The Hut
Best for: Everything!
Location: At Cowell Bay, on the beach. South west of the Island
View: The ocean
Dress code: 👖👚🩴👠
Vibe: Happiness!
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes – known for its fresh fish
Booking available? Yes – booked for months!
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2021
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: This is heaven. A rooftop overlooking the sea with a beachy club vibe is the dream. Its everything I love about holidays and this was the UK! I was blessed with the best hottest day and on my birthday – to which the staff were amazing and kind and fun! Everything about it was magical.
Address: Colwell Chine Road, Cowell Bay, Freshwater, P040 9NP
Website: Click here
If you like this rooftop then you need a reservation at their restaurant below. It is just as amazing. The food and service and summer vibes just ooze in this place.
This place really reminded me of one of my favourite rooftops and places – ME in Ibiza. From the white isle you can get a boat across to Formentera, docking direct at an incredible restaurant. As you can to get here! The Hut will arrange to collect you from your boat and bring you to the beach … what a treat!
And it was a treat that was just a bit too much at £500! (Though its a fixed price for the boat so if it’s a big group of you it could be worth it.) Or, of course, you can get the ferry. Which we did and it was really fun and quite the adventure! We were staying in Southampton was super easy to walk 10 mins to the Red Funnel ferry, hop on and off the other side. We chose the hour crossing, which is also for vehicles, as it meant you can go outside on the deck. There’s even a little lounge you can upgrade to. Bubbles on a boat is possible! The passenger only ferry is quicker at just 30 minutes but you are stuck indoors and no bar! So if you are a sea seeker like me being on the ferry deck isnt quite a private boat but still blows the cobwebs away!
The ferry docks in Cowes (other docks are closer to the Hut but not from Southampton) and there is a bus that can take you a leisurely journey down but we opted for a taxi. It took about 30 mins and note, you need to book in advance. Uber does not exist on the island and while there are many firms such as Alpha, who we used, they get booked up and there’s no taxi rank at Cowes port. It may feel like a lot of effort but I assure you its easier than it seems and when you arrive – oh it’s so worth it.
This place doesn’t just have a beautiful beach, awesome rooftop and restaurant but lovely staff. The impact staff can have on an experience is often over looked but not here. So a special shout out to Becky, Tash and Sophie who from my first email were so helpful and kind. Then to the guys I met on the day: Iolandin, Phil, Sarah, Sophie and Ella. They were so friendly, fun and totally made my day. I may have been slightly over excited so big thanks to them for humouring my hyperness!
Oh and there was also a rooftop shop … and being my birthday… well, let’s say I may now be the proud owner of a Hut hoodie with the slogan ‘more Rose’ I can neither confirm nor deny that rose was involved in this purchase!
Yup, there is even very photographable beach huts next door!
Finally to quote their slogan… “The Hut makes its guests feel like they have gone on holiday when they have just gone out for lunch.” Couldn’t agree more.
If you are missing being aboard then get on their waiting list! If you are going aboard then get here too! You wont regret it. 💙
Rooftop extra tip: If you like this place then you would love Royal Marmin Bay Hotel in Crete, their rooftop pool and Icaros beach bar are on par with all the elegance, sea views and relaxed vibe of the Hut … though the Hut has no vaccine passport requirements!