POCKET GUIDE TO COWES + GURNARD
Are you visiting the Isle of Wight or live on the island? Check out our favourite spots in Cowes!
Best spot for Brunch - Gastronomy
We’re big fans of Gastronomy - they have catered for numerous B+G events, wowing our guests with their colourful nourish bowls. We’d been longing for Gastronomy to launch a brunch menu for a while, and we are so pleased to say that when they did, their menu did not disappoint.
Their menu is exciting and innovative, and is a far stretch away from your standard full English. There are ‘lighter’, ‘bigger’ and ‘lunchy’ brunch options on the menu, with B+G favourites including: the avocado on toast (with option to add poach eggs), the sensational smoothie bowl, and if you fancy something more substantial or more ‘lunchy’ try their vegan buddha bowl. They are big on flavour, focus on fresh local ingredients, and have lots of options for different dietary requirements.
Gastronomy hosts our monthly Bump + Beyond Brunch Club. Find out more HERE.
Best spot for Dinner - Smoking Lobster
There was certainly a buzz around Cowes when it was announced that the masterminds behind the Smoking Lobster Ventnor were opening a Cowes branch. Opened in 2020, Smoking Lobster is a stylish Pan Asian, seafood restaurant specialising in Isle of Wight produce.
Not a fan of fish? Don’t let that put you off, they have some amazing vegan dishes (honestly their butternut squash & miso beignets are out of this world - quite possibly the tastiest thing I have ever eaten*), as well as meat dishes. Plus they have an amazing selection of cocktails and mocktails.
We very much recommend checking this restaurant out - we love its vibe, their dishes look too good to eat (that actually overdeliver on taste), and champions local produce.
*unfortunately I don’t have a photo despite eating them numerous times, I just can’t resist tucking in straight away!
Best spot for Fresh Fruit + Vegetables - Rosalies of Cowes
Even just spotting Rosalies of Cowes on the High Street will put a smile on your face! The shop pours out onto the street with brightly coloured flowers and baskets of fresh fruit and vegetables. Rosalies has French Influence (you can pick up French soups, jams and mustards), as well as being very committed to the island - their fresh produce is either from the island or sourced as close as possible (yay to reducing the food miles).
If you’re lucky enough to live on the island, they also deliver fresh fruit and vegetable boxes most days - the best bit is that you can tell them exactly what you want in your box and just drop them a message when you run out (this is great for meal planning and not running the risk of ending up with loads of potatoes…!) Favourite buys include the grapes, the creamiest avocados and IOW strawberries in the summer.
Best spot for all your Wellness Essentials - Healthy Indugence
Healthy Indulgence really is a little treasure trove. This independent health food store stocks a wide range of organic, vegan, and allergen-free foods, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements, and aromatherapy oils. It also offers a refill service for hair, body and home cleaning products. The staff are super friendly and knowledgable about the products, and are able to draw on their own experiences.
They regularly update their beautiful window displays, providing product recommendations for the time of year, and often have special offers in store.
They stock some favourite B+G brands including: Booja Booja (if you haven’t tried their truffles before you have been seriously missing out), Pukka Teas (they have an extensive collection to meet your every need), Biona Organics (for beans and sauces), and Rhythm 108 (their Hazelnut Praline Bar - I say no more!).
Best spot for Coffee - Little French Franks
If you want a coffee to go, quickly pop into Little French Franks, tucked away in the Fountain Yard alongside the Red Jet terminal.
Expect friendly staff, great coffee and super speedy service!
