Thatched roof, old styled wooden chairs and tables, patterned curtains draped over the windows. This is one of the stone-built traditional pubs in Shanklin, Isle of Wight; one of the oldest as well - listed in the Doomesday Book. Such an interesting fact that the history of the place could go back as far as 1086.
Naturally we went for the "classic" pub food; sausage and mash, beef ale pie, and after the last disappointing fish & chips experience, I took another dare. The beer-battered fish that came was so big that it sticked out of either side of the already long plate, and awed the devourer into silence. The chunky chips were reassuringly comforting, and the boiled peas only so-so. With the mouth full, yet the hands were busy digging into friends' plates. The ale steak pie was the best of all; chunks of prime beef marinated and cooked in the special gravy sauce, were oozing out of the home made pie pastry that soaked up just the right amount of the juice, yet was not soggy; striking an excellent balance.
Luckily, yet unfortunately, Isle of Wight is a tad far to get to, or I would be having more than I meant to.
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The Crab Inn
94 High Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6NS
Fish & Chips/Beef & Ruddles Ale Pie £7.95 each
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