The Conservatory in Isle of Wight

An interesting hotel where we went for dinner, although the food was ok it was a rather limited menu and the restaurant had no ambiance. The portraits in the hotel reception are fun though and worth a look. We did not stay at the hotel we just ate there and it was a shame it was too windy to eat outside

A close call between 3 and 4 * But it is the feeling you go home with, that counts hence we make it a four. Wanting to go out for a late lunch this bank holiday Sunday we were (not sure if a sign of ‘tight’ times) spoilt for choice as the hut, the terrace and the George all hat availability up to Wednesday the week before. Having not been to the George in it’s latest itineration we chose to go there to see if this once gerat venue had redeemed its standing after having disappointed us thouroughly the last time under previous ownership Showing we were not in the know we turned up at the wrong door as the main entrance had move to the side of the main car park- which spares you going through the stunning but somewhat intimidating lobby. The side entrance is far mor relaxed however on this occasion the door was half occluded by a skip which was not the most welcoming sight. Being greeted by a cheerful lady this was soon forgotten and we were guided to our table inside the restaurant (grateful not to have booked outside as there was intermittent drizzle, not deterring the AIX magnum imbibing mostly younger crowd) Being welcomed and given menus by our charming young waitress we appeared off to a good start. The menu was small and had some classics (think Sunday roast, grilled local lobster, beef tartare) and some more interesting ‘cheffy’ dishes like a take on arroz abanda and cold pea soup- with a narrative about supporting local business wherever possible Also new was a bar menu with ‘own’ drinks and wines by the bottle and glass promising a good experience We ordered and got our drinks and water - so far so good. The drinks were a local take on a french 75 (spiced rum and syrup instead of gin) which was excellent and a daiquiri which was too much on the sour side to be balanced…. Water came out still but was immediately exchanged for sparkling as ordered, once mentioned by the lady who brought it. Plenty of staff and food arriving constantly from the kitchen- and all looked good- alas ours did not arrive- not in the order our order had been taken and then seemingly not forever - after enquiring with the senior waiter (not sure if he was the maitre de as they seemed to all do the same jobs) he said he will chase for us and not soon after our starters appeared. They looked beautiful and Instagramm worthy but also were good, one very good (cold pea soup with roasted walnuts and a ham foam 10/10 best dish of the day), the tartare was also good, lovely decorated and yummy but the mustard mayo, whilst homemade again a bit too sour to be balanced- my wife would also have appreciated a little finer dice (wonder if this was because the order was chased) but for me it was fine 8/10. So having two nice dishes and ordering some decent wines by the glass we were watching others having their mains, desserts, leaving……you get the gist. I often get annoyed when food is crammed to tightly and you cannot enjoy the last dish before the next arrives, but this was again definitely off with other diners who had arrived after us having their bills before our mains arrived (our mains were ordered off the main menu, no allergies or specials, in fact the same dishes ordered later where given out to others). So sadly (not sure why I felt sorry) I had to chase again- and despite this the wait for our mains was considerable- when we were finally served, again it was good, the beef Sunday roast an advertisement to what this dish can be, comforting and great at the same time- made with quality ingredients plated on one big plate for nostalgia with a boat for the gravy, perfectly medium rare beef sliced thickly rather than wafer thin 10/10. The rice dish with mussels and chorizo has potential, but needs developing, there were interesting flavours just not enough of them and the rice wasn’t sure whether it wanted to be a risotto (overcooked for this) or a paella (not brown and crusty enough for this) so it was a bit confused, however perfectly edible and nicely presented (the weakest dish still 6/10)… Dessert had to be the sticky toffee pudding - the only dish which arrived when it should and boy was it good- the prawn cocktail years sprang to mind when looking at and eating it 10/10 (we shared one dessert and could easily have eaten two) Wines were good and served in nice glassware which seem to have been upgraded since the new management…. Nice! So what was the problem? The kitchen is able to deliver food in good quality and reasonable consistency despite a busy Sunday service, Wait staff are all pleasant, friendly and appear well trained (think of A level students earning a bit of extra and some trained people in the background). There seems to be some duplication in them taking paper orders and then typing them into a computer register rather than bringing the tickets in the kitchen- hybrid systems can be a source of error not sure if this caused the delay- either run the tickets through or give them wireless terminals perhaps? Everybody was so apologetic that one felt almost for them…. So the memory you take home then- great food and cordial service with a level of disorganisation which could have been annoying- however we are on a bank holiday, nobody is in a rush I was with a person I love to be with and without complaining from our side we noticed on settling up that all drinks were on the house as a gesture of their error - so yes we have gone home planning to return (perhaps when it is less busy) 4 stars with the 5th in sight…….

As we suspected, after giving only an average review on a Sunday lunch, a repeat visit mid-week revealed an imaginative menu, perfectly cooked and presented. Impeccable service too! There is definitely a talented kitchen here, which shows when they can present a proper à la carte menu. We will add this to our list of regular venues now. Keep it up through the busy summer season! Recommended

Visited for Sunday lunch. Service was efficient but cool. We wondered if there was a language barrier here? The vegetables were varied and well prepared but, my goodness, the meat was awful. A single thick slab of roast beef really did need the steak knife to cut it! When did roast beef begin to be served like this in Britain - it is an American style of presentation. We like slices not lumps, especially when they are tough! Now the on to the other dish: Pork. I am fed up with slow-cooked pork that turns out to be fatty belly pork! What’s wrong with leg, shoulder or loin? Ah, it is more expensive! Anyway, this proved to be inedible; my wife nearly threw up. They should state the meat cut on the menu. Front of house guy tried his best to make financial amends, but that isn’t really the point. We wanted a nice relaxing Sunday roast in a better setting than the ubiquitous pubs can provide. Might return for an a la carte during the week because there are signs that the kitchen can cook well, given the right ingredients. But no more Sundays for us!

Nice area, and very nice food but it can feel a little bit like you are being ignored unless you are ordering for a large table with lots to drink. We were left sat outside in the dark the last time we visited which was a bit sad on a birthday.

We left it until the last minute to find a table for a Saturday night but we got LUCKY. The George has a great buzz in the restaurant and the staff were fantastic. This was backed up with some amazing food and excellent choices of wine, my wife and I would highly recommend this place but I would say book ASAP in case you dont get as lucky as us, it would be a shame to miss it.

I had lunch with friends on Saturday and by the time I arrived home across the island I had violent stomach cramps and ... the consequences. Having called the Hotel on Monday to let them know (when I was a little better) they were really not at all interested. I spoke to a Pavleta who neither apologised to me, neither was there any offer of reimbursement even for the Monkfish with Mussels (washed down with coke ) which I ate let alone the £170 bill. It will be interesting to see if they respond to this review but I doubt it. Shocking and dangerous to health. Go here only at your peril.

Lovely interior and garden Wine list expensive but good Food above average Staff helpful Definitely better than the other Michelin recommendation, and the neighbouring Salty‘s which I covered both separately This is no 1 and not 13 in town, beyond fish & chips and burgers

Very dissapointed that their were no vegetarian mains on the menu, so was only able to have pizza for my main course. My starter was absolutely delicious and was sad not to be able to follow it with an equally equisite main. Such a shame as I have always loved their vegetarian risottos

Booked the conservatory for our final meal after an excellent week on the island. Expected it to be the highlight our our dining out but its was real disappointment. We were seated at the back of the conservatory. We were really in an inside room and without a view to the the terrace or the relatively small glazed extension to the restaurant. Starters were all good, innovative, well presented and tasty. Mains were a different story. The three grilled tiger prawns were large but tasteless and a hand made ground beef burger also rated poorly. Had to ask for a plate for debris from shelling the prawns and also given a tiny finger bowl with a spoonful of water and slide of lemon to clean my fingers. Staff were friendly but rather casual and a bit scruffily dressed. Perhaps it was because it was towards the end of the day. It was the most expensive meal we ate during our stay but one of the most disappointing.

Our new favourite dining venue on the island. It’s a fabulous setting, usually quiet (for lunch) and the food and service are both superb. The menu is a little restricted, but we only go once during a weeks stay on the island so that’s not a problem. We have had the same young lady serving us for the last two visits and she is brilliant. It’s expensive, but you get what you pay for. This is now a ‘must’ for us each time we are on the island. First class.

We really enjoyed our lunch at this lovely hotel on the quay at Yarmouth. Parked just outside the garden entrance - 2 hour limit. Lovely terrace overlooking the water with a really nice atmosphere on a sunny day. We had a very tasty meal with good quality food and excellent puddings. Highly recommended. Good service.

The establishment offers a warm welcome to those who's yacht is in clear view of the restaurant. The rest of us can wait at the end of the line with the rest of the peasants.

In a summer when many are Staycationing, the Isle of Wight is noticeably busy with visitors We have our own visitors and choose to bring them to dine out at The Conservatory. I book a table of 4 online and choose 8.00pm for cooler dining I request outdoor seating. At the door we pass the "have you booked?" challenge but are shown to an indoor table for 2. The setting is still pleasant but views are non-existent and the air-con makes it almost chilly. We're given menus quite hard to read in the subdued lighting and left to enjoy our own conversation After some time, drinks orders are taken and whilst part of it arrived promptly the rest had to be asked for again, more than once. A second glitch appeared when we were told a popular starter wasn't available only when we came to order...... The result was we were only starting our meal a full hour after our booked time. 2 of us had the gazpacho which we each thought was outstanding in flavour and beautifully presented. Another: the Caesar Salad, looked fresh crisp and tasty However, the spinach ravioli was a huge portion, which whilst tasty was not attractively plated. The mains on the menu are limited but range from a eye watering £49 per person sharing plate of beef to a more modestly priced pasta dishes. The burgers ordered by 2 of our party arrived first and were agreed good as was the fish and chips enjoyed by another However, my Crab Orecchiette was a full plate of a richly sauced pasta shapes and nothing else. The intense flavours of crab and parmesan were there but not those of the promised herbs. The pasta was too chewyily al dente to be pleasant to eat and I soon felt overwhelmed by it all. It is to the credit of the person who compiled our bill that this was dish was not charged for. However, with the "optional" service charge already included our bill for 2 courses for 4 people came to over £150. This restaurant (like many) has had a variety of challenges and seems to seek to establish itself as a chic brasserie by the sea. Some things are promising: I like a limited menu that is freshly cooked, and I like the setting and proximity to my home I would hope that the standard of service improves: in an establishment such as this I would like to feel welcomed and valued and this didn't happen here

As previously mentioned, prices are high but then you are getting superb meals, delightfully presented. Being Saturday, there was no set price meal but you could not fault the cuisine. The George Fish pie that three of us had, was filling in itself. The sweets were v good and one of our party had the 'lemon pavlova with iced yoghurt topping' which was delicious. Coffee was excellent. All in all a very good place to visit. Had it been sunny then the views (including the castle wall) would have made it. However a brisk walk afterwards helped the digestion.

We have been visiting the Isle of Wight for nearly 40 years. A trip to the George Hotel is always on the agenda as it is such a beautiful property with fantastic food and welcoming staff. We decided to try out their winter special set menu today for lunch and were not disappointed. From the moment you walk into the beautifully decorated reception area, past the Inglenook fireplace with a crackling log fire, into the beautifully furnished conservatory restaurant.... you know you are in for a treat With three choices at each course the £20 for two courses menu is excellent value My husband chose the spicy parsnip soup which was sublime. I had the ham hock terrine en croute. Perfectly executed My husband thoroughly enjoyed the fish pie accompanied by brown shrimps. I chose the turkey and was very happy with everything on my plate The portions are very generous and they are delightfully presented by very courteous and helpful staff We sat by the window overlooking the garden and the Solent , it was a real treat

The menu is small, but well crafted with dishes that have an individual twist. The fish pie was excellently complemented by a brown shrimp and tomato salad, together beautifully presented. Our desserts, a panna cotta with blackberries and a chocolate mousse with raspberries, were delicious...

We'd not visited the George for a very long time but wanted to see how the hook-up with Robert Thompson was going. A summary would be that the menu was interesting, the food was good and the service was good too (apart from a disinterested...

It has been a couple of years since we have eaten at the George so not sure what to expect. What a lovely experience. Debs was so friendly and professional, the view amazing and the lemon sole was delicious. We look forward to our next...

WE attended for valentines day. All staff were amazing especially Nathan , Jordan and Franck who attended to us 100% for the evening. well done. Food was excellent especially my lamb.Excellent value

We cannot say enough about the luncheon experience four of us had today at The Conservatory. The food was delectable. The wine divine. The atmosphere and vista were gorgeous. But what made it such delight was the service. Absolutely fantastic. Professional team but filled also...

I revisited this pleasant hotel after a 25 year gap . its in a stunning position right next to the ferry and has a lovely garden with views of the Solent and Lymington in the distance. I took advantage of a very good deal which...

Had a few days holiday on the Island and most evenings kept coming back. On the one occasion we did eat, the food was great (could have a better brandy selection though!!). What sells this is its one of the only places you can sit...

The food was presented beautifully and it also tasted delicious. The coffee was lovely. Attention to detail is obviously very important to the staff and they were pleasant and helpful when greeting us and throughout.

We weren't able to take advantage of the lovely garden overlooking the sea (with its own tiny beach) as it was January - but you can still get good views from the large glass conservatory. We ate there twice during our stay and both times...

We ate here every day for three days and found it truly fine dining. The choices were excellent and attention to detail in both presentation and flavour were superb. Wine list is overpriced

A visit to sample an experience of this popular hotel and venue. The food was well presented in a modern way and was tasty. The enjoyment would be much better in the summer although the roaring fire in the lounge was therapeutic

We were a party of 7 sailors that booked sometime in advance on a recommendation and we arrived for dinner on the 1st July. We arrived about an hour before our 20:30 table and made ourselves known to the conservatory reception. They allocated our table...

Fabulous setting in the garden of a historic hotel. We had lunch on a Sunday when a jazz band entertained us all. Staff local and friendly - and the food well cooked and presented, with big portions. The deconstructed fish pie was particularly good. We...

The sun was shining, the view of the sea excellent, what a place to have lunch. My steak was very good, and the beer most refreshing . What really set up the meal was proper napkins at a garden table. Although fairly expensive, with touches...

Stopped for dinner in the restaurant. Lovely building and the restaurant overlooks the garden with views across the Solent to Lymington. Great. The staff were very pleasant and willing but somewhat lost. Soups arriving without spoons, Mains arriving with starters still on the table. Clearly...

We wine for a three course meal with wine and had a great time. Would happily recommend. The waiter was incredibly attentive and friendly. The courses were not particularly large in size but they were perfectly balanced: neither too large nor too small. The Conservatory...

We visited yesterday evening for a late 8pm Sunday supper. We dined off the set menu that was very limited but offered tasty sounding dishes including a vegetarian option. We chose a soup and rabbit terrine as staters followed by roast turkey. The carrot coup...

So nice to find a restaurant that offers something other than the usual pub fare. The food and service were lovely even though it became clear that one of the teenagers in our party had never eaten in a decent restaurant before. The portion sizes...

I wish that my review was as good as the others here. I booked a table for five last Tuesday, in the conservatory, as a family treat. When we arrived (on time) the table had not been made so we waited whilst staff struggled putting...

We had Christmas Day lunch here with some friends. It really wasn't very good and was rather overpriced so we were reluctant to go again. We did however make another visit one evening last week and we had a really good meal. The food and...

We usually book the Conservatory at the George Hotel for the final night of our holiday, as an indulgent treat. We always find the service and food exemplary, and were delighted to find it hasn't waivered over the last year. We were warmly greeted and...

I was hoping to book the Isla restaurant but it is closed till September. We decided to try the Conservatory and we were not disappointed. Champagne was at the table as requested and service overall was attentive and friendly. A special thanks to the barman...

We had dinner on a Thursday evening. We had a wonderful sea view next to the window in the conservatory. The restaurant atmosphere is very relaxing, staff all very helpful and friendly and food is super yummy. I can highly recommend the chocolate marquise. Will...

This a la carte restaurant is fairly upmarket and that is reflected in the prices. We visited for both dinner and lunch, and the same menu is served throughout. Portions were decidedly small in comparison with other restaurants we visited on the island, and a...

We where looking for a place to have breakfast before we caught the ferry home, came across this place , fantastic, nothing was to much trouble for the lady who served us , breakfast ,tea and toast with gorgeous views over the Solent . Lovely...

We stopped here a couple of times during our day on the island, and had a wonderful experience both times. We sat out by the water, with wonderful views from the very large and well tended garden/patio. They do some lovely wines and nibbles, very...

Congratulations to the new chef Carl Maxfield for his delicious food and to the front of house staff in the brasserie.We went for Sunday lunch. The view of Yarmouth Castle and the Solent from the conservatory was stunning and matched by the menu and faultless...