SHALL we pop for a quick seaside lunch? Not the words you often hear in England. Yet finding out about The Hut, the Isle of Wight’s not-so-best-kept-secret, turned that unlikely phrase into reality, promising me an unforgettable day just a couple of hours away from London.
The Hut from water
The experience begins before we even leave the mainland. Forget boring and tedious ferry journeys – instead a bright red, James Bond-esque speedboat from Attitude Charter awaits in Lymington. Arguably the sleekest way to arrive at The Hut, maybe only besides the helicopter, and who doesn’t like to arrive in style?
With champagne flowing and a surprisingly powerful sound system playing our favourite tunes throughout the journey, we slice through the Solent. The wind is taking full control of our hairstyles, but no one minds as we leave grey clouds behind us chasing the sun shining above the island.
Attitude charter boat
Nestled among colourful beach huts is The Hut, its bold name stretches across the rooftop, making it impossible to miss. Music drifts over the water, luring us in as small tenders speed across the bay, ferrying guests safely from boat to shore. Its irresistible appeal lies in its perfect blend of fun, flavour, and scenery.
Once a humble beach bar, the venue has transformed into a glamorous seaside destination without losing its laid-back soul and has been welcoming guests since 2013. With its reputation firmly established among the yachties, it delivers premium hospitality as well as a carefree coastal spirit – think staff in beach attire weaving between tables carrying endless bottles of rosé. It’s all too easy to forget you haven’t actually left the UK.
Welcome drinks at The Hut
After welcome drinks we are shown to our table overlooking the blue waters of Colwell Bay where the seafood feast begins. We are spoiled for choice; there are cod croquettes, pork belly with cucumber, deep fried shrimp pop corn dipped in aioli, finely sliced hamachi with mango salsa and beautifully assembled lobster salad. Attempting to pace myself is not easy, but I’m more than happy to give up my restrain and dive head first into the spread.
Seafood at The Hut
As we arrange the heaps of food on our lobster-adorned plates, a live band begins making rounds, performing personalised numbers for each table. Normally, I shy away from this kind of entertainment during a meal, but to my surprise, I find myself involuntarily nodding along.
It all just works – sunshine, sea views, and cheesy hits played by The Strikes on the contrabass and acoustic guitar. The entire terrace is loving it. But perhaps the most charming of all is the staff, who seem to be having genuine fun serving plates of food and refilling our glasses, all whilst dancing around with laughter.
Seafood at The Hut
While seafood is definitely the main focus at The Hut, the menu does offer delicious looking alternatives such as a classic cheeseburger or milanese veal for those less adventurous. Admittedly vegetarians might struggle with only a couple of simple options to choose from. The star of the show though is the surf and turf, arriving with a lobster tail and a tender beef fillet. Served with a green salad and a mountain of chips it’s exactly what it’s meant to be – simple and unfussy in its form but full to the brim with flavour.
Seafood at The Hut
To aid digestion, we’re swept up onto the deck-turned-dancefloor with the rest of the guests as the 2014 anthems play loudly, now performed on a trumpet and saxophone by Kiss My Brass band. The Hut’s signature Painkiller – a dangerously drinkable mix of rum, coconut, and pineapple – keeps finding its way into our hands. Dessert is served in the form of cakes on sticks, a clever choice given that by now, everyone’s dancing, throwing their hands carelessly in the air.
As we jump back onto our red speed boat to cruise back towards the mainland I’m already making plans to visit The Hut’s sister Little Jumby in Antigua to try and recreate this perfect getaway in the Caribbean. With its playful spirit and irresistible food, it’s undoubtedly a destination worth adding to the summer list.
by Olga Petrusewicz
Charter price is £675 for up to 6 people and with Champagne to The Hut
To book visit to The Hut click here