped yet most welcoming.The bar is in it's own section to the rear with bench seating around.The sections to the front have wonderful views over the sea several meters below.In rough conditions ,there is a wonderful cosy feel once inside.
The food is generous in size and very well cooked featuring a lot of local catch while the four handpumps dispense two from Goddards and two from Ringwood.Over two visits I had well kept Goddards Scrumdiggity,Fuggle-Dee-Dum and Winter Warmer together with Ringwoods 49er.Beer prices not cheap (around £3.40) but worth paying the price for the atmosphere.A mystery why it's not in the GBG.
By far the best pub I found in Ventnor and should not be missed when in the locality.

On 28th December 2013 - rating: 8
[User has posted 2709 recommendations about 2709 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Soup Dragon left this review about The Spyglass Inn

A detached sea-front, cream rendered pub, with nice patio area, with flowers and greenery. The exterior sports life-size pirate models, lifeboats and lifebelts. The place does food and has accommodation, as well as regular music nights.

The interior is open plan, but has lots of nooks and crannies. The décor is common enough these days, with the different colour wall look; blue, red, yellow, pink etc. The eclectic seafaring memorabilia continues inside, making the place fun and interesting, with pictures, oars and guns are everywhere – indeed, there is more on display here than in Dinosaur Isle up the road! The service was fine and the place was rammed with a mixed clientele – clearly many holidaymakers.

Beer; tap stuff including a decent enough keg Banks’s Bitter. On handpull I only saw Ringwood 49er and Bitter, so I think I missed a couple.

A really fun place, only spoilt for a misery like me by the popularity of it. I am sad that I missed the music nights and hope to pop in on my return to the Island.

On 21st April 2010 - no rating submitted
[User has posted 3067 recommendations about 3062 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


john mcgraw left this review about The Spyglass Inn

As near to the beach that you can get without getting your feet wet.A large multi roomed pub at the end of the Esplanade selling up to 4 real ales with Ventnor Golden on as a regular.A bit foody (hugh portions) but at the same time very well worth a visit if you just want a drink.Very nice outside drinking area overlooking the sea which in the long summer days is very pleasant.

On 22nd September 2007 - rating: 8
[User has posted 2044 recommendations about 2025 pubs]