Fisherman’s Cottage, Shanklin

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “We visited this restaurant about two weeks ago, and unfortunately, what should have been a lovely family meal turned into a very upsetting experience. My daughter has severe allergies, so we had brought a small packed meal for her to ensure she could eat safely. The staff were fully aware of her allergies. I was also particularly excited to eat here as they offered gluten-free fish and chips—something I haven’t been able to enjoy for a very long time due to my gluten intolerance. However, we were shocked when the waiter refused to allow my daughter to eat the food we had brought for her. While we understand that restaurants may have policies regarding outside food, the way this was handled was extremely disappointing. One particular member of staff was incredibly rude and showed no understanding or compassion towards the situation. My daughter was understandably very upset. All we had brought for her was some pesto pasta, specifically because of her severe allergies. In the end, our entire group decided not to eat and walked out. I have honestly never experienced such a lack of empathy from a restaurant. Allergies are not a choice, and when a family is trying to keep their child safe, a little understanding and kindness would go a very long way. Sadly, this experience has completely put us off returning.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “We wanted somewhere to eat out with an atmosphere on our last day of holiday after the beach. With no reservation, they squeezed us in at 7:30: four adults and small kids. The ambience we were looking for was there, it's a great old beachfront pub with sea views and there was a little old man playing a few standards at a decent but not overwhelming volume. The wine and booze selections were pretty good. Unfortunately, that's where the good vibes end. There were no vegan mains on the à la carte, and our *drinks* order was only taken 45 mins after we sat down. On an incredibly hot day with small kids present, we had to ask three times for tapwater. Once the staff did get round to talking our food order they let us know halfway through ordering that the kitchen was an hour behind. We'd been sat down an hour at this point, the kids were brewing up and we had no option but to stay, really. A dose of maturity and common sense from the staff went amiss. Finally, over an hour after our starters, we had to chase down the manager to find out what was happening to be told our food was 'about ten mins'. Blatantly seemed like the kitchen had just lost our ticket and it was insulting to pretend otherwise. Our mains eventually arrived just before 10pm, over two hours after we sat down. They were ok, except the vegan special which at £15 for a derisory amount of flatbread would've raised eyebrows on Bermondsey St, let alone the IoW. We complained and accepted a substantial discount on our bill, but the rest of our evening (had planned hot choc and stargazing back at the canpsite for the kids but we only returned at 11pm) was ruined. Yes, they were busy, a chef down, and under new management - but clearly some of the basics need attention. I wish them luck for the rest of the holiday season.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “Stopped by with the dog for a couple of ales on a lovely evening. Was quite busy but managed to get a small table outside. Staff competent and friendly in dealing with customers quickly but bought two pints of ale so I wouldn't have to return for the second and leave dog outside. Always try to call in when visiting the isle for the ambience. Relaxed chat with customers on adjacent table who kindly looked after dog when I went to the bathroom👍”

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• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “What an amazing gem of a place visiting for a few days and we have been twice the food is amazing I had crab other half had warm chicken salad it was so fresh. We cam at linch time and had had a breakfast so went light but that was still plenty. The fish and chips look out of this world you must try. Staff very friendly and helpful something thats missing from alot of places lately thank you so much to them all for making our visit fab 😍”

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• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “We attempted to book, but no-one answered the phone. I emailed and noticed too late that i did get a response, but by that time we had arrived and attempted a walkin. We were advised that we could get a table inside. We ordered and were surpised that we were made to pay straight after ordering.....first couse arrived, tasted lovely, generous amount, but presentation/garnish lacking. My main was pricey half Lobster, I did not get what I expected and was very disappointed. (super glad I did not go for the whole lobster - I would have felt even more robbed). The other dish was seafood pasta. Tried to change the dish but was advised 'chef' had already started it. The sauce was very thin, major lack of seafood. The texture and taste of the sauce would have been better if reduced more. To compensate we ordered the beetroot salmon dish. Very salty, no beetroot or smoke flavour - underwhelmed by this 'special'. Such a shame this was our first Isle of Wight beach seafood meal. Thankfully our experience improved elsewhere later in the week.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “An amazing pub in an absolutely stunning location! Food is delicious and I would particularly recommend the seafood options. Good selection of drinks. Cozy atmosphere and amazing views over the beach. Definitely worth visiting! Food and drink is a bit more expensive than you would find elsewhere in Shanklin, but that makes sense given its location. Also be mindful of opening hours as the pub is a bit out of the way. Generally fine during the summer but do keep in mind that the pub shuts for parts of the off-season.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “My partner and I, enjoyed a meal here on the 22nd July. This was our 3rd visit in recent years. I had the Swordfish Burger special, and my partner had the Fisherman’s Cottage Fish Pie. The restaurant was fairly busy outside, so there was a little wait for food. - Which we understood, and the staff kindly apologised. The food arrived lovely and hot, as it always has! The Burger was huge, and the mango and lime really made it delicious! The Fish Pie was beautiful too, with plenty of fish - Cod and Salmon.. lovely and creamy! We’ll definitely be visiting again when we come back! Highly recommended! …. And thank-you to the team!”

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• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “Despite being very busy and us arriving without a booking. We were welcomed and able to wait with a drink, until a table came available, shortly after. We had fish and chips which were served promptly. The batter was crunchy and delicious. Lovely chips, too! Would recommend booking a few days ahead, as it is an email system. We tried ringing but they were so busy, they didn't have the opportunity to respond.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “Both my partner and myself had a burger, a chicken burger and a halloumi burger. The chicken was dry as it was overcooked. The buns were brioche, they tasted cheap and really sweet. My partner did enjoy her halloumi though. Great views out to sea but in all honesty there are definitely better places to eat in Shanklin.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “It was really nice experience. Food was delicious... Home made fish pie 🥧 😋. Pet friendly 👌 atmosphere was ok...”