Shepherds Cowes

ST840

ST840

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The family are off to Cowes this BH weekend. 2 nights at Shepard’s . Whats it like ? Looks ok on the web and we have managed to secure a walk ashore without rafting. Any good dog friendly pubs that can be recommended ? Thanks
 
Wherever you choose, be sure to book because every single place has been booked out in advance so little to no chance of a walk in table.
L
 
If you have a well behaved canine crew member then book a table Coast is best venue but for a real pub away from the crowds the ale house opposite serves a good pint. I would also suggest a drink at island sailing club . Avoid the anchor due to clientele really and places like the fountain by the ferry. The duke of York is fine if a little rough at edges but popular with crews who can stay over. Gurnard is a fair walk for a pint though. There is a reasonable tapas restaurant virtually on site at shepherds. If berthing don’t be on outside of pontoons in any wind -ideally see if any spare residents berths well inside if there in a F9. Curry houses in cowes also fairly poor btw. Not much in east cowes apart from lifeboat pub and Waitrose but chain ferry is still in state of permanent retirement so EC rather off limits unless you fancy being ripped off to travel as a foot passenger on Jenny lee.
 
ashtead said:
If you have a well behaved canine crew member then book a table Coast is best venue but for a real pub away from the crowds the ale house opposite serves a good pint. I would also suggest a drink at island sailing club . Avoid the anchor due to clientele really and places like the fountain by the ferry. The duke of York is fine if a little rough at edges but popular with crews who can stay over. Gurnard is a fair walk for a pint though. There is a reasonable tapas restaurant virtually on site at shepherds. If berthing don’t be on outside of pontoons in any wind -ideally see if any spare residents berths well inside if there in a F9. Curry houses in cowes also fairly poor btw. Not much in east cowes apart from lifeboat pub and Waitrose but chain ferry is still in state of permanent retirement so EC rather off limits unless you fancy being ripped off to travel as a foot passenger on Jenny lee.
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Thanks for your reply, I will google “coast”. Oh and btw , what’s Jenny Lee ? A water taxi ?
I’ve got lunch booked at the folly for Sunday so will be taking the water taxi down and back. Is it expensive ?
 
Sat in Cowes waiting for the wind to abate. The Yacht Haven is busy, but not full, of others similarly stranded (not enough boats for anyone to raft and the outside of the main pontoon is empty), but finding a table for EOTHO was not so easy.

We ended up at the Fountain Hotel and I for one wouldn’t bother again. The food was passable, the service non existent.

Another pub over egging the Covid rules, which will be to their detriment later. I even saw them turn away a party of 16 because it didn’t suit their rules. Expect the ‘Sorry we’ve had to close’ signs will be up soon after this season ends.

The Anchor was fully booked but they too are fully signed up to over doing the Covid rules again for mediocre food and basic service.
 
Island Sailing Club has set up a bar by the waterfront under main club house. Full license so no need to sign in and Captain Pizza will deliver from over the road. Brilliant
 
I was there a couple of weeks ago and the majority of pubs were closing at 10pm - 'due to Covid' Why? I have absolutely no idea. Most seemed completely OTT when it came to Covid measures. No doubt they will all be moaning about what a poor season they have had. The Union seemed to be the only pub operating close to normal (with reasonable restrictions in place). I certainly support the reasonable Covid measures but this was pretty pathetic. Pier View was probably the worst. Agree that The Coast is one of the better eateries (bistro) in town but I suspect you will be extremely unlikely to get a table over the weekend.
 
DPH said:
Folly is a greene king chain pub, avoid at all costs. Best Sunday lunches are Duke of York £10 or Gastronomy £15.
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We have visited the folly dozens of times and we love it there. Don’t know why you have attitude with the place. For us as a family and a dog it’s great.
Have booked an afternoon table at the coast bar for Saturday.
 
Yes Jenny lee is a water taxi relaxing the chain ferry during the continuing fiasco overseen by councillor Dave and his band on the island council . Only man to buy a ferry which cannot cros 50ft of water. Sadly the island council has a record of poor decisions as evidenced by Ryde harbour, Ryde ice rink etc. Coast is best in cowes for fun environment for younger crew but don’t pass Murray’s by if coast fails you and an older outlook . Otherwise the tapas near shepherds is best bet. Folly is a checquered experience ie a lottery so if you are going TT do report back. We are booked into east cowes marina for weekend but with wheels so might be venturing further afield otherwise would be at lifeboat or stocking up at Waitrose for the cobb Barbie.
 
ashtead said:
Yes Jenny lee is a water taxi relaxing the chain ferry during the continuing fiasco overseen by councillor Dave and his band on the island council . Only man to buy a ferry which cannot cros 50ft of water. Sadly the island council has a record of poor decisions as evidenced by Ryde harbour, Ryde ice rink etc. Coast is best in cowes for fun environment for younger crew but don’t pass Murray’s by if coast fails you and an older outlook . Otherwise the tapas near shepherds is best bet. Folly is a checquered experience ie a lottery so if you are going TT do report back. We are booked into east cowes marina for weekend but with wheels so might be venturing further afield otherwise would be at lifeboat or stocking up at Waitrose for the cobb Barbie.
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I’m no apologist for Dopy Dave, but the last lot bought it - Independents. Dave’s team, Conservative, responsible for handover, commissioning and sign off.

The current problems are metal shards in hydraulics - can’t really blame a politician for that, but you could ask why they are meekly accepting an open ended repair date and not more publicly kicking ass.
 
There’s a reliable chain ferry parked up in Gosport but the whole sorry chain ferry has been on Dopey Dave’s watch at great inconvenience to all. He’s also introduced the charges for an indifferent service for foot passengers of course and seems to have alienated staff when it is running . Yes Red Duster are very friendly if you can get a table . Those at Murray’s support lifeboat work I believe.
 
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