Gourmet Delights and The Royal Hotel

Food Lovers Guide contd...

England's unspoilt St Tropez

Victorian Ventnor is a special place. It is England’s unspoilt St Tropez and, alongside The Hambrough, is home to some of the most exciting restaurants and hotels anywhere on the island. The Royal Hotel, the Island's only 4 Star Hotel, is a mellow sandstone building set in a lush tropical garden, which will transport you to an age of elegance and refinement from the moment you arrive.

Dine in the lofty Appuldurcombe Restaurant and sample colourful, imaginative dishes which are almost too beautiful to eat, the work of new head chef Dan Maskell. Highlights include a cherry tomato tarte tatin; chicken liver parfait, as light as air; a tasting plate of five cuts of local Moor Farm pork; or fresh, wild sea bass so delicious because it was caught by the local fisherman only hours before your meal.

Make sure you leave room for pudding, the work of pastry maestro Steve Bott; as such sublime, melt- in- the-mouth artistry is hard to find. His assiette of chocolate is a work of art and will delight serious chocolate connoisseurs; whilst his passion fruit soufflé is the perfect combination of crunch, subtle sherbet flavours and melting satisfaction.

The Finest Afternoon Tea

Now for a best kept secret... There is nowhere finer on the island for exquisite afternoon tea, than The Royal Hotel, thanks to artistry of Steve Bott.

Handmade patisserie, dainty finger sandwiches and an enticing tea selection are now served on the elegant colonial-style terrace, conservatory, and magnificent gardens.