The Brasserie by Smoking Lobster in Isle of Wight

Looking for somewhere different to go for lunch, we decided to channel our inner sailors and popped on the ferry to Cowes. Our mission? To discover a gem we’d found in the Michelin Guide, nestled midway up a hill so steep it could double as a ski slope. We arrived early and, naturally, indulged in a pre-lunch cocktail. I savoured an excellent dry Martini while my wife enjoyed their Signature Cocktail. Both were top-notch, though the chairs were so low I felt like I was sitting on the floor at a toddler’s tea party. Seriously, they were lower than a limbo-ing rattlesnake. We made it to the restaurant and embarked on a three-course Sunday Lunch adventure. For starters, we had Beef Carpaccio and Trout, which were delightful. For the mains, we chose Roast Beef and Guinea Fowl (delicious but portioned like I was on a diet). We finished with treacle tart and Mille Fois, all accompanied by a delicious Rosé that danced on our taste buds. A delightful surprise was seeing the owners dining in the room, tucking into the same Sunday Lunch. It’s always reassuring when the owners eat their own cooking – it’s a sign they believe in their food as much as we did. My only beef (pun intended) with the place was the table and chairs. I get that it’s a 'Bistro,' but white tablecloths would elevate the New England-style decor from charming to downright chic. In summary, a fantastic dining experience with cocktails to die for and food worth the ferry ride. Just remember to bring a cushion if you don't want to feel like you're dining in the Shire.

Outstanding restaurant 5* food, service and surroundings. Had an amazing lunch on a sunny day in a gorgeous room with terrace doors open but you could eat in the garden if you wanted to. Food was sensational and very good value for the quality. Two delightful dishes sent out by the chef before we started - cheese gougeres and a Japanese milk bread with some special butter. Sea bass with mussels and asparagus was amazing, my husband had pasta with huge prawns. Well worth seeking out this place if you want a memorable meal- inside Foresters Hall Hotel! Would highly recommend and would love to return!

After a few "niggles" getting our large crowd booked I am very happy to report that Kelly and her staff really made the experience well worthwhile! The food, the service and location was 5*, and even though we may not have been the easiest large group to serve, everyone enjoyed themselves, everyone would return, and everyone would recommend this great gem of a restaurant. Well done Kelly and staff you really did excel and we will be back!

Amazing food which should give it 5* but once again the service is erratic, not the staffs fault as they are delightful, but clearly undertrained. We were asked to preorder for our table of 8, which was then for all of us changed on the morning of our meal. If you offer a martini with a twist then no olives, if it’s dirty it should be. No spoons for the soup, just spoon and fork for main unless it’s steak, not quite sure why. Cheese although beautifully presented was uninspiring, the island has amazing cheese, none of which were served. As I said food is amazing and that’s why this is the second time we’ve been but please sort front of house.

What a gorgeous restaurant. The dining room is gorgeously appointed and has the best view out to the terrace. We were lucky to lunch there on a sunny day and although we ate inside, it felt great! The service was attentive and friendly. The Smoking Lobster team obviously takes great pride in their new venue. The food was delicious - big thumbs up for the beef tartare and the clams starters. My partner really enjoyed his pastrami too. Cocktails were lush and the wine by the glass selection extensive. Very pleased with our first experience at The Brasserie at Foresters Hall. We will definitely return!