Mill Bay Inn

Someone from this business manages this listing.

330 reviews

#16 of 44 Restaurants in Ventnor££ - £££, Bar, British, Pub

+44 1983 852394+ Add website

Hours

Sun

12:00 - 18:00

Tue

11:30 - 18:00

Wed

11:30 - 18:00

Thu

11:30 - 18:00

Fri

11:30 - 20:00

Sat

11:30 - 20:00

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

330 reviews

#16 of 44 Restaurants in Ventnor

Travellers' Choice 2023

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options

“We were one of the last diners for the day and both ordered the roast dinner.”

“What an excellent roast dinner we had!”

Special Occasion Dining, View, Groups, Bar Scene

“I had a steak and ale pie which was the best one I’ve ever had, my family had...”

“... in 10 to 15 minutes, Bar staff and restaurant staff very friendly and cou...”

Location and contact

3 Esplanade, Ventnor PO38 1JR England

+44 1983 852394

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Is this restaurant wheelchair accessible?

Yes

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Details

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About

Open from 9am every morning for Hot & Cold drinks, Food from 11am Full Menu - Daily & Fish Special Boards - Children's Menu Sunday Carvery 12-7pm Bookings Advisable

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

FEATURES

Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service

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4.5

330 reviews

Excellent

215

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Wild Flower

Ventnor34 contributions

Best pie ever

Oct 2020 • none

Whist we have had a number of takeaway fish & chips and Sunday dinners from the Mill Bay, we booked a table for a meal. Spaced out tables, screens between, and everyone wearing masks provided a safe environment. The service for drinks and food was relaxed and efficient. From past experience, we expected a good sized tasty meal, but the steak & ale pie and chips we both had was fantastic!! We had a favourite place to go to for pies, but this was even better, with so much beautifully tender steak - and extra gravy provided as standard. We'll be back!

Written 18 October 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Phill C

Milton Keynes51 contributions

New Year Giggles

Dec 2019 • friends

We traveled over to the Mill bay from Cowes in New Year’s Eve as we had youngsters with us and we had heard good things about this place. We phoned ahead and the owner seemed lovely and accommodating too. We was also with a group of adults(loose terms) and when we arrive the place was very quiet but owners had made a lot of effort with decs and looked lovely. He later explained he had a large table cancel short notice which was a shame as it made atmosphere a little quiet but we made our own entertainment and the owners, bar staff and locals all made us extremely welcome and we had such a laugh it really made for a great evening. And the food which was ridiculously underpriced at £5 all you can eat was delicious, one of the best pies i have had. Also tried the lasagne, the curry and pretty much the everything else they put out that night. Offered to pay extra as I felt bad for eating it all out but they wouldn’t have. Thanks so much for a great evening and apologies if we got a little noisy!!

Written 12 January 2020

Nicholas T

Worcester650 contributions

Great food, great value and great location

May 2021 • couples

Booked in for Sunday lunch for £6.95 and it could not be faulted, all 7 of us had either turkey, beef or pork lunches, loads of fresh vegetables on separate plates with gravy for all. Excellent food, followed by puddings which were to die for, apple crumble and treacle sponge. Great choice of draught ales. Friendly service and a nice atmosphere on the front. The normal menu looked great as well.

Written 22 June 2021

Harriet Lee

Southampton1 contribution

Zero Customer Service, drab atmosphere...

Jun 2021 • none

There was very little atmosphere when me and my partner arrived for lunch at the Mill Bay Inn and yet people were queued up outside the Spyglass (now I know why!) We were walking the coastal paths to our next destination so we needed to find somewhere sharpish! My partner and I ordered fish and chips to share as they were very large and neither of us wanted to feel bloated and uncomfortable on our trek back! When it arrived it came with one set of cutlery which wasn't initially an issue, I got up to go inside and ask for another set. It was clear on entering the premises that the staff knew we clearly needed another set and had only given us one as a statement. I asked for another set (there were about 60 cutlery sets laid out on the table uncovered which I also don't feel is particularly safe in the current climate), I politely asked if we could have another set for our lunch. A lady (I assume the owner or manager) asked very abruptly 'it's one set per meal, how many meals did you order?' I explained that we had ordered a large fish and chips to share as we were on a walking holiday and one each would have been too much for us. I was rudely told 'we only give one set out per meal' then a set was thrusted towards me and I was left feeling about 10 years old. The experience was made worse by the fact that the conversation took place in front of other patrons which is demeaning and frankly embarrassing for all parties. It ruined the meal and I wish I had stayed in the queue for the Spyglass. We had also purchased two alcoholic drinks at £4.50 each so were by no means 'stingy customers'. And ironically we may have stayed for more drinks had the experience not left such a sour taste in our mouths. There's a lot of choice when it comes to eateries and bars on Ventnor seafront. And I shall be choosing differently next time.

Written 30 June 2021

louie

2 contributions

Awful customer service, as we entered, we was told “sit table 1”, staff need some updated training in customer service!

Aug 2021 • family

Awful experience at this restaurant, we pre-booked and upon entering a young staff member said to us as she walked to the table “sit table 1”. Was spoken to as if we was dogs, this is not how you talk to customers that want to eat in your restaurant! After we sat we asked for the WiFi code as there was no signal there, the same member of staff pointed over to a board further back in the restaurant “it’s there”. So my husband went to seek it to be spoken to very harshly and abrupt by an older lady, “your not aloud back here, my husband replied I was told it was here by staff, she replied well your not aloud back here” . Our appetite had diminished by this point and I ask to speak someone with authority, a manager came to us and we explained we was told where the WiFi was by this younger member of staff , then to be spoken to like my husband was awful, it wasn’t his fault he was told it’s there! The younger member of staff said the WiFi code was on the cards in the condiment basket? So I said well you didn’t tell us that, you told my husband it was up on a board at the back of the restaurant, she walked off…….. absolutely awful customer service, it’s like your being made to feel your being intrusive and imposing on their time! When you’ve booked a meal at their restaurant. Give this restaurant a wide berth if you want to be treated like a valued customer, felt like amateurs were running it. We walked out.

Written 6 August 2021

Grace Wiggins

1 contribution

Eat out to help out

Aug 2020 • family

On my week holiday to the Isle of Wight, we stopped in at the Mill bay on 3 different occasions to eat with the eat out to help out scheme. On our last evening at the mill bay, it seemed that the waiting staff were every tearful. After seeing the way they had been treated by other customers on the other days it was no surprise to see them exhausted and drained but we still got our meals served to us with a smile. Whilst we were eating our meals, another member of staff from the waiting teamed turned up with a gift for one of the girls working which I could only imagine was a birthday gift. When opened it had all 3 of the girls & the manager in tears of joy which was really lovely to see and resulted in a hug between the two girls. There were a few comments made by another table close by about how the girls should have kept their distance and leave their “personal gift gifting” to outside of work. I just want to say Thankyou and well done to The Mill Bay, for doing everything possible to keep all the customers safe but at the same time keeping things as normal as you can and especially for making sure that the staff are also included in that. It’s so lovely to a well put together business that make sure all the staff are healthy & most importantly happy when working together. Sending a lot of peace your way and I hope you get back to normality very soon. Grace

Written 17 September 2020

FrancisBacklund

Sandown5 contributions

A familiar hunger.

Sept 2020 • solo

I ate at the Millbay on two different occasions, once a year ago, and again recently. As you enter the building you'll notice the furniture and decorations are very warm and simple. It's not to sleek, nor overbearingly cluttered. There's space to move, and be comfortable. Next you'll notice the staff. You're met at the bar by friendly staff and a surprisingly wide array of alcohol. The waiting staff are kind and always do their best to ensure you're comfortable. The menu is also very varied, from curries, to pie, to their much desired sunday roasts, there's truly something for everyone on the menu, and the portions are incredible for the price. On my first visit I had cod and chips, I had the cod because bearing in mind they're right on the coast line, I assumed it was fresh and it seems I was right. I couldn't resist trying it. I made the right decision. This time I tried the roast. I got a mix of two of the meats, the gammon, and the turkey. Both of which were sufficiently succulent. The roast potatoes were good, the Yorkshires were even better, the veg was great, and the added addition of mini sausages was a nice touch. Would I go there again? Yes. Would I take my family there? Yes. Would I recommend it? Yes. Visit the Millbay, it's worth it.

Written 13 September 2020

Wild Flower

Ventnor34 contributions

Great Pub Food - or Sunday Roasts

Jun 2020 • none

Over the last few weeks I have had their fish and chips and their Sunday Lunch - both a couple of times to take advantage of their Safely Distanced operating measures. The food is great, the portions are plentyful, and the roast dinners have 3 veg plus roast potatoes, and enough gravy to drown in. Weekday lunches you can call to book a time to pick up your order. The Sunday roast, you call to order, and pick it up any time between 12:00 and 13:00. Details on their FB page as menu and opening hours may change.

Written 15 June 2020

FrancisBacklund

Sandown5 contributions

Someone making sense

Apr 2021 • solo

The first thing you'd probably notice in the present climate is that if you go inside a building people are wearing masks. Well the same applies here which is a good start. The second thing that caught my eye, they aren't open for table service, which is fair enough considering the frankly ridiculous rules they have to abide by to be open at this time. However they are open for takeaway, I have both had a roast, and Cod and chips in the last few weeks. The Cod tastes exceptionally fresh, as you would expect seeing as the restaurant is basically on the beach, and the chips fill out the meal nicely, which in turn creates a portion size which is more than worth the value of the meal. The roast was lovely, the only thing that bothered me at all was the roast potatoes, as I prefer them a little more crispy than they were, but in fairness I understand that they're probably cooked to the preference of the majority. Again the portion size especially considering it's only £6.95 is more than adequate.

Written 28 April 2021

blondietellsthetruth

London39 contributions

£1 charge for a spare plate?

Jul 2021 • family

Ate here with my family and friends yesterday. Completely perplexed by the ‘we’ll have to charge you £1’ response when I asked for a spare plate to put my 3 year’s old’s chips on (because he’d had enough chips this week on holiday and I didn’t want him having anymore). We all bought a main meal each so it wasn’t like we were trying to share our food (which I wouldn’t get the issue about anyway). Never heard anything like it. We declined the £1 charge and I had to make some room on my full plate of curry. Suggest review this policy?

Written 28 July 2021

Angela H

Leicester2 contributions

Superb carvery, friendliest of welcomes!

Oct 2022 • none

Stumbled across this lovely place when in Ventnor on Sunday 16th Oct. Had stopped at the Spyglass for a snack (our usual haunt when in the area) but the silly prices for a sandwich put us off so we thought we would look further afield. So glad we did as when we passed this place, we saw happy customers tucking into delicious plates of food! our teenage son saw the carvery board and the desired sandwich instantly became a two course Sunday lunch eaten outside as we watched the sea. When we walked up to the bar to order, the staff were so welcoming and friendly, and we knew instantly this was a great place! Food was all freshly cooked, fresh veg and good selection. Gravy was to die for, and the very friendly chef said 'if you are a gravy lover, have a jug to take back to your table' wow! the meat was so, so tender too, between us we had turkey, pork, beef and gammon - as yes, you can opt for a bit of all of the meats! Could not fault a thing and our teenage son is adamant it is the best carvery we have ever had. We agreed and he hasn't stopped talking about it since (he loves a roast dinner!) If you want good food at excellent prices with friendly staff in a superb location you need look no further! We had the two courses, main and pudding (great selection of puds) and my fudge cake came with a jug of cream, not stingy dribbles of cream here. £13.50 - bargain! Our dog was also very welcome - another plus! Superb all round, so thank you for making the start of our holiday on the IOW so enjoyable. We then ambled back along the coastal path to walk off this superb feast talking of our next visit. This place appears to be run by people who understand what customers need and want and know how to deliver it in a friendly and aimable manner. You just do not get this everywhere. Wonderful... go and enjoy it!

Written 24 October 2022

Angela L

1 contribution

Our "Go to" for Sunday Lunch

Jun 2023 • couples

We're currently renovating a house and don't have a completed kitchen just yet. So we came across the MillBay last year attracted by the location and a very reasonably priced Sunday carvery. Needless to say we have been so impressed by the welcome the service given by the staff and a lovely carvery, it has now become part of our Sunday routine. The food is excellent, with plenty of choice ie. Four meats loads of vegetables and endless gravy if you want that. Puddings are delicious too especially the cheesecake and apple crumble. Tried the fish and chips last week and enjoyed that too. What you get is service with smile and everyone makes you welcome. The young serving staff are attentive and a credit to the Millbay. We've already said that eating here will be part of our regular routine once we're living here permanently which isn't too far away. Pleased to recommend.

Written 11 June 2023

Sue C

Oxford24 contributions

Great food and service

Aug 2021 • none

Having tried a couple of other restaurants on the seafront (one too busy and didn’t want to stand in a long queue, one dreadful service or rather no service so we walked away) we were delighted to be greeted warmly by a very lovely waitress who was quick, informative and helpful. We sat outside and tables were cleaned each time some left. We had a fantastic meal - 3 x fish and chips and 2x roast dinner. Great food, lots of meat on the roasts with option to have different meats, quick service. Will definitely go back and have already suggested it to friends for tonight.

Written 16 August 2021

Ems

London5 contributions

Amazing customer service

Aug 2021 • none

We arrived at a fully booked restaurant and staff did everything they could do to find us a table as quickly as possible. The food arrived super fast which was great as we were eating with kids and it was delicious. Harry the waiter and a tall blonde waitress were excellent and we were really pleased with our meal.

Written 13 August 2021

Fiona T

Broadstone47 contributions

Not much to look at but food was great

May 2022 • couples

The restaurant area of the inn isn’t the most welcoming on first appearances, all a bit basic and lacking atmosphere to be frank. We came in just as a large, very noisy family group were leaving, thank goodness - this is definitely a family rather than a couples, romantic kind of place. However, the food was exceptionally well cooked, all done in the kitchen practically there and then. My husband chose the steak and ale pie, and it was fantastic - Desperate Dan would have sighed in envy. Masses and masses of braised steak, tender and chunky, not fatty or gristly. Home made shortcrust pastry, they even gave him a whole jug of extra gravy. It was a huge portion, bigger than his hand, and he adored it. I had the lasagne, again definitely home cooked, with a decent portion of salad and garlic bread. And the cost was astonishingly reasonable. If you get a chance to chat to young Harry, a very friendly waiter with a mop of curly hair, he’ll not only give you sterling service, he’ll advise on the best places to see on the island too.

Written 8 June 2022

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