We're kick-starting summer and marking our first stop on our ‘Great British Summer’. We visited The Hut, Colwell Bay in the Isle of Wight where Love Brand have teamed up to create a beach pop-up in the heart of this easy-going, fun-loving beach restaurant. Winner of the GQ Awards for the best overall experience, we had to see it for ourselves. So, this week we headed down there and couldn’t have asked for a better day out. On a hot sunny day in late May, we felt as if we were having lunch in the South of France. The sun shone and the rosé flowed. Summer had finally arrived!
Leaving the hum of the city behind us for the day, and taking a boat ride across the Solent, the team were greeted on arrival by George & Matt – the brother duo behind The Hut. With a shared passion for simple yet delicious food and The Isle of Wight itself, they have created something truly amazing.
From the moment you arrive, their team makes sure guests are in for a summer experience like no other. From cocktails and nibbles on the sundeck (we recommend the Nduja croquettes!), to the ocean blue hues that make the table decor. Every part of The Hut experience has been ‘summer spruced’. Something that George and Matt pride has only been made possible through their “Team culture, focus, feedback and constant improvement”.
As diners head upstairs to the new open-top deck for drinks, straight in front is our pop-up shop with a selection of our iconic men's swim shorts and linen shirts.
Growing up on the island themselves, Matt and George explained to us that it only “seemed to be natural” to set up an al-fresco dining spot like this on the Isle of Wight combined with the fact that "we have the best sunset in the UK!”. For those of you who are yet to visit the Isle of Wight, it’s an absolute must this summer.
Going above and beyond is something that simply comes naturally to The Hut. Arriving by boat isn’t a problem as one of the team can collect you from the mainland by transferring you by rib. Or alternatively, take advantage of a ride in one of its Land Rover Defenders from the Ferry port at Yarmouth.
The Love Brand team had the delight of trying out The Hut’s seasonal menu of fresh seafood, wines and signature cocktails. Spoilt for choice and a far cry from the ordinary office lunch a few of the team took Matt and George’s favourite dish off the menu – The Surf and Turf.
If you think you’ve tasted the best espresso martini, we challenge you to try one of The Huts Salted Caramel Espresso Martinis.
On asking Matt and George to sum up what the ‘Great British Summer’ means to them… their response “Cobalt blue skies, al fresco dining, buzz in the air, great soundtrack, get-togethers with loved ones and warm evenings”. We could not describe our experience at The Hut better!
