Not already a member?
Join our community and
- Rate & review pubs
- Upload pictures
- Add events
JOIN for free NOW
Chat about:
New pub visits 2024 with ETA
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
The Lifeboat, East Cowes
East Cowes
PO32 6UB
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Lifeboat
Updated Review:
After our failed attempt to have a drink in the lifeboat in summer 2020, we returned yesterday. Leaving nothing to chance, we headed straight here after disembarking the ferry from Southampton only a few minutes after their 10am opening.
The podium is still there next to the entrance requesting you to wait to be seated. We duly followed instructions, but soon gave up as all staff were ignoring us whilst going about their business of cleaning and pottering about. Heading to the bar, we were faced with a choice of Fuller's London Pride or Goddard's Fuggle-Dee-Dum. In addition, there were a number of boxed options from Lilley's - Apples & Pears, Pineapple Cider & Bee Sting Perry. Luckily, we had a little more success at the bar and after being served drinks, were shown to a table from where we ordered breakfast.
Most tables have a nice view of the marina. Although the miserable weather on this visit did put a bit of a dampener on things. Breakfast was ok, without being spectacular. You have to be quick to catch it, as it is only served from 10-11. One other party were indulging. Others were in to have a drink whilst watching the coronation on TVs at the far end of the pub. For us, the sound from the TVs was competing with music from other speakers, which didn't make for a relaxing experience.
This is definitely a place that comes into its own in the summer months when the outdoor patio is popular. Just make sure that you book ahead if you want to be certain of a drink or a bite to eat.
Initial Review 12/8/20:
The Lifeboat is located next to the marina in East Cowes. It has car parks on both sides of the building and both were close to capacity on our weekday evening visit, which didn't bode well.
We walked in and joined a queue of people trying to find out when tables would become free. It soon became apparent that none were available. We were told that there was no chance of one becoming available. When asked if there was any way I could somehow have a swift half, the answer was no. I had to be seated to consume a drink. To be honest, sitting on the floor or in my car would have sufficed. But the lady was not to be moved.
Most tables were occupied by diners and it was probably much busier than normal due to it being part of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme and it being a Wednesday. Everything was against me, especially considering what the previous reviewer has stated in the pre-lockdown world about there being little room for vertical drinkers.
So, there it was. An unsuccessful conclusion to my latest visit to the Isle of Wight, leaving this as the only Good Beer Guide pub on the island that I have still to visit.
I knew it would happen at some point, but I finally got refused service in what should have been my 104th different pub visited since lockdown ended. For the record, the 2 ales were Fuggle-Dee-Dum & Islander.
On 7th May 2023
- rating: 5
[User has posted 2466 recommendations about 2465 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about The Lifeboat
A purpose-built place in the marina development, which is very food-led but still maintains something of a pubby feel, probably aiming at the yachties. I just hate those 'wait to be seated' signs though. Decor is brick, pale green and foliage, with limited nauticalia which is probably a blessing. There is also a large waterside patio outside. Two ales on - the regular Fuggle-de-dum and a guest, which disappointingly proved to be London Pride. Various Lilley's ciders in box also. Once having gained entrance and waited for eventual service it was actually quite pleasant.
On 23rd February 2023
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3352 recommendations about 3289 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ian Mapp left this review about The Lifeboat
Posh gastro pub in an enviable position overlooking the marina. Surprisingly, we were able to get an outside table on a Saturday night without booking. The staff couldn't have been more helpful. So prime position to watch the sunset, we used their app to order from a choice of Yates Golden Ale (£4.20), London Pride or Fuggle-Dee-Dum. We didnt eat on this occasion but other peoples meals looked amazing. We may well have to go back.
On 27th June 2021
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1344 recommendations about 1330 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Lifeboat
Part of the East Cowes Marina complex, The Lifeboat is a fairly new building right next to the Medina river. It's a single large bar mostly laid out for diners, with little room for vertical drinkers. Not much atmosphere, and the clientele was almost exclusively yachties, which is only to be expected here. Staff were very friendly. Food was a cut above normal pub grub, but it wasn't cheap. Three ales on - I had a pint of Goddards Fuggle-Dee-Dum which was in very good condition. Very well placed if you're sailing in, slightly less convenient if walking or driving but I'm sure I'll be back in before too long.
On 19th March 2013
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3288 recommendations about 3253 pubs]