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Well bedded down in the most traditional part of the Isle of Wight - thank you, Queen Victoria - The Crab and Lobster is as good as its title and really comes up with the goods. Like most seafood havens it has the goodness to recognise that there are other forms of sustenance, so expect to find ham, egg and chips, pork fillet with fennel, rosemary and mustard sauce, and chargrilled sirloin steak with mushrooms and fries. This will also have the benefit of leaving more of the fruits de mer for the enthusiasts who scan eagerly the lobster specials, whole Dover soles and a wide variety of variations on lobster and crab, such as crab cakes, sandwiches and salads.

There is something particularly bewitching about sitting on a sunny terrace overlooking the Solent and English Channel whilst savouring the flavour and texture of some of its former inhabitants. Add to this the pleasures of well-kept household names in real ales, well-supported by the quirky Fuggle-Dee-Dum from the local Goddards brewery, and you have a recipe for true contentment.

She might not have been amused but I wouldn't mind betting Prince Albert would have slipped away given half a chance.

Situated in a coastal spot set in between Seaview and Bembridge on the picturesque east side of the Isle of Wight, and overlooking the attractive village green, The St. Helens Restaurant offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy an intimate meal. It is only a five minute drive from Ryde, Sandown and Shanklin.

The kitchen believes in obtaining the best produce from the local farmers and fishermen and specializes in the freshest possible produce. You could start your meal with prawn and mango salad with roasted peppers, lime and coriander mayonnaise, or baked flat mushroom stuffed with mozzarella, spring onions, tomatoes and balsamic syrup. Follow it up with slow cooked belly of pork served with grain mustard mash, cabbage, crackling, black pudding and jus, or pan fried fillet of cod with chorizo and spring onion risotto, leaf salad and coriander oil.

White chocolate and Baileys parfait with oranges and dark chocolate, clotted crème brûlée and strawberry meringue cheesecake are some of the excellent options for desserts.