HOTEL of the week

THE ROYAL ISLE OF WIGHT

WHERE AND WHY Overlooking the Channel at Ventnor on the south coast, The Royal has been entertaining guests, including crowned heads of Europe, since 1832, and was a favourite of Queen Victoria. It is one of only 30 establishments to be listed in every Michelin Guide since it was first published in 1911. As you reach the end of the aptly-named Zig Zag Road, you pull up to the timelessly elegant Royal and are instantly hit by its class yet lack of stuffiness. It’s been independent and family-run since 1994, and its AA four-star rating is well earned. We stayed in a suite on the second floor with views across the gardens and the sea. The superbly comfy bed was awash with cushions and there was a TV in our room and lounge.

ON THE MENU The Royal’s Michelin star restaurant offers a Table d’Hote and Royal Favourites menu. We both started with the south coast crab and brown shrimp gratin, with a glass of New Zealand sauvignon blanc. My main course was lamb sausages, creamed potatoes, local greens, crispy onion and lamb sauce. My wife had roasted lamb rump, roasted artichoke, spring greens, fondant potato and wild garlic. Her lamb was stunning. For dessert I went for the passion fruit soufflé with dark chocolate sorbet which really was amazing. My wife had creme brûlée, and we shared a cheese plate which featured the wonderfully named gallybagger.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE Ventnor has a great little beach and the Spycatcher Inn is a fabulous old pub, festooned with nautical memorabilia. The pint of prawns and the ale were top drawer. Watch out for the steep walk back up the hill. The island boasts Queen Victoria’s Osborne House, National Trust walks and the wonderful Garlic Farm. Kids will love Blackgang Chine and Carisbrooke Castle.

WAKE-UP CALL Two nights, three-course dinner, English breakfast and a return car ferry from £425. royalhoteliow.co.uk, 01983 852186