The Winter Gardens in Isle of Wight

Nice spot, lovely staff but!! Building in need of updating, and the food is of very low quality, and overpriced, also waited a long time and then part of the order we placed was not ordered by the staff member taking orders! This is a historic venue but sadly it was probably at its best in 1965 😢

Delicious cake and friendly staff. The carrot cake and chocolate brownie were lovely and reasonably priced. Lovely view of the beach. Friendly service.

A building with a lot of history and the subject of a lot of effort to preserve and improve it. Large and largely unseen dance hall/stage behind the cafe where the very young David Bowie performed. Should make more of its history. We had late lunches and afternoon teas/snacks between the five of us. Superb sea views and seats outside.

Lovely location, overlooking the sea. Not a very big venue. Effective and efficient service. Menu limited but adequate

Ventnor was the turning point on a walk from Godshill, all we were seeking was a coffee, but on a quiet Sunday morning in September there wasn't much open in the centre of the town and we stumbled across The Winter Gardens. Glad we did! I will support other reviewers that the place is a bit of a walk back in time and jaded in appearance, but on a sunny day that terrace overlooking the sea is a wonderful location. Unfortunately the concrete was too hard for her so the staff treated her like royalty and she was made her comfy inside :-) . Cream tea for two was £9 which was excellent value. There were quite a few cakes as alternatives, they all looked delicious. We spent the rest of our holiday on the island telling all and sundry where to go should they visit Ventnor, the staff were lovely and if the rest of the food was as good (and as good value) as our cream tea, then make sure you drop in on them. With or without a dog.

The Winer Gardens was exactly the halfway point of our cliff hike that day so we stopped there for coffee, hot chocolate and a sweet snack. Drinks and sweets were OK, but we were left with rather sad impression about the place: empty, sleepy atmosphere, decor like from the seventies ... Perhaps it was due to the season and weather (we've been there at windy day in mid-October), but the worn out equipment and faded colours are probably the same when the place is more crowded, in the middle of the summer season.

Arrived in Ventnor yesterday, not sure where to have Sunday lunch so we booked the Winter Gardens ‘on spec’. Not many people in so a bit lacking in atmosphere but the food made up for that in spades. The best Sunday roast we have had in a very long time. My wife had pork, I had the roast half chicken. Excellent vegetables, beans, parsnip, carrot and cauliflower, all flavoursome and well cooked with a superb Yorkshire pud full to the brim with gravy. Too much delicious chicken for me so the staff put the rest in a ‘doggy bag’ to bring home for a cold supper. Staff welcoming and helpful. If you want a really good traditional Sunday roast, can highly recommend.

Possibly the worst tea stop ever! Stopped here after a walk along the front. Staff not sure what they were doing, charged me and took my money and probably only got one of the items right. Cream teas at the end of their life. Scones more like Rock cakes and inedible. The kids wanted caramel iced lattes but got hot normal lattes. Forgot the cakes we ordered and when we complained about the scones had them swapped for chocolate cake. That had probably been there all week as it was incredibly dry. Waited over 15 mins for anything to be served and they totally messed it up. Not the cheapest of places so the worst £25 I’ve spent this week. Whilst I won’t be coming back to Ventnor in the near future if I did I wouldn’t come here. Incompetence and really poor customer service left me with a sour taste in my mouth. Don’t mind paying, don’t like getting ripped off!!!

Good for soft or alcoholic drinks with a views of the sea and ships. Meals looked good but did not try them.

We stumbled across The Winter Gardens when looking for somewhere to enjoy late afternoon tea and cake...sadly we actually didn't! With hindsight perhaps we should have trusted our first instincts that the place didn't even look open, but we were drawn by the views from the (basic) outdoor seating and the fact that a handful of people were seated there already. The fact is we faced considerable confusion with our order, which really wasn't complicated, due to the lateness of the hour and therefore limited choices. I have no issue with the latter, but the former created a strange atmosphere whereby the server didn't know what to do - this isn't intended as criticism of the server so much as constructive feedback for the 'supervisor' who verbally intervened yet offered no practical help and clearly hadn't provided the necessary training. Our cake was dry and overpriced, even by the standards of enjoying the lovely view...clearly this has been a beautiful venue in years gone by, but is in desperate need of an upgrade in all areas. On returning home and in the interest of writing a fair review, I checked the website of the WG - all I can honestly say is that I cannot begin to reconcile anything I read there with the reality. I truly hope this can be turned around and improved because the location is outstanding and doubtless the staff are doing their best.

This eatery what can I say 1,,Food was late and almost uneatable 2..Asked about GF options staff had no idea what we were asking them 3..Drinks order forgotten 4..When we complained the attitude not my problem 5..No salt on the table and pepper shaker was fithly

The venue looked beautiful, food was excellent as was the service at the bar. Highly recommend booking the balcony room for private parties.

Normally I don’t leave reviews but had to on this occasion on account of how incredible the chips from here are. My partner and I stopped here for lunch recently and ordered a halloumi & pepper sandwich and chips, and whilst the sandwich was very good, I’m not exaggerating to say that the chips were maybe the best I have ever had. What is your secret, Ventnor Winter Gardens? Additionally the staff were lovely and the view was absolutely phenomenal. Would definitely recommend!

We stopped off to grab a quick bite and was really pleased we did. The egg mayo tasted freshly made with real Mayo, and the bread wasn’t the normal limp cheap bread stuff but firm and very tasty. The home made tortilla chips were a nice touch. We also had the home made scones which were also very good.

This is a great location with lovely views. We stopped in for lunch while heading from Shanklin to The Needles, and it didn't look like much from the outside but was very convenient. We ordered sandwich and soup, and it took a long time to arrive, but tasted very good and was better than we expected.

if you want food do t bother comeing hear survice is rubbish food was ok staff are a bit rood tho the view is amazing by the sea

Stopped for food and drinks, they are very short on staff, only half our order arrived after a very long wait, the people on the table next to us didn't even get there order, the staff where friendly but struggling.

We stopped off in Ventnor on our way home and had a delicious meal and a couple of drinks. The staff are friendly and helpful and the chefs are top class.

Booked a table for 15 of us as we had family visiting, very accommodating, food was delicious, staff excellent!! Would highly recommend.....☺

Great restaurant and bar with a stunning view. The fish and chips were perfect, the service was excellent. There was a delay due to a large party who arrived before us, which was a bit of a surprise as the restaurant was half empty -...

We was going to stop off here for a nice breakfast, it has lovely views, but alas only 2 staff, trying to service over 40 customers . We ordered 2 cappacino's and a menu. Our drinks took over 23 mins to arrive, during this time,...

We came here two days running, first day we had sandwiches and the second day we had a cream tea for 2 . Staff were friendly and helpful and went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. Special mention to...

Visited here while on the Isle of Wight last week. The guy who seated us and took our order was really very nice, courteous, friendly and helpful - it was the rest of the staff who were not really up to it. They got our...

I had delicious cod goujons with chips. The batter on the cod was perfect and the chips were really good......fluffy on the inside but crispy on the outside just like chips should be! The view is stunning and the service is excellent. I couldn't ask...

With no offence to the waiting staff the service is terrible we were there several times over the weekend and Sunday with live music on average taking 40 minutes and that’s if they even turned up at all , toilets disgusting cigarette butts every where...

Visited for lunch, no fish on menu as they had got none in!! I settled for a burger and paid £3.00 extra to have bacon and cheese on it total price £14.00 when it finally came no cheese and undercooked fatty bacon sent it back...

Sunday roast al fresco makes a change. Could have done with the meal (chicken) being hotter as we were outside but the taste and quantity made up for it. Had booked the table previously but it wasn't that busy, despite it being sunny but with...

We visited the Winter Gardens at Ventnor with our children in December 2020. We thought the venue was really beautiful and the staff were lovely and welcoming. We ordered drinks and snacks, but the kids were ravenous, so we gave them food that we'd bought...

Superb customer service but food was awful.The Sunday roast was tepid warm, the veg was dried out and the meat was full of fat and almost impossible to cut though.We ordered chocolate brownie for desert and were given cold stale chocolate cake which was vile.Would...

Had a lovely lunch today. Great food and very friendly and attentive service. Also beautiful views. Thoroughly recommend it for good value for money.

Food was a step-up from the previous ownership, not cheap but you could tell the quality of the ingredients was high. Friendly staff paying good attention to the Covid requirements. I had the fish and chips, no chain pub pre pealed and cut chips and when I asked for mushy peas this was not a problem. The fish was delicious with a lovely light and tasty batter. Sadly, only Doom bar if you were after a decent pint which was a shame and let the side down a little. Great views and dog friendly which was a plus.

Visited today for a snack. No checking of customer contact details, condiments passed from table to table. Social distancing non extstant although signage in place. Dangerous place if at all worried about you health. Dr. L. S. Reeves

Had 2 fish & chips 1 bottle of wine & a soda water & the bill came to £45.90!!!!!!!!!! Fish small, chips only luke warm (which we sent back) teaspoon full of peas which were also luke warm (couldn't be bothered to send food back a second time) definitely not value for money. We are local & used to go every couple of weeks during the winter. Wine very over priced. Such a shame used to like going there. Perhaps new owners.

Saturday night before Christmas we are the only people eating and drinking at 7.30 pm. The food is good real ale . There is live music next door. Such a shame there aren’t more people eating.

Thanks Jac and team for a delicious Sunday roast and 'all the trimmings'!Can't complain except for the service which was a tad slow. Had to ask about my sweet. (Did notice the staff had to ask who wanted the food they were holding.)The sweets were excellent and as they're included in the price we cannot complain on the quality of the food.

We travelled from the Mainland to visit this iconic location - it was an Open day and our guide was a Director of the theatre. He showed us the rather basic dressing room for the Stars ie David Bowie. A fascinating tour very well explained with lots of great anecdotes

Came here to get a breakfast with a view! And certainly got that! The staff were all friendly and polite and the breakfast was absolutely delicious! Thank you 😀

Wonderful Sunday roast which includes a sweet (ice cream or sticky toffee pudding). All for £13! Cannot complain

Went there for round island yacht race breakfast and pimms as stated in their advertisement. Pimms was £4.99 a glass didn't come with breakfast so additional only half of us could get breakfast as the chef threw a strop and said he was going home. Place was filthy staff were rude never again.

Have visited the winter gardens numerous times as i am local but each time the toilets are filthy, have spoke to the manager and numerous staff members and they are still in a disgusting state, in the mens bathroom the sink is disgusting, the pipes have dirt all over them and the floor is filthy! In the womens the floor is disgusting there is poo on the wall which has been there for over 2 months! I have the dates of the photos on my phone also to prove that the state of the toilets has been the same for the past couple of months!

We had gone into Ventnor for dinner only to discover that most places were closed on Monday. We searched around and finally found The Winter Gardens. What a pleasant surprise! We both ordered beef burgers, and they were delicious, as were the coleslaw (never had it with apple before), the perfect fries and onion rings. The lager was ice-cold, and the barman and other customers treated us like old friends. We will definitely recommend this restaurant to our friends.

Definitely the best Sunday roast in Ventnor. It comes with Yorkshire pudding. As sweet is included in the price, what more do you need? The veg were a bit hard but hey, the other half enjoyed them. Look forward to a revisit.

Trying to find somewhere for a light lunch on the Island was looking nearly impossible, we stumbled upon The Winter Gardens restaurant, what a very pleasant surprise, very well presented good food at reasonable prices. Well worth seeking this place out.

Sunday roast including desserts couldn't be better. Dogs allowed as well so cannot fault it. Drinks aren't too expensive either. Enjoy!

We were the only people eating in the place. There was a free disco setting up with we hadn't been told about. The room was freezing as doors were constantly being left open. The waiter didn't write anything down and clearly didn't listen as he messed up the starters and continued to mess up. God knows how he copes if ever they get busy. Food was good but won't be going again.

sunny Sunday morning coffee with a breath taking view. A little old fashioned a little tired but the location and the view are amazing. Even in January in the UK. Good coffee. Regular lunch and dinner deals available all week. We will be back often.

Great lunch on a super sunny day. Absolutely lovely sea view , food was great nice and buzzy atmosphere we re visit soon .

After enjoying the seaside we went for cream tea at the Winter Gardens. The service was excellent and the staff was very friendly.

We visited as two couples. We ordered sandwiches which were very nice but I feel it's a bit over priced. Great service.

Very nicely done up inside, really like the smartness. Shame about the tatty exterior. Will return but would like to see the outside match the inside. Lovely views and well worth stopping at for a quiet drink if not food.

We wandered in on a wet day, to find the place "buzzing".There were groups of eager children with parents,couples,and granparents.It seem a special area had been set up to serve PANCAKES!.The choices were clearly marked up on the board and the fillings were delicious, savoury and sweet.

Lovely sea views from the bistro area, choice of three meats plus vegetarian option all served with a separate selection of fresh vegetables. At £9.95 for two courses not many places come close on quality or value. Best to book as it is getting more popular every week.

My brother in law came to visit us from. Switzerland to attend the Remembrance Sunday service on the 13th. He decided to take us all out for Sunday lunch so we suggested the winter gardens as it was close to the church were the service was to be held at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

The Winter Gardens is under new management and great strides have been made to improve the venue. I have lunched here twice recently, being very pleased with the homemade soup on my first visit. A satisfying portion served with locally baked bread. The second visit was disappointing. A much smaller portion (and I am a small eater). My friend's experience was similar. The second time his meal seemed rushed. The bar where food is served was extremely busy and I wonder if the kitchen staff are able to cope under pressure. All the staff to whom I spoke were polite and friendly. Yesterday's visit was also marred by some dreadful piano playing. If background music is considered necessary, a skilful musician is needed! I have booked to dine here again, based on my first experience, and am taking friends. I do hope for a better experience.

Last year’s visit to Winter Gardens wasn’t a success, however this year is a very different story and we are so glad we decided to try again!

We had lunch in the newly refurbished balcony bar which included a cocktail. The staff were really friendly and made sure that we were happy with everything.

Had lovely coffee and cake was lovely nice views and smoking area outside as well, very friendly and great service would go back for meal next time as sure it would be very nice.

We sat outside with a slightly expensive drink. The food was fine but nothing special, and despite being fairly quiet, we had to wait quite a while for it to arrive.

Though quite expensive, the food was delicious and the portions are substantial. The staff were helpful and friendly. Our dog...

the food is out of this world with the new menu. the vogue afternoon tea is just one of a kind! with Events being hosted all the time its a all round great venue for all the family. with 2 children I always look at the kids menu first. a great choice with something for both my children at great prices. love that the balcony bar room and the roof terrace is open with amazing views of the sea.

I love going to The Winter Gardens. Food is amazing and staff are so friendly!

We stopped for coffee at the art deco Winter Gardens after a walk along the seafront. Coffee was excellent, we enjoyed the retro décor indoors but sat outside to enjoy the view and fresh air. All very good.

Stopped here for drinks great location over lokking the sea in town good facility with giid access, Drinks were fine and service was ok , nothing rerally stood out but the location . All in all was fine but not remarkable with average prices. Good outside seating area!

For many years I have been looking forward to visit the old Winter Gardens in Ventnor. The building itself is a local iconic landmark, the views across the bay at Ventnor & beyond are absolutely fantastic, and the staff very friendly. However my visit was spoilt by two factors. A terrible pint of Doom Bar and the permanent smell of cooking fat from the meal preparations permeating throughout the main bar area. Sadly I don’t think I will be re-visiting the Winter Gardens, first impression’s for me are very important, and will make or break a visit! Disappointed is an understatement.

We popped into the Winter Gardens for a family lunch after hearing that the chef (I hope I'm correct) came from The Essex (a restaurant we really love) and the view of the sea from both restaurant floors is unbeatable! I ordered a ploughman's and the rest of our family ordered a beef or chicken roast dinner. I was also very happy to see Lamb on the menu! There's quite a bit of parking which was good and we were able to reserve a table. When we arrived you do notice the old theatre elements and it's a lovely art deco building with loads of outside seating. Granted the loos and general decor around the theatre reception could do with a fresh coat of paint, but considering the age of the building and the fact it probably gets battered by the harsh sea weather, you can kind of see past that.The furniture and look of the restaurant is pleasant and it's very bright and airy. The food came out and looked beautiful and a was good size! My ploughman's had thick, quality ham, three wedges of IOW cheese (cheddar, blue and brie), rustic bread, fresh salad garnish and little gems of pickled onions and some delicate slices of apple for under £10. Our service was absolutely fair but we arrived with a child and weren't offered a kids menu, even though we found out late on in our visit that there was one, several staff members didn't speak great English so came across a little shy and were very quiet and we weren't sure if they understood (although we had no issues with our order) and when we arrived no one came to seat us (granted sometimes that's the case) but when we went to the bar to 'check-in' we were spoken to by three different members of staff asking if we were being served, which is great, but two looked blankly at us when we said we'd reserved a table and only the last colleague seemed to know how to look up who had reserved. Only a minor complaint but a muddle that didn't really to have occurred in front of a customer. We would definitely go back however and it's a strong recommendation!

We had a Sunday roast here a while back and it was good. But mainly we visit for a drink on the terrace. We really can't beat it for a stunning view of ventnor front.

An iconic Art Deco building with a terrace & outside seating overlooking Ventnor Bay. The location could not get any better.Ordered crab sandwiches which where the best we had all week. So fresh and plentiful. The staff are all very pleasant and offer excellent customer service. A wonderful place to stop and while away an hour or so with very good food and a decent cup of tea.

After living here for 4 yrs + we finally went to The Winter Gardens for breakfast - Wow. It was the first day of their new chef and what a fabulous breakfast we had. I cannot rave about it enough, it was gorgeous. We had a full English and a Winter Gardens full English - too much really. Huge sausages, fried slice, toast, mushrooms(not stewed and properly cooked), baked beans, lovely soft real tomatoes, smoked bacon, eggs, hash brown and black pudding with the large one. A huge thank you to Jade and her team for a lovely breakfast. Will def go again, am thinking about afternoon tea now!!! Thoroughly recommended and reasonably priced too.

My wife and I went to the Winter gardens as we had seen that they had refurbished the Balcony. It was a beautiful day. WE had crab sandwiches with a very nicely prepared salad and some chips. The view is fantastic and so was the meal and service. We will go back.

I sometimes pop in for a quick coffee, normally with one of my dogs. They are always helpful and the coffee is good too.

We visited the Winter Gardens on a number of occasions during our most recent visit to the Isle of Wight. On each occasion we were warmly welcomed by very helpful staff and we appreciated the free parking and beautiful views. The best bit was Sunday Lunch which was so enjoyable and truly delicious. If I lived near Ventnor I would be there for Sunday lunch every week. The real bonus was the price. Under £10 per head for a two courses was a definite bargain for food of such a good standard. We can't wait to come back!

Food was very nice, however the quantity was minimal.Lovely views from the seats, and a nice location.

Had a delicious strawberry tea here, which was very good value for money. Would certainly recommend, well worth a visit. Child friendly and dog friendly, as there are outside tables and chairs.

My wife and I booked to visit the Winter Gardens brasserie for Valentine's night. The staff had made a real effort to decorate the place. Tables each had a single pink or red rose in a vase, a candle, and scattered heart shaped and coloured beads and confetti. The bar had hearts strung across it.The service was excellent, and a change to the menu was no problem. We both had one of the evening's specials - a pizza and a side dish - all for £16 for two. I chose BBQd chicken and bacon, my wife chose a Marguerita with added mushrooms and olives. Both were a good size, filling the dinner plate, very hot, with a thin crust. As side dishes we had sweet potato fries (hot, a bit spicy, not greasy) and coleslaw salad. We really enjoyed it.To drink we had a bottle of Merlot - very quaffable, and only £15. We were not sure about this or the Cotes de Rhone, and were readily offered the chance to taste both before purchasing. We had to ask for water, but they soon brought it with a slice of lemon in the glasses.That evening there was live music (Two Wight Guys) who played suitably romantic music while we were all eating, some more lively dance music later on (until about 10.50).Earlier on the lady who first served us said the place was to be seriously revamped this year, so we will watch with interest. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable evening at very reasonable prices. (Service gratuity was extra).

Walked through Ventnor looking for somewhere to eat and came across this place. Unfortunately only realised after we ha ordered our drinks that they stop food at 1600 hrs.

Souless, dirty, waited an age for food even though only one other customer there in a huge place with a great view. Staff helpful but nothing woukd entice me back there!!!

Visited here randomly when in Ventnor - had a pint which tasted awful, and saw the worst pub toilets I've ever been in. Might have been a nice place 40 years ago but not now. Carry on a few minutes down the esplanade and there's plenty of decent pubs.

The winter gardens looks out over Ventnor harbour and is a great place to sit and have a drink and enjoy the scenery. Tables are available immediately outside the bar and over the road. Good selection of drinks though would have been really good if they had nibble type food available,

New chef and menu. Much better food in both quality and taste. Good choice on menu for both lunchtime and evening.Sandwiches are much improved, last time we came they were awful however, now they use lovely rustic bread and have a good choice of fillings.Good sea views and friendly staff.The only drawback is no accessable toilet!Told the ladies toilet was easy to access but in fact unable to get a chair in the cubicle. Unable to reach the soap dispenser and paper towels. Access to the bar and restaurant is fine but I hope you do not need to use the facilities whilst there!

We're staying at The Hambrough up the road (very nice) and, while they look for a new chef, they recommend the Winter Gardens. Despite the other mixed reviews it looked nice from the outside last night so I've just been down to book for later tonight. However once inside it resembled a tarted up working men's club, smelling of cigarettes from the guys smoking (only just) outside the door and with only the glares of a few local regulars (presumably) as a welcome. It still amazes me how someone can try to start up or renovate an old place and still get so many basics wrong. We walked straight out and rang the Bistro just round the corner. We went there last night on a whim but the welcome, the service and the food were all exceptional.

Took friends for lunch and very disappointed. Sandwiches had no butter and very little filling. Yet on another day we were told the food is delicious! Wonderful views and live music

Love it here my Nan & Grandad used to Like here too they Like us Were great Walkers use to love walking from our accomadion here

As an American, I was quite interested in the 4th of July celebration with real American food. Food was yummy, but some weren't exactly American and they did try hard.All in all, we enjoyed the evening and the staff was friendly and accomodating

The venue is great ,on Ventnor cascade and overlooking the bay. On my last visit we enjoyed the decor and general"feel" of this place. The service was slow, to such a degree that we joked that the waiter was also cooking our meal! Nothing much has changed service although pleasant was again slow. The light meal was fine,coffee very good. This is a nice place to come if you are in no hurry for your meal,or just relax on the comfy settees and have a coffee.

The Winter Gardens have stood above Ventnor for years, slowly sliding into disuse and disrepair. Full marks to the team who have taken it on and are trying to bring it back to life - the amazing location deserves it! We stopped for a quick lunch - just soup and bread. The soup was home made and delicious; the bread was thick, born and tasty. Good value too. All served with amazing sea views. We will go back.

Amazed to find the bar open on Christmas Day, and serving food. Friendly welcome and good service, warming mulled wine and delicious soup, with fabulous views as it was warm enough to sit on the terrace. Very pleased to have called in, hope this redresses the poor reviews on this platform.

Staff on mobile phone and took time to serve usThe worst meal of our holiday!!! Fish and chips with a dreadful hand made tartare sauce!! Coffee was good but would never go there again.

The Wintergardens is a delitefull place to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine and wonderful views and look out to sea and watch the passing liners,the bar staff are very pleasant,unfortunately the food side of this operation leaves a lot to be desired, I had a chicken breast which was very nice, My wife and our friend had chicken legs, these came, and when cut were red and bloody inside, a couple of hours later my wife had stomach upset and was sick,this was the only food she had eaten that day, since then we have heard other people have had the same experience. if they do not know about cooking chicken properly do they know about cross contamination ? Scary ! This is the first negative review that I have ever given. I hope it stops others being ill