The Vectis Tavern in Isle of Wight

Absolutely shocking (pardon the pun). Went in here with my partner after a party and ordered a drink each before heading to a wall opposite the bar to drink and chat (you can see the wall in question in the attached photo). As we were chatting we went to lean against the wall and were hit with an electric shock. Accidentally I then touched the wall again and was promptly hit with another pretty painful electric shock. I looked at the wall in question and it was clearly damp and appeared that touching any part of the wall around the light switch would electrocute you. Obviously not wanting anyone else to experience this I informed a member of the bar staff and we were told that they were aware of the issue and that was it. If you’re aware of the issue why are not blocking off that wall immediately and making sure no one goes near it?! Irritated by his lack of response we then informed a bouncer who gave another nonchalant response and said they were also aware of it but nothing they could do currently. Absolute rubbish. Block the wall of so no one gets zapped!!! Disgusting attitude by the staff who clearly don’t care about the clientele. I wonder how long this wall has been in this state and I fear for the next person who brushes against it.

Very warm and welcoming staff, always have a good laugh and attentive service. good atmosphere, good drink, and good prices.

I visit the Island regularly throughout the year. Always staying in Cowes. This weekend I invited some friends over from Holland,. We visited various attractions on the island during the daytime and spent our evenings relaxing in Cowes. The vectis is a favourite destination for myself and wife, so naturally headed there for a few drinks. Thursday - Karaoke, Friday - DJ Saturday afternoon- live sport (England Vs Chile rugby) Then later back for a few drinks and dancing. The vectis never disappoints- a safe and friendly environment with a great mix of people, the staff are all fantastic.

We popped in after visiting a local restaurant for a quick pint and immediately impressed by the professional attitude and warm welcome from the two door staff and even more impressed by the staff at the bar. One quick pint turned to a few more and although it was getting busier for a Saturday night the staff were fab and friendly. We only left when we did as we had to get up early the next day but lovely little establishment and great service.

Usually a great place used it as my local for many years. however their cliental has gone down hill recently attracting younger more drunk individuals not a good place to be now for a night out at the weekend. New security on the door are miserable and unfriendly. Bring back the usual security and more reputable drinkers. Won't be going there anytime soon.

Another fun night out in Cowes! This pub never fails to disappoint great music, friendly staff and lived the way the beer is poured fro. BOTTOM of the glass now ! Hopefully back in the summer when drinking until 3 in morning not so bad lol

Lovely beer really friendly staff, great atmosphere, live music, live sports, very welcoming place, staff always up for banter

Love the pub staff excellent The problem is the prices of drinks Double jd with coke and one J20 £1140 .its not a problem for myself I am not short of a few pounds I have business world wide I always have deals for the customers or inform the customers we have a deal on The locals would not be able to.pay these prices Every night I noticed this pub is the last watering hole when everyone's spent thier money elsewhere Get some deals going then you be the best pub on the island

Wow, I have never experienced such a welcoming and fabulous place! Katie was such a great host! Nothing too much, going out of her way for any request and ensuring we all had the best time. Thank you Katie, can’t wait to see you again soon

Katy is the best in the bizz! To come from Scotland and be able to get a Venom (Scottish drink) 5 star service with a smile. This lady could move mountains

Great pub with a friendly crowd. The bouncers are great guys, kind intelligent and feel no need to throw their strength around. Honourable men

Been here a few times over the years, normally late a night. Great atmosphere and usual live music on weekend nights that goes pretty late. Gets busy when the pubs kick out so worth getting in early!

Always have fun on Thursdays nights with the karaoke Katie is so funny and so are the other bar staff and of course I can't forget Dan on the door whos always making me laugh with his one liners, by far the best pub in cowes.

Come in here often and always a brilliant atmosphere. Good selection of drinks and great to chat with Katie and Meg, as well as Dan the doorman who is super welcoming.

I would like to first of say thank you all for a lovely start of the night we always have fun here. I would like to say a big thank you to both security guys for helping me with a difficult personal situation they made sure i was safe and even stayed with me for the right authorities to trun up well past the pubs close time your both brilliant and have helped me more then you could both imagine. Visited 13/08/21 Laura knights.

I visit this amazing beautiful pub after a day at Osborne House... The bar lady Katy was amazing the drinks where as they were ment to be not flat like most uk pubs... Drinks were cheep and the pub was clean I could tell Katy ran a tight ship... The doorman Dan that night was amazing he went above and beyond he stoped a man giving me unwanted attention and I certainly don't think that man will ever be touching another lady again after dealing with Dan... He also called me a cab and waited with me till it arrived... I just wanted to say a massive thank you to all the staff for working hard but really wanted to highlight Katy and Dan for that amazing night just because off this pub I have booked another week away in the Island can't wait to see you all soon Karen xxx

The staff and security were incredible and kind. Katie was the hero of the night ! Welcoming and friendly !

Brilliant old fashioned pub with a bar maid (Katie) who kept the pub in order using her charm and senses of humour. Would 100% recommend

Always have a great time and such a warm welcome! Would definitely recommend to anyone who is visiting Cowes or even if you're a regular! Fun times at the Vectors guaranteed!

Katie, Charlotte and Corey where the most amazing bartenders and servers you could ask for. It was an awesome vibe and really cool atmosphere.

I was looking for a uk-to-eu plug adapter when all the stores were closed and the lovely people here went out of there way to help me solve my issue. Furthermore the vibe in this place is everything you want from a pub; friendly and...

Such a welcome !!!!! Never met such a wonderful lady and the team Katie?? amazing and friendly. Incredible pub, with a lovely atmosphere very warm welcome, friendly, and fun great selection of drinks at very reasonable prices Great Music. Weekly bands and DJs and just...

Went in for a drink and was given white wine in a gin glass. The pub had about 10 people in there so not exactly busy. I returned the wine as the glass was dirty and smelt horrible. The wine was then tipped into another...

Very tired pub with sticky floors and sticky tables. The DJ was ridiculously loud and also not very good. The staff were all chatting amongst themselves instead of serving resulting in a long wait. The toilets were disgusting! Go elsewhere!

Absolutely Great, With Katie behind the bar it’s a treat to be here. Great atmosphere made by her fantastic personality, that’s why we always come back. Great night as always.

Came in for a drink after work with my boss, friendly staff, great beer and lovely atmosphere. Will be coming back!

Came in here after a few other pubs. Definitely the most friendly, welcoming pub in cowes. Katie went out of her way to make us feel welcome on the island.

Visited this pub yesterday with a group of friends and what a great place. Staff were great with a wide knowledge of the local area, reasonably priced and really good ales! Will be returning!

Happened upon this pub on a weekend break in cowes 21/9. It was the only pub in the high street with any life at all. The pub was rammed with big groups who were all having a great time. Despite this the service from the...

Would have stayed for a drink, but walked through the door to an horrendous smell of dirty mops! The place isn’t clean. No way would I recommend

The best pub on the island, amazing staff, especially Katie! Aways a good atmosphere, especially lively on the weekend.

Good atmosphere despite being a quiet Tuesday night. Barmaid was very bubbly and chatty. Very helpful about the area

This is a very place, good prices and good service. Well worth a visit. Good mixture of locals and visitor.

We visited the pub daily while over for the IOW festival. Great pub and had excellent service from the lovely Carlee.

Visited here several times over IOW Festival for a warm-up or cool-down. Great music, good booze, friendly locals and loved Carlee’s hosting. Full of local knowledge and great service.

We Came in on Monday night although it was a bank holiday it was very quiet, but we weren't out looking for crowds so was fine for us.

Nice enough pub and friendly bar staff, but shockingly expensive. Over £10 for two drinks, one of which was a shandy!

Very basic and rather dingy little pub now totally outshone - not difficult to do! - by the fabulous bar next door That 60s Place

Me and a few friends came here saturday and had a few drinks, very pleasant and very friendly staff who engaged in conversation and made us feel very welcome, shortly after I met the owner who was also so lovely and accommodating, then to find the party goes on until late was a bonus! Great vibes and great prices!

This place is perhaps the worst pub I've ever been to. To be fair, it's partly my fault, the warning signs were on the outside of the building as it was quite run down, but the inside looked nice.

Anne and the Vectis staff were more than welcoming to my large work party on the 17th of March. Letting them know we were coming in advance they advised us there was a private event on earlier in the day, but were more than welcome to accomodate my group (+50) later on.

Excellent pub and excellent service from carlee. Made to feel very welcome and carlee could not do enough for us. Highly reccomend the vectis tavern to anyone

Was made to feel very welcome by staff and the open fire was a nice change after the cold winter months good selection of ale all and all good old school pub will definitely return when on the island.

Just called in for a quick one. Looks fine, not a very large pub I can imagine it to be crowded in the evening. Beer ok, prices similar to others in the area.

Katie in the burger shack is a legend! The best burgers in town love it! Great way to end a night out in Cowes

Having spent my hen do on the Isle of Wight we ended up in the Vectis Tavern and I’m so glad we did. The bar staff were absolutely lovely and happily made us a selection of different, delicious cocktails to try. Later in the evening the landlady offered us some shots on the house. Everyone there could not have been more welcoming. A really lovely pub, with fantastic, friendly staff. Well worth a visit and I’m sorry not to have got this review on sooner. Will definitely be returning.

Visited for the first time on Saturday evening (21/8/18), the staff were friendly and they had a decent selection of drinks as well as music playing that we enjoyed. The one negative was man at the bar who was making his homophobic and bigoted views known to staff who did not say to stop. He also who had 2 lovely looking dogs but there was a strong odour coming from the direction of the which meant we left after 1 drink. we will be back but avoid him if he is there.

Popped in to this quaint little boozer which is situated a couple of minutes walk from the Red Jet terminal in Cowes. Serving real ale, but also stocks a few lagers on draft for those of us that prefer fizzy stuff. Has a seating area outside the front of the pub which was where we sat soaking up the sun. Friendly staff. nice atmosphere, would pop in again if in Cowes.

Called here for one on a Saturday afternoon. Lovely quaint pub with a nice atmosphere and nice looking food. Good beers and wines are available and its popular with the yacht set. Cowes is a lovely small town with great shops and this is one of the better pubs.

This place is located in the high street of cowes, i found it to be convenient as i walked a few seconds away from the red jet and stopped for a quick one. friendly staff, particularly the nice blonde girl who was very knowledgeable about the variety of drinks.

Two great nights had in the Vectis Tavern very friendly staff good choice of beer and ale's live music both night we were there and a good vibe's look forward to going back next year

Ideal place to enjoy a pint outside in the sun watching the world go by( whilst wife shopping). The beer was ice cold and competitively priced. Might have another pint if she shops for long enough.

What a find. Got back from IOW Festival on the bus and found the pub was still open at about 1:30 am! So in we go for a drink before bed. Served quickly and then politely closed at 2am. Perfect way to end the evening!

So close to the ferry terminal, we had a great sit down as it was still early in the day it wasn't overly business. Nice and friendly staff.

Staff lovely and friendly, great choice of drinks but the whole pub needs a good clean, ladies toilets were disgusting! Floor was sticky! Won’t be rushing back!

Dropped by here for a drink, first time in Cowes and will never venture into this pub again.

Popped in for an afternoon drink before traveling through rest of Cowes. Their prices were extremely reasonable on drinks and the barkeep Chris, was so nice!

Wow ! I cannot believe how many good reviews this place has received. Perhaps we went through some kind of portal to a different dimension but the Vectis is possibly the worst pub I have been in for 20 years or more. The beer was cloudy and the barman was reluctant to swap for a fresh one and even then several of the taps were not working. There was a local kids football team running amuck in the pool room, climbing on the pool table and seating yelling, fighting and bouncing a football around with no parents to be seen. The seat by the door we chose was sticky and the table filthy. Sky TV advertised outside is NOT available - the barman admitted it is on the board just to pull in the punters but there is a TV turned onto whatever sport they can find. Upon returning to our sailing club I mentioned what we had just experienced and almost to a man chimed 'Oh you mean the Vectis - that's for locals only, the worst pub in Cowes, you didn't go in there did you ?' if only I had asked them first !

Estamos malacostumbrados en Cowes para gran, pubs, pero cuando se trata de beber después de la medianoche el VT es el lugar para estar. Siempre hay un gran ambiente creado por un equipo muy amable y la música en vivo temprano en la noche es una ecléctica selección de talentos locales. pub excelente fin de semana.

Great pub back for a third time, beer selection is decent. couldn't get a cocktail this time but they do do cool shots :p so i was happy, thanks guys

Yo entramos en este pequeño pub en una noche de viernes. Es un antiguo interior que nos dio una gran personalidad. La cerveza era buena, el servicio estupendo y la música en vivo fue muy divertido. El pub está situado a unos cientos de metros de la principal Marina de donde estábamos, muy conveniente para un poco de relajación después de un velero luchadora. No comí allí, pero esto parece más un pub, gente muy amable y con una licencia de ampliación.

Encontré este lugar de pura casualidad durante una escapada en junio ya que me llamó la atención la música en vivo y el ambiente que parecía había así que decidí entrar y fue todo un descubrimiento¡

Friendly and enjoyable pub. Always good with live music and very friendly staff all the time. Well worth a night out.

Visited quite late midweek, place quiet, but good range of beers. Staff very helpful with phone problems, lending us a charger and giving good advice. Great location in centre of Cowes. Definitely worth a visit

Este lugar era lindo y peculiar y tenía una excelente selección de barril y para botellas. Muy impresionado.

Es un lugar pequeño con una o dos poco estrecho, donde todo el mundo quiere pasar, lo cual es molesto cuando está lleno. Tienen un montón de bebidas para elegir que están bien los precios.

Start of mini pub crawl of Cowes! Good choice of beers. Barman unsure of details when asked but happy to Google info. Had to move for Open Mic but not a problem.

A whistle stop visit to the Isle of White. Stumbled upon this place. It's a small quirky little venue, next to the harbour, with old photos of the high street and the odd bit of sailing memorabilia on the walls ( really like the rowing oars). The regulars made us feel so welcome. I had Rum and Coke ( if you're a rum lover the selection would satisfy any discerning connoisseur).The glue that makes this place is the staff. A welcoming, all inviting hub, with a family feel. The landlord Anne, a real charmer, knows her customers and makes them feel valued and appreciated. I laughed, I joked and I drank!!I love it when those unexpected impromptu nights turn into fantastic memorable ones. Thank you.

We were going on a local ales and spirit pub crawl. Went to this pub and the barman couldn't do enough for us to ensure we enjoyed the stay... He arranged for a new bottle of mermaid gin to be obtained for us and he provided us with such great service. Thoroughly recommend .

Stopped by on a Sunday afternoon while having a weekend on the Island. Good selection of beer and friendly staff, and quite good value in a traditional pub with a modern feel and decor.

Having read reviews of this place I was hoping for a lot more, unfortunately on visiting the beer selection was very limited (although well kept). Pub lacked atmosphere and the front doors were wide open even on a windy and rainy October day which was a little odd. Probably wouldn't return.

Here again and loving the atmosphere. Wish this was my local but sadly passing through. Will def look forward to coming back. Log fire and good company. Really had a nice evening. Thanks all!

Very good on a Wednesday night with lovely people and staff. Got a wide range of drinks and a nice out door but at the front or back. And it's right next to the red jet

Came down for a few cheeky bevies, the vectis did not dissapoint. Music game lit, bar staff on point, and all within a students budget! Would recommened to all those looking for a cheap drop in Cowes I will be back x

When you walk into the Vectis you feel like one of the regulars it's a friendly cosy place that is a proper traditional pub.That said it's not old fashioned, there are events through the week, quiz night, open mic etc, well made cocktails and a great selection of drinks served by knowledgeable staff. Whenever we are on holiday on the island we make a point of coming here and have never been disappointed it really is a proper friendly local and the management are very friendly and make you feel at home A gem of a proper pub

Owners well in touch with socialising with customers, good prices and offers great entertainment. Atmosphere is superb, Landlady has done well to change pubs image and reputation. A good pub

After walking the streets of Cowes we decided to sit down outside Vectis Tavern.They had a good selection of beer and the staff was welcoming and friendly.They also had free WiFi which several guests used.A good place to make a break.

Stopped here for a pint and a sit down in the shade outside. Friendly management and customers who engaged us in conversation. We stopped here twice!

Spent a few days visiting family. Have to say had a lovely welcome. Very chatty barmaid. The manager was great as well. Chatted about gins rum, and whiskey.

The Vectis Tavern has been transformed from a somewhat seedy pub to a welcoming, personal, well stocked and clean place. It should be noted that it is not a restaurant but does sell the normal crisps, scratchings, etc.Now, becoming very popular with both young and old, the pub has an extension until the early hours and stocks a good range of ales, lagers and spirits (and if you like shots, there are special offers - like four for £10, etc.) Once a week there's an 'Open Mike' evening (whatever that is). Other regular specials fill in many of the other evenings.The location is conveniently central in West Cowes, just a short walk from a long-stay car park.So if you are looking for a treat and you're visiting the island, put the Vectis Tavern on the list of pubs to try!

A lively Friday night's drinking and dancing with a local band . The service behind the bar was excellent, friendly smiling faces. An extra thankyou to the manager Richard, who helped us out when one of us lost his wallet. Definitely worth a visit if your in Cowes or visiting the Island.

Lovely welcoming pub. Lovely bar staff and chatty locals. Easily accessible and welcomes dogs. Good choice of drinks. Will certainly return on our next visit.

Popped in here after a meal surprised as doesn't look much from outside. What s lovely bunch. Made welcome with my whiskey choice available. Travelling alone but felt part of the crowd. Nice place. No food.

My cousin went to this pub last week. This weekend I tagged along. We started out at another pub but was more foodie. Went to this place around 11pm and surprised to see how lively it was. Staff were really friendly and so was the atmosphere.Grabbed my spot by the fire and eventually left at a disgraceful 2.10am. Tried a few shots - avoid the "flatliner" swear my mouth could flame throw afterwards, had a reggae shot which was much nicer. Back home tonight and wishing we stayed another night. Cheers Guys - was great night

Three of us sailed over from Hayling Island to Cowes, mooring in the harbour and visiting the town for a few drinks. We chose the Vectis Tavern for its quaintness and selection of ales - a good choice!

what a cracking night. Didn't expect much and was so surprised. watched a couple of guys play guitars and singing in tune - unheard of in my local! really freindly bunch of people and good music. left at 2am bit worse for wear but contented. would defo go be going again. thanks chaps you were spot on. one downside - need smoking a proper smoking area

A New Year and what a great start. Congrats to you all at the Vectis. You have made it a Lovely place to relax. Very impressed!

Centrally located pub with good choice of drinks, staff very young but so welcoming and polite to everyone, really nice pub for a good pint

Been here on many occasions and different times during the day. Absolutely fantastic owners who welcome everyone new or regular and give a real family feel to this establishment. Would always highly recommend The Vectis to any of my friends or anyone!

We spent Christmas afternoon/ evening at the vectis tavern and we had an absolutely amazing day all the staff were warm and really friendly and it just made our day :D

The atmosphere is greatv on a Friday night , with live music, gets busier later, a lively focus in Cowes

Spent a long weekend in Cowes and was so glad to find this pub. Ended up spending each night there (plus a couple of cheeky drinks during the day ). The staff were so friendly and were just as happy to spend time with us and not just chat to the locals - in fact it wasn't long before we were all one big happy group!The live music was fantastic and the online jukebox just added to the atmosphere without taking over. Live TVs, pool table, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee etc all make this a very enjoyable place with a wide selection of reasonably priced drinks. The staff were very knowledgeable about the drinks, from the ales to the cocktails and all obviously enjoy working there. The new management were so welcoming and spent most of the night chatting to everyone, which just added to the experience! I really couldn't recommend this place enough.

This little gem of a place has improved so much since it changed hands in March this year - cleaner, brighter, friendlier, with genuinely likeable owners & staff. There's a real community feel, but unlike some places, as visitors to the island, we were made to feel very welcome by the regulars ... some great characters!There's something for everyone really - juke box (endless choice of songs!), live TV (2 screens), pool table (yawn!) and some fantastic live music on certain nights! I was worried it would be too noisy all the time, but far from it, just a great atmosphere with a large selection of drinks reasonably priced (even cocktails!)Keep up the good work and consider it our 'local' when we next visit the island.PS. We hung around for closing time (Fri & Sat night) and were treated to what I think is the 'staff dance' - hilarious and a great way to end the night!

Second time around, thanks guys. I'm gunna bring my brother back from uni and we are gunna get back on that jujube box with a vengeance.. Cracking staff, prices ain't too bad at all :). Cheers on that j

I have visited here a few times now and it is such a lovely pub! Great atmosphere, great bar staff and door staff give you a warm welcome too. Well done vectis you have turned this place around

Full of drunk customers and kids behind the bar way out of there depth Not a place to go for a quiet beer with your family This place should be avoided go next door or across the road

Having just returned from a short break to the Isle of Wight I wanted to write a review on the Vectis Tavern.I have visited this pub on occasion before and can honestly say since the pub has apparently been taken over by new management, there has already been a vast improvement!! From the new landlady to all the bar staff, everybody could not have been friendlier. Even when at their busiest, they still have time for a smile :)The pub is in a great location and the drinks including the shots are most definitely reasonably priced!! It is also open until 2am so if you're looking for a great night out which doesn't cost the earth or alternatively just a nice quiet one, with it's friendly and relaxed atmosphere this is the pub to visit!! I will definitely be coming back for Cowes Week next year to see what this pub has to offer, as the staff were telling me about the authentic Jamaican treats they were serving up this year...gutted I missed out!!All in all a great night out. Keep up the good work, Vectis!! Love you guys!! :)

I visited the tavern a few days ago and I was made to feel completely welcome by the staff! I'm not even from the island and I wanted to go to for a drink and they recommended this Tavern, and now I see why! Can't wait to go back soon!

This pub is proud to announce that it is open until 2.00am, and it looks as though it takes it's fair share of knocks in the process. Don't go here if you want to taste fine wines, but as I am partial to a glass of plonk it was quite OK for me. I have become used to being asked whether I want a small, medium or large glass when I order wine at the bar, and offered a choice of wines. The Vectis, however, pour you a whole bottle!!! That is a 175ml bottle of Blossom Hill. I rather liked it. My husband and I found a window seat and watched the people as they passed by and the rugby on the telly. The bar lady was quite friendly, service came with a smile.If you can overlook the strange wet patches on the floor and the toilet cistern coming away from the wall, and the very cheap plastic toilet seats, and the gouges out of the walls, then accept this pub for what it is.... a drinker's bar.

Great place to visit, decent people. I enjoyed my self whilst being in Cowes on business. Staff seem like they have time for people. Will be back on a couple o months