QUARR ABBEY TEA SHOP
FISHBOURNE, ISLE OF WIGHT
Any boater familiar with the north coast of the Isle of Wight will be aware of the spire of All Saints, Ryde, the landmark which dominates the town’s skyline. But how many, I wonder, know of Quarr Abbey, whose tower is also visible from the water just two miles to the west? Well, my wife spotted it one day and that was that; all other plans were instantly abandoned as the very sniff of an ancient monument (self-excluded) is more than enough to set Mrs S off on a voyage of discovery.
I know there’s no point in objecting or grumbling, so instead of heading for a relaxing lunch at anchor in nearby Priory Bay, we changed course to Wootton Creek where we tied up at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club (RVYC). While we knew we were within a mile or so of the building we had by now identified as Quarr Abbey, we didn’t actually know how to get there. From the top of the club’s driveway the local pub is just visible beyond the ferry terminal, so we headed that way. Purely by chance, we noticed a group of walkers exiting a small opening opposite the pub. It was marked “coastal path”, so we took it. A few minutes later, we were in for a surprise.
Rather than contemplative silence, the first thing that hits you on arrival at Quarr Abbey is the snorting of pigs; the monks, it appears, love them. We skirted the pens of squealing piglets and the squealing children admiring them in search of the abbey, which I have to say is a magnificent sight. However, I also noted an orderly queue forming outside its Tea Shop, from where some wonderful cooking aromas were emanating. So while Mrs S opted for the monastery and culinary abstinence, I decided to indulge myself…
In my humble opinion, the name Tea Shop does not do the place justice. Certainly not if my pizza – freshly cooked using organic produce from the abbey’s own kitchen garden – was anything to go by. Nestled between the cheese-topped thincrust base and the sprigs of greenery atop it were some of the most delicious chopped tomatoes you will ever taste. That’s because, to crib a well used line, these were not just tomatoes, these were Isle of Wight tomatoes – which taste like tomatoes used to taste.
Other delights include freshly cooked specials, cakes, baguettes and puddings, all of which can be washed down with a soft drink or cup of Fairtrade tea or coffee.
The setting is delightful – the entire site is within an area of outstanding natural beauty. While it’s perhaps not the usual place you’d find boaters, it turned out to be an unexpected gem.
VERDICT Fresh food and a unique location make for a most enjoyable lunch stop.
MBY rating ★★★★★
BASED ON food, ambience and value for money.
COST £20-30 for two, based on lunch for two and tea or coffee.
TIMES Varies by season, check website for current information.
CONTACT 01983 882420; https://quarrabbey.org/visit/tea-shop/