As we step into the first weekend of Autumn, you might be wondering what to do now the kids are back at school and the September routine is truly back in force. As I said to my son looking glum going back to school, “This is what weekends are for.” And that means making the most of them.
This weekend on the Isle Of Wight there is a huge buzz around food and drink. Firstly, a special weekend is planned on Ryde Pier which is the UK’s oldest pier (and the UK’s second longest) with Beer on the Pier. Organised by Wightlink who will be showcasing several of its Isle of Wight suppliers at a special event this weekend (September 7-8), it is a great way to enjoy a drink with spectacular sea views and disco tunes.
Popular Gin maker Mermaid Gin will be there as well as Breweries Wight Knuckle and Island Ales. You can feel the vibe with music being provided by Island-based Crystals Disco.
Beer on the Pier will be open from 11:00 to 19:30 on Saturday and from 11:00 to 18:00 on Sunday.
Ryde Pier will also welcome the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer Waverley on Saturday as part of the historic ship’s circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight
The popular Cider and Cheese Festival at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway will also be enticing you food lovers along with the Great Wight Bite food and drink festival in Cowes. There are still tickets for this ultimate foodie festival and you can buy a day family ticket for just £28 for a family of four.
The Great Wight Bite Festival is taking over the stunning Northwood House in Cowes for a weekend of food and more food. There will be a range of entertainment on Sat 7th and Sun 8th September.
Speaking to the organisers of the event, they said, “We will be jam-packed full of delicious street food traders from across the Island and the south coast, as well as some brilliant shopping from the island’s best artisan food, drink and craft producers. Sit back and watch the island’s very best talent on our Chefs Demo Stage hosted TV presenter Chris Bavin, broadcaster Valentine Warner and drinks writer Helena Nicklin.
Our Masterclass Kitchen is where to find local food and drink producers showing off their talents and the Chefs Den is the place for budding cooks with a range of amazing classes to book including our new adult Sushi Masterclass with GC from The Smoking Lobster and Canapes & Spirits Masterclass with Mermaid. Or treat yourself to a table at this year’s pop-up restaurant from House Cowes.”
I love that there are masterclasses for children and feel it is bound to drum up some excitement around cuisine with pasta-making and Chicken Katsu Curry classes for an extra cost. I always think children can be fussy eaters and love that this kind of event allows them to explore more ideas around recipes and also trying new dishes.
Getting to Ryde Pier as a foot passenger is easy and only costs around £28 for a return ticket. You can explore the gorgeous sandy beach at Ryde and also visit the quaint independent shops there.
Heading over to Cowes for the Great Wight Bite festival just means jumping on the bus to get there and a lovely day out for all the family.
I am staying at a very stylish flat in Cowes, just around the corner from Northwood House which is such a cool weekend thing to do and makes you feel like you have been away for longer. It is such a bright and spacious apartment with high ceilings and a feeling that it could be in any European city. Situated in the heart of Cowes, it offers a lovely place to stay being very close to all amenities and a short distance from the sea. Cowes is renowned for being a bustling place full of cool shops and cafes. You can check out more about this flat and book it through Airbnb here.
A perfect weekend for all you foodies out there! Pop on over to the island this weekend for an escapism with food, drink and beautiful views and scenery.
