Just a few hours from London awaits, the Hut, a slice of holiday heaven on the Isle of Wight. The island has been a popular destination for festivals, holidays and for the last decade this rooftop bar and restaurant. The Hut transports you to a beach club restaurant with ocean views and yet is still in the UK!
The Hut
Best for: Everything!
Location: At Cowell Bay, on the beach. South west of the Island (map)
View: The ocean
Vibe: Happiness!
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes – known for its fresh fish
Booking available? Yes – booked up for months! Bookings open every year early February for the same year and it sells out!
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2021 (info updated 2024)
Warm/dry weather only? No
Getting here: From London I caught the train to where I was staying in Southampton and hopped on the Red Funnel ferry which was 10 minutes from my hotel. I 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 for bubbles on a boat. The passenger ferry is quicker at just 30 minutes but you are stuck indoors and no bar! The ferry docks in Cowes (other docks are closer to the Hut but not from Southampton). Public transport isn’t great – 2 buses and nearly two hours to do a half hour drive. So I opted for a taxi. With no ubers you need to book in advance as there is no taxi rank. I used Alpha, who were amazing as I hadn’t actually researched this as well as usual and was stuck, on my birthday, luckily after ringing around this company squeezed me in! But I would not recommend risking your reservation! The Hut offers transfers from Yarmouth ferry port. Or of course you can arrive by helicopter or boat! The dream!
Rooftop review roundup: A rooftop overlooking the sea is my ultimate kind of rooftop bar. However, they are usually reserved for trips abroad due to the weather! I came for a birthday brunch in 2021 and lucked out with a heatwave. Food was served in the downstairs restaurant, but due to demand, it has expanded to one of the rooftop terraces now (2024). It is set with sea views and all the holiday vibes, and the staff are the loveliest, making my day so special. I was lucky to be able to spend the afternoon on the rooftop, only leaving when it was time for a dip in the sea and needing to catch the ferry back! Oh, and there is even a rooftop shop! I am now the proud owner of a Hut hoodie, so be warned: this is a whole experience, not just a brunch or lunch or dinner. It is one of my favourite rooftops, but I am not alone, so do book early and hope for the sunshine!
Website: Click here
