Hotels and pubs

Fountain Hotel

Located in the Heart o' Cowes. The nearest Cowes hotel / pub when you get off the Red Jet. New food menu is very good. Fine dining available in the back room restaurant. Outdoor patio popular in Summer - ideal to pass time waiting for the jet. Rooms for rent are good, clean and comfortable - although some noise from the Jet can be heard although not in all rooms and not beyond 11.30. This cowes hotel is ideally suited for those wanting to be in the heart of Cowes and those with no car. Bus to Newport stops directly outside. 2 Mins to Yacht haven.(Locals tip: The best place in Cowes for atmosphere to watch major sporting events e.g. cricket, rugby, football - excellent meal deals while major events are on TV). Some rooms with sea views. Table reservations available in the restaurant. Restaurant is okay for families but out of bounds in the bar.

Anchor Inn

Probably Cowes most famous / infamous pub. (Located just opposite the Cowes Yacht Haven) Changes clientel throughout the season and thus feels different in Winter to Summer. Locals Tip: Best time to go in is off season when it's cold outside and the log fire is roaring inside, food service is much better in Winter. Food menu is okay but to our mind could be much better. Popular with locals and tourists alike. Busy every Fri & Weds with Live bands. Rooms are okay but not as good as the Fountain. Rooms from around £40 for a double. Alright if you want to go to bed after closing time - not suited to those wanting an early night. Back rooms in the bar suited for big groups including families - at night better suited to adults only. No table reservations available.

Slate Bar

Cowes newest edition - three name changes in a year or so. However the latest iteration looks smart. Very busy some days, quiet on others. Interesting to see how it will fair not serving food. Based an Shooters Hill (Just up on the right from Somerfields) - laterly known as Cats / Alamo. Ideally suited to adults not families.

Duke of York Hotel

Good quality rooms available, (Located approximately halfway between the chain ferry and the Red Jet) Excellent food - top quality Sunday lunches. Booking in for food highly advisable all year round - Sunday lunch a must. Very friendly pub, popular with locals avoiding the tourists in the Anchor! Features additional food stalls including one open 24 hours a day during Cowes week! An ideal choice for those seeking good accommodation and food away from the late night high street noise. Family friendly.

Waterside Pub

Once known as the 'Harbour lights'. (Located overlooking the sea towards the Parade end of town).No accommodation. However food is good with cracking 2 meals for £5! Tables on first come first served basis. Very good atmosphere with a twenty something crowd on Fri and Sat nights. Loads of wide screen TV's all major sport shown except for football??? This pub has the potential to be the busiest in Cowes. Cheap drinks in particular bottles of wine - ideal as an accompanyment to the cheap food. Family friendly all week round, although I would advise better suited to adults at weekends in the evening.

Union Inn

The best pub in Cowes in our opinion (Locatedon Watch house lane along from the Island Sailing Club)- Food excellent at very modest prices. Always comes quickly and piping hot. Tables reservations can be made in the restaurant. Roaring log fire in Winter. Good selection of ales. Very cosy pub with possibly the best atmosphere in town. Local feel to it all year round. No TV in the bar.

The Globe

Located right on the seafront on the parade. Spectacular sea views. No accommodation to rent. It deserves to be busier than it is. The service and food are good. Large room available on the first floor for rent for private functions. Ideal for families - wide range of food. They also have all major sporting events on TV inc football.

The Pier View

Located virtually opposite the Fountain Inn) Good food, but not the cheapest in town. Not suited to children due to its size and the often boisterous environment. Very 'Yachtie' with lacks of racing talk in the evening. Can be a bit overbearing if this isn't your thing. Does have tv for major sporting events such as football. No accommodation. tables first come first served. Kitchen opening has been erratic over winter. Good atmosphere if you like things very busy.