"it's ACTUALLY gammon" (The Sloop Inn (Ryde, Isle of Wight))

Member Name: JJJJ

Product:	The Sloop Inn (Ryde, Isle of Wight)
Date:	15/01/09 (608 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Soooo Cheap!

Disadvantages: Sooooooo Busy!

Getting cheap pub food is becoming more and more difficult these days; in some places, a baked potato can set you back over eight-quid! - that's why I was impressed when I heard about the £3.50 carvery at the Sloop Inn on the Isle of Wight.

The Sloop is situated in Wootton Bridge which is located in the North East quarter of the Island. Perched on the waters edge, the building has an outdoor seating area which is a pleasure to sit in during the summer whilst watching the sunset across the water.

To be honest, I had eaten at the Sloop a couple of years ago - and vowed never to do so again... I remember ordering the roast beef, which turned out to be no thicker than a piece of paper, and tasted decidedly dodgy. However, times change, and the Sloop has been recently taken over by 'Crown Carveries' - so I though I would give them another chance.

The carvery and new-look pub was recommended to me by fellow dooyooer adambrown400 - who also wrote an (excellent) review of the venue this evening. In fact Adam suggested going there for some food tomorrow - so if you're in the area at 7ish then come along! (imagine my surprise should thedevilinme or hogsflesh step through the door...).

The interior of the building is large, yet quite cosy. The lighting is bright enough to see your food, but not too bright as to ruin the ambience. To be honest, the decor is probably the same as every other 'clone-pub', but it's inoffensive enough and actually quite tastefully done.

The Food
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When I first sampled the Carvery at The Sloop a few weeks ago, I was both surprised and impressed. After queing orderly in line, the chief carver (or whetever he's called), asks you what meat you would like. The selection is Turkey, Beef or Gammon (I made the mistake of callling the gammon 'ham' - and was greeted by "it's ACTUALLY gammon" by the carver ... err, ok then...

You can ask to have all three meats, although you do get less of each one than if you choose just turkey for example. After selecting your meat, there is a self-service section which includes roast potatoes, boiled potatoes, peas, carrots, swede, some other bits and pieces that I can't remember, and cauliflower cheese... is that traditional in a roast!?

The vegetables were nicely cooked, and the meat was quite tender and not too dry - pretty good for £3.50! Apart from the cheap food, the drinks are also of a reasonable price, which is good to see as the Sloop has always been a bit pricey in the past. Of course, this new found cheapness and quality comes at a price - which in this case comes in the form of how busy the place gets. If you intend to come here at a standard lunch time... say 12 or 1pm, then think again. Firstly, you won't be able to park, and secondly, you won't be able to get a seat. It's strange because The Sloop has always been a rather empty place in the past.

As well as the carvery, the venue has become popular for it's turkey curry (made with the carvery left-overs), and also offers a vegetarian option.

The service in The Sloop is of a good standard, and although the carvery is self-service, the waitress came over when we first sat down, and introduced herself. She also went and located a high-chair for my nephew - so no complaints there.

In conclusion, if you're ever in the area, you could do worse than visiting The Sloop for food and a quick drink. I'm sure Crown Carveries do a similar system in pubs across the country, so have a look to see if there's a venue near you. A good filling dinner for just over £3 is great value, especially in this difficult economic climate - and to eat it overlooking the beautiful Wootton Creek is highly recommended.

Summary: The Place for a Carvery