Whether you’re staying on Tresco, or are on a day trip to enjoy the beautiful beaches and stunning Abbey Garden, this gastropub is worth a visit.
Words – Alex Fisher
Serving local seafood – including the freshest crab and lobster you can find – and island produce such as Troytown ice cream from St Agnes, Head Chef Liam Caves creates seasonal menus that are perfect for relaxed dining by the sea. The dining room boasts views across to Bryher, or on warm days, you can eat in the gardens, where you may get to see a demonstration of traditional lobster pot making. People are friendly and there’s a welcoming, community atmosphere when you visit outside of the busy high summer season.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
To start, we shared confit duck croquettes, served with balsamic onion chutney and a bitter leaf salad (£14). These delicious little parcels were full of melt-in-the-mouth duck meat, nicely contrasted by the chutney. My main was smoked haddock chowder with fish velouté, corn, samphire, shaved fennel and saffron potatoes (£24). It was everything you’d want a chowder to be – creamy but light, with chunks of flaky fish and a smattering of fresh herbs. Dessert was a shared dark chocolate mousse with poached pear and hazelnut brittle (£12). The delicate, fragrant pear balanced the rich mousse and the brittle added texture to what was a perfect end to the meal.
HOW’S THE MOOD?
Easygoing and friendly – as the only pub on the island, it’s much loved by the locals who keep Tresco running. It’s family-friendly, and they offer a separate children’s menu, which includes smaller portions of pan-fried local fish.
NEAREST BEACH?
The beautiful sandy beaches of New Grimsby Bay are just a few metres away. Here, you can catch a boat across to Bryher, or the main town on bigger St Mary’s.
WHAT’S THE DAMAGE?
Starters are from around £9, mains from £22, with sides from £6 and desserts from £10.
OPENING TIMES?
These may vary, but the Driftwood Bar is usually open seven days a week, from 8am-11pm (10.30pm on Sundays). Daily lunch: 12-2.30pm (2pm in spring); dinner: 6-9pm in summer (8.30pm in spring).
HOW DO I BOOK?
Call 01720 423 006 or visit tresco.co.uk/eating/new-inn.
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