WHEN you think of eating out on the Isle of Wight, scones in thatched teashops and home cooked meals in country pubs spring to mind.

So it came as something of a surprise to discover Joe Daflo's London-style caf/bar in Ryde, which oozes cosmopolitan chic - and not a cream tea in sight.

From it's trendy art-nouveau exterior through to the Van Gough copies that adorn the walls to the varied menu, everything about Joe Daflo's screams sophisticated style.

It's wooden floor, whitewashed walls and high ceilings all give an air of laid-back elegance.

But what is style without substance?

Luckily Joe Daflo's was able to follow through.

As with most good restaurants, with a little forewarning, the chef was able to adapt the menu to cope with my vegan requirements, and there were several vegetarian options available.

I started my meal with tasty garlic mushrooms, which were served with a generous portion of salad.

My partner began with a delicious leek and potato soup with granary bread.

For my main course I had roast peppers stuffed with cherry tomatoes, garlic and herbs.

These came with a large bowl of chips and a bowl of mixed salad.

The food was very good but despite my best efforts the servings were all so large that I came nowhere near finishing.

And at £7.95 it was incredibly good value.

My partner's main meal was roasted lamb rump in a tomato and black olive provencale sauce, which came with new potatoes and a bowl of vegetables.

Again the servings were large, the food was of the highest quality and, at £9.25, was good value for money.

Joe Daflo's offers London style and quality but not at London prices - that's got to be well worth crossing the Solent for.

Union Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight

To book a table call: 01983 567047.