GODSHILL has a reputation as being one of the most beautiful villages on the Isle of Wight – and it deserves it!

It also has quite a high concentration of eateries for such a small place – two factors which make it an ideal place to stop for lunch or dinner if you’re on the Island for a day.

It’s even worth making a special trip to from the mainland if you want a real escapist treat – it takes about half an hour to drive to Godshill from the ferry terminal in East Cowes.

We decided to eat at The Taverners mostly because we liked the look of it. It’s a traditional English country pub complete with large fireplaces which were dormant as we visited on a warm day but which no doubt give it a cosy atmosphere when it’s chilly outside.

We were impressed with both the number of items on the menu and the range that was on offer, which included hand-raised free range pork pie, local beer battered fish and chips, several vegetarian options and some delicious-sounding puddings.

A bonus was that a number of the dishes included local ingredients. The current owners, who took over in May, have gone out of their way to source food from the area. They have a large sign outside requesting home grown fruit and veggies, with fish, lobsters and crab coming from nearby Ventnor and Bembridge.

I was also particularly impressed that the pub was able to accommodate me as a vegan – as anyone with special dietary requirements will know it can be difficult to get a good meal if you haven’t booked in advance.

We started our meal with a bowl of olives and bread. I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed with the size of the portion though both bread and olives were very tasty.

And it may have been for the best because our main courses were very filling.

I went for the sweet potato kofta which were served on a bed of salad with local tomatoes, which was both filling and extremely tasty. The dish managed to combine being a little on the exotic side – it’s not something I’ve ever eaten before – with being very hearty and satisfying.

My partner went for the ‘posh’ lamb burger with aubergine relish, feta cheese, red onion and mint salad as well as a ‘bucket’ of chips.

The ‘bucket’ was a little on the small side but the chips were very good as, he assured me, was the burger. The somewhat unusual ingredients weren’t there just to sound flashy – they really complimented the burger, making it into something special.

Coming in at a shade over £30, including a drink each, our meal was a little expensive. However, given the quality, not to mention the charming surroundings, I would definitely go back.

The Taverners is at High Street, Godshill, Isle of Wight. Contact: 01983 840707.