Phil Sampson witnesses the rebirth of one of the Isle of Wight’s most charismatic restaurants
SALTY’S YARMOUTH
G iven what it’s been through, the owners of Salty’s – long one of Yarmouth’s most popular eateries – could have rebranded the place The Phoenix. But after the calamitous fire of 2020, which apparently started in the office and spread to the kitchen, the owners of Salty’s said they would bounce back. And bounce back they have, with all the energy of a Wham-O SuperBall (remember them?). With a fresh new coat of paint and new menus to match, Salty’s is once again a must-visit destination for anyone looking for food and fun in this picturesque town. As with most places in Yarmouth, Salty’s is a stone’s throw from the harbour. Just pick your way through the lines of traffic awaiting the next ferry to Lymington and you’re there – and with that eye-catching colour scheme, you can’t miss it.
The Salty’s of old used to be quite a place; bustling, lively and loud, it was a Mecca for the young while many older folk gave it a wide berth. Even Princes William and Harry once dropped in for lunch. For many diners (myself included) noisy restaurants can be a turn-off. When we booked our table, I voiced my concerns but was assured that sound from the downstairs bar, which regularly features live music and where you can eat if you so wish, is not overbearing in the upstairs main restaurant saloon. I wasn’t convinced, but we decided to give it a go anyway. And I’m pleased to report that during our visit, one Saturday evening in the season, it wasn’t loud at all.
The food was enjoyable too. While the menu is changed regularly, seafood and local produce feature prominently. In addition to imaginative starters, such as Arreton Valley asparagus with soy pickled egg, sesame and ging
