Saying bye to The Little Gloster
We all knew that businesses were going to fold thanks to COVID-19, the bastard, but I really didn’t think it would be this one. Over the years, The Little Gloster in Gurnard on the Isle of Wight has become my happy place. You might have read my earlier blog about it. It sums up all that I love about eating out: an enticing menu packed with local produce and thoughtfully cooked dishes, friendly and excellent service, a buzzy atmosphere - and the panoramic sea views don’t hurt either. Holly and Ben Cooke have dedicated 10 years of their life to The Little Gloster. They hold the title of Best Local Restaurant in the whole of the UK in the Good Food Guide.
Although they delivered AT HOME dishes throughout lockdown, they really suffered from not being able to take reservations for their three rooms. And as one of the many seasonal restaurants on the island, it forced them to take the difficult decision to close.
Their three beautiful bedrooms are still available to to book seven days a week, bed and breakfast, until the end of September 2020, with bespoke dining available Wednesday-Sunday. (They are largely booked up, already, but you might grab a cancellation if you’re lucky - check here).
I booked our room quick-smart and we headed over on the ferry for one final fling. It was so sad because it was so perfect. Quite literally perfect. Places like this shouldn’t have to close, ever. We sat outside for a sun-soaked Aperol Spritz and ate our dinner as the sun was setting. I had the salt and pepper squid with crispy kale and lemon and smoked garlic mayonnaise. Then the seafood marinière - the freshest local crevettes and delicate sea bass in a cream and cider sauce. And finally, the pistachio and milk chocolate rocher with strawberries and pimms jelly. Well that should have been finally, but the chef was testing out a new recipe and made us eat a cherry souffle with vanilla ice-cream. Well at least it was light as a feather, unlike me!
The food was as excellent as it sounds and looks (even with my questionable photography skills) and our stay was wonderful. We enjoyed a dip in the sea from the terrace and a cold afternoon beer while we dried out, a post-dinner sunset walk on the beach and the most fantastic breakfast on our sea-view balcony. Checking out for the last time just felt wrong!
I love this extract from their newsletter, which perfectly sums up how much love and attention has gone into creating this brilliant place and how many memories Holly and Ben will take with them:
Every corner of the building tells a story. We know the name of every paint colour in every room, where each piece of furniture was bought and where we painted it on our days off. Each tree and plant in the garden tell a story, every champagne stain on the ceiling or bash on the wall reminds us of a funny evening – peak summer madness when the wheels fell off and chaos ensued.
Holly and Ben are already working on their next venture (the only information I could extract from them was that yes, it will be a foodie venture) and looking at their incredible achievements with The Little Gloster, they have everything they need to make it a success. Wishing them all the luck in the world.
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This is not an advert. I paid for my own food, drinks, stay and travel. I want to write meaningful, unbiased content that my readers can trust. I only share genuinely amazing places that I’m proud to have discovered.
