BOAT CUISINE
Unusual times call for unusual measures. Phil Sampson drops anchor for dinner with a difference
hen did you last have a takeaway delivered by a man in pink swimming trunks? Never? Well it happened to Mrs S and I the other day…
The occasion was an onboard feast to celebrate the end of Lockdown Part One and the venue was Colwell Bay, a couple of miles short of the Needles on the Isle of Wight. We’d heard that one of our regular haunts, The Hut, was now offering hampers instead of tables, so we thought we’d give it a go.
While not exactly unknown in the past, Solent takeaways now look set to become rather more prevalent, with establishments like The Hut leading the charge. One big advantage The Hut has is its launches. Previously used to ferry diners to and from the restaurant, they have now been redeployed as hamper delivery vessels. And very busy they are too – on the day of our visit it was rammed with hamper-hungry boaters.
All ordering has to be done online, preferably the day before to avoid disappointment. There are no exceptions, so when a nearby skipper radioed The Hut on their listening channel, 71, with an emergency plea for more Sancerre, he was politely redirected to the internet with a promise that once his order had been processed, he would be re-supplied poste haste.
We were late arrivals on the day we visited, and by the time hamper-man Russell (he of the pink trunks) appeared in his launch to deposit our grub in socially-distanced fashion onto our bathing platform, we were more than ready to explore the hamper’s contents.
The extensive menu on offer has been
Wcarefully crafted to make it takeaway-friendly and ranges from small plates, sandwiches and salads to hot and cold menus, desserts and food for kids. There’s a full bar too, with a wide selection of soft drinks, beers, wines and cocktails.
Our choice of potted crab and tuna tartare starters, followed by surf ‘n’ turf burgers, potato salad and an Isle of Wight tomato salad were delightful. In truth, the burgers were a meal in themselves. Constructed of two cheesesmothered beef burgers plus half a lobster and various garnishes, they were colossal and very tasty.
By dusk, it was all over. The visiting hoards had all weighed anchor and departed homewards, leaving us alone in the bay. It was an almost surreal experience – just an hour or so beforehand the place had been alive and bustling. Now it was deserted. The following day, a Saturday, was set for a repeat performance with all hamper slots sold out well in advance. Welcome to post-lockdown Colwell Bay.
GETTING THERE BY BOAT
Located just west of Yarmouth, and marked by Fort Albert at its eastern tip, Colwell Bay is an easy-to-access and recognisable destination. It is also opposite Hurst Castle on the mainland, and the 1.25 miles between the two marks the narrowest point of the Solent. There are no particular maritime hazards of note within the bay, but do pay attention to the contours when anchoring on a falling tide. Best to arrive early to be sure of grabbing a good spot.