IOW produce and where to find it
The Isle of Wight has a vibrant and competitive food scene full of farms, fish markets, artisan bakers, local producers, craft breweries, lush vineyards, and award-winning restaurants. With over 2000 hours of sunshine a year, parts of the Island enjoy a warmer climate and longer growing season, leading to sun-kissed soil and produce that’s bursting with flavour.
garlic
One of the Isle of Wight’s most famous exports, hundreds of tonnes of garlic are grown each year, including varieties that are unique to the Island. The Garlic Farm in Newchurch is a mecca for garlic lovers, offering everything from chutneys and condiments through to garlic beer and ice cream! Their on-site shop is a treasure trove of garlicky goodness, where you can discover new favourites and stock up on supplies to take home.
fruit & veg
The Isle of Wight is also a big producer of seasonal vegetables and fruit. For a fresh selection, head to Harvey Browns on the site of a working family farm in the fertile Arreton Valley (also home to Isle of Wight Tomatoes). Grab a bite in their lovely lakeside café or fill a basket in their large food hall to cook up a storm in your own kitchen. It’s the ultimate farm shop experience.
fish
Surrounded by rich waters, it’s no surprise that the Isle of Wight is renowned for fresh seafood. Locally caught lobster, crab, prawns, and other shellfish regularly grace restaurant menus, while you can pick up a tasty handmade crab pasty from The Crab Shed right on the beach at Steephill Cove.
milk
With a herd of pedigree Guernsey cattle, Briddlesford Farm have been producing milk for three generations and even have an on-site café, Bluebells, showcasing their delicious dairy produce. Dishes such as Halloumi Hash offer a twist on traditional brunching, while their pizzas are topped with all three of their award-winning cheeses! Meanwhile Crockers Farm operate a self-service milk vending machine, allowing you to pour your own milkshakes and more!
drinks
If you’re partial to a tipple, you’ll love the unique options the Isle of Wight has to offer. The Isle of Wight Distillery , in Ryde, is the home of Mermaid Gin – a silky smooth spirit bursting with locally foraged botanicals. The Island is also home to Adgestone Vineyard, who eagle-eyed TV fans may have spotted in Channel 5’s Jewel of the South . In addition to a range of award-winning English wines, they’re also behind Something Blue – the only sparkling blue wine produced in the UK.
Craft beer connoisseurs can hit up Goddard’s Brewery (goddardsbrewery.com) – the Island’s first and oldest brewery – they offer tours of their Branstone site, as well as delicious food from their newly built Firkin Deck restaurant. Wight Knuckle Brewery are based at the Pilot Inn in Bembridge, where you can also grab a Hotbox handcrafted pizza, while Boojum and Snark run a unique taproom on Sandown High Street.
sweet treats
You can’t beat a good old-fashioned bakery – we recommend Scarrots Lane Bakery in Newport for traditional, tasty treats made from scratch. Alternatively, beat the heat with an Isle of Wight ice cream – Minghella and the IOW Ice Cream Co can be found stocked in various outlets, whereas Crave at the Ventnorian has a rotating menu with up to 30 flavours — all handmade on the premises!