Waterfront Inn

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#5 of 21 Quick Bites in ShanklinQuick Bites, Bar, $$ - $$$

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Waterfront Inn

Review

At a glance

Open until 9:00 PM

See all hours

Website

+44 1983 863023Improve this listing

About

Waterfront Inn is a B&B, bar and restaurant. We are a free house and offer a wide selection of Isle of Wight ales, lagers, wines & spirits, together with a straightforward, homely menu that features succulent steaks and local seafood in addition to the usual seaside favourites. Why not come and unwind with us - enjoy a leisurely cocktail in our bar or outside on our sun terrace - all giving panoramic sea views from Shanklin across Sandown Bay towards the white cliffs of Culver Down.

Features

CUISINES

Bar, British

Meal types

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

American Express

Beach

Digital Payments

Dog Friendly

Family style

Free Wifi

Full Bar

Highchairs Available

Mastercard

Non-smoking restaurants

Outdoor Seating

Parking Available

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Street Parking

Table Service

Takeout

Television

Visa

Waterfront

Wine and Beer

Location

19 Esplanade, Shanklin PO37 6BN England

Parking Available, Street Parking

Is this restaurant on the beach?

Yes

Unsure

Save this restaurant

Hours

Suggest an edit

Open until 9:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 am - 8:30 pm

Monday

9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Tuesday

9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Wednesday

9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am - 9:30 pm

Saturday

9:00 am - 9:30 pm

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4.1

1,986 reviews

Excellent

1,013

Very good

527

Average

195

Poor

124

Terrible

127

Pete S

1834 contributions

Brilliant 3 Day Stay

Sept 2024 • couples

One of the places we stayed on the IOW. Shanklin esplanade is a brilliant place, we really lucked out with the Waterfront Inn. The staff were all great- welcoming, helpful [particularly with the parking info] and professional in their service. Food was all hot, well prepared/ presented and tasty at a reasonable price. We had B&B so breakfasts were included- mine was prepared exactly as requested and so was the evening meals. Especially the mussels. would definitely stay/ eat again. A chair in the room would have helped also extra sockets but all else was good

Written 18 September 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DianaD-UK

London47 contributions

Pleasant overall. Good breakfast. Only ate one evening meal - kitchen closed rather early for us!

Nov 2023 • couples

We stayed in the Waterfront Inn in for a few days - end of October into early November, just before they shut for the winter. The location is amazing - on the sea front with views out over the ocean and (weather permitting) an opportunity to see the sunrise, which we did - but only on the day we were heading home! When we arrived, the person at the front desk seemed uncertain as to how to assist, especially with regard to parking which we discovered is best managed via the daily permit. We didn't know about this option until the the young person eventually called a manager who explained it all. It would have been helpful to know about this in advance as we would have been able to organise it ahead of time and save a bit of hassle. The permit covers parking on most of the Island (some car parks are excluded so always check), so is good value if one is planning to explore. The room was pleasant, but very cold and all the windows were ajar which didn't help. That said, when we mentioned we felt cold, the heating was turned up and a fan heater provided, which made a big difference overall. The breakfast menu was varied enough for a short stay with gluten free options. Do read the ingredients carefully as it is easy to get caught out if you have a range of food issues. The staff were extremely helpful in this regard. They were less helpful with regard to evening fare. We were out for most of the day and it was only when we got back that we learned the kitchen closed at 8pm. Again, this would have been useful information ahead of time. We managed just one evening meal at the Waterfront Inn, which was OK. The remainder of our stay we ate elsewhere as we had full days and were not back in time for the early kitchen closure. It would have been easier to have been able to order food where we were staying, though, especially as Storm Ciaran was playing havoc with the weather as it drew closer. There was a leak in the shower. This was managed quickly with courtesy and which we both appreciated. We were assured that the problem would be repaired while the Inn was closed for the winter. Probably a good place to stay in the high season. During our stay it became clear that the imminent winter closure meant staff and services were winding down, despite there still being paying guests.

Written 9 November 2023

Monica B

1 contribution

Best vegan afternoon tea!

Dec 2023 • family

Enjoyed a delicious vegan afternoon tea at the Waterfront Inn Shanklin this afternoon with stunning sea views. It was insanely good- we felt very spoilt! The staff are so friendly, attentive and helpful lifting our pram up the steps etc. They also took a family photo for us by their beautifully decorated tree 🎄 It was so reasonably priced £9.50 pp with free tea top ups plus no extra expense for plant milk👍💚🌱 5*

Written 15 December 2023

daddy b

1 contribution

Thanks Mark…

June 2024 • friends

Me and my dear friends were enjoying our pleasant time in sunny Shanklin and decided to stop for a bite to eat. We chose the Waterfront Inn for its picturesque waterfront and seaside views. We were greeted on welcome and shown to our waterfront table by a lovely man “what a lovely man” we said!. That’s when it ALL started. Mark came to the table to take our drinks order, which he got correct (THANK GOD!). He started on the right side of the table where my friends ordered a sausage and mash and the scampi and chips respectively. Another of my friends ordered a lasagne, which went off without a hitch. I then ordered the cod and chips, however, I changed my mind and asked to change this to a lasagne. Mark acknowledged this change from cod and chips to LASAGNE, and tapped it into the ever-present electronic device which appears as if surgically attached to his hand. Roughly 15 minutes later a server delivered the sausage and mash alongside the scampi and chips (comforting if somewhat tasteless). Then, what occurs but a server bringing us TWO cod and chips!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We sat in a state of shock at the incredible mental gymnastics that must have taken place in Mark’s head as to reach the conclusion that we wanted not just one, but TWO cod and chips! Eventually, we called Mark over where we explained politely that we had clearly ordered two lasagnes. Mark then, in his sassy manner, attempted to gaslight us into believing we ordered these unwanted dinners by simply pointing at the order form on his toy iPad. (No Mark…because you pushed the cod and chips button doesn’t mean we asked for it). He offered us no solution nor compensation and left the conversation hastily without apology. We were left eating mouthfuls of surprise batter and dry chips in a soured mood. Five minutes after Mark handed us whatever on earth he felt like giving us we see him in his own clothes drinking a beer! I’m beginning to wonder if he even worked there at all!! AVOID

Written 24 June 2024

daleh424

Newport8 contributions

Never heard this excuse before. So unnecessary, so disappointing.

Oct 2023 • family

I still can't fully understand the experience today for what should have been a very pleasant family lunch for 4. We have eaten here many times before, but I believe new ownership and policies may be the issue. Two of our group ordered the Bacon, Cranberry and Brie Panini. Both, when brought to the table had Bacon plus Cranberry but only a small thin slice of melted Brie just at one end of the Panini. We asked if we could have Brie to at least cover the length of the Panini, as the Bacon and Cranberry did, and it was meant to be a Bacon, Cranberry and Brie Panini. The waiting staff took the dishes away but returned to say that they could not, as the Manager had stated "that each dish was carefully costed and that each had the specified amount of brie in it" we were somewhat taken back and asked again, surely they could simply add a couple more slices of brie to the Panini. The answer was "no". I have never had this before, a cold reference to their costing and no thought for the customer or the meal being sold as a Bacon, Cranberry and Brie Panini. The request was a very reasonable one and requested very politely. The server was visibly embarrassed and apologised numerous times. So, we cancelled the Paninis, which I assume we're binned and wasted. So instead of making good by simply adding a basic and advertised ingredient the meals we're wasted, they lost the revenue (which was a lot more than a couple of slices of brie) and now we won't go back in the future (loosing even more revenue). Plus, I had to write this Negative review (which I hate to do). Our family lunch was not what we wanted. The waiting staff were fine, it was not their fault. But not sure which business school or customer service course the manager has attended. The setting is nice, the drinks were nice. This was so unnecessary. So very disappointing.

Written 28 October 2023

davesurrey9999

Newbury279 contributions

Pleasant place for dinner

Oct 2023 • couples

The Waterfront Inn and The Steamer Inn are next door to each other on the Shanklin esplanade. Both have lovely views to the sea and at first appearance seem similar but during our stay in Shanklin we preferred the Waterfront and so went back there a few times. Apart from my crab starter one day (most of the crab seemed to have gone missing) we found the food tasty, good sized portions and well cooked. The “happy hour” before 7pm was a nice gesture to get 2 glasses of wine for the price of one. The two chaps who took our orders were polite, friendly and efficient and made us feel welcome. But perhaps some of the girl waiting staff might need a little more training, although they were also polite. It was nearing the end of the season when I expect things were not so busy but I am surprised at some of the negative comments I have reads here. They don’t reflect our experience. We would be happy to return when next in Shanklin.

Written 9 October 2023

Waterfront Inn

Dear Davesurrey, Many thanks for your honest review.

Written 18 October 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Melanie R

24 contributions

Breakfast

Sept 2024 • couples

The Waterfront never disappoints for breakfast. The quality of the bacon and sausage is second to none, the food is always nicely presented and the service friendly and prompt. With bonus of refillable coffee we escaped an hour of Tuesday morning rain with a tasty breakfast, two hopeful dogs and good coffee on their lovely terrace. So much effort has been put in to the outdoor space and the inside of the pub is modern and bright and obviously very well cared for. Our favourite spot for breakfast looking out to sea in Shanklin

Written 15 September 2024

Mandy H

20 contributions

Well.it looked nice

June 2023 • family

I researched dog friendly places to eat by the seafront around the island and Waterfront Inn really looked to suit all our needs. The menu had lots of offer and prices were very reasonable. However, as we were only visiting the Island for the day I emailed to reserve a table. I had a reply saying they don't take additions until September but work on a first come basis, Fair enough. We didn't want to pay for parking then get disapointed there were so tables available. So went elsewhere. I can only gather that their hotel.guests are more priority and rightly so. We wanted to go for breakfast to fuel.us up for the day and as I contacted them the day before they mustve had an idea of availability. We drove past around 11am and didn't see anyone sitting outside to where.we requested due to having dogs. I wouldve thought by making a reservation or atleast an enquiry would give Kitchen staff notice to provide more catering. O take itbthis is morecof a hotel and notvrestaurant. However when we do come over to the island again I will.make a second attempt.

Written 21 June 2023

Waterfront Inn

Dear Mandy, You could at least try a place before reviewing it with a 1 star, when more than half of the restaurant depends on good weather, it is understandable that at the pick time of the year, or getting close to it, only a certain amount of bookings are taken, so to leave space for work-ins and resident, this also reduce the lost of business in the possibility of no show, and poor reputation if the weather change and you do not get the table you wanted as it could be too hot, too cold, too windy, too sunny or shady. after so many years of trade, we are doing the best, being weather dependant seasonal tourist business, seems like we will never pleased all.

Written 24 June 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lucy T

Isle of Wight1718 contributions

Very bizarre pricing structure and inexperienced staff

May 2023 • family

Whilst I enjoyed my meal, the pricing structure didn’t make any sense. I paid £5 for tomato spaghetti which I though was very reasonable but then a chocolate melt in the middle pudding was a whopping £9! I’ve never been anywhere where desserts are more expensive than the main event. Also the staff were quite strange and seemed inexperienced. I wasn’t given any cutlery for my dessert and assumptions were made on who was eating what rather than asking us when our food was delivered to our table.

Written 13 June 2023

Waterfront Inn

Dear Lucy, many thanks for your honest review. Please note that we are pricing the dishes for what they actually cost and not their placement in the menu, therefore, yes, some or our main courses seems very attractive, also, due to the current market, we do have different budget options available. As for the staff, the early season brings us its load of new starters which are trained on site and gaining experience on daily basis, we are offering opportunities to multiple employees with variety of knowledge, but always supervised by much seniors members, this said, from time to time, we may miss a spoon on dessert, and for this, I apology and will keep my eyes on those details. Thank you

Written 14 June 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

dale M

1 contribution

Avoid at all costs

Apr 2023 • none

AVOID AT ALL COSTS! After looking at The reviews on multiple platforms we were confident we would enjoy this. I was shocked when my burger came to the table, put it this way a rustlers burger looks more appetising. My partner chose the sea food platter and he was soon discussed to find all tge prawns were laden with eggs. We approached a member of staff who to be fair apologised and took the meal away, he came back to say that the chef was cooking a fresh meal. We told them we didn't want it as we and our daughter were really put off our food by this point, it's here's where the attitude of the staff changed. Customer service is non existent and the food is all good from frozen, as informed by the staff. We should the staff the other reviews and pictures and they hlsaid they had never seen them before.

Written 23 April 2023

Glen P

1 contribution

Fresh, tasty food and friendly service.

June 2024 • couples

Arrived late for a drink and a snack, really good. Returned for dinner on another day and was equally impressed with the quick friendly service,alongside the tasty meal. I had a pasta dish and my partner had fish and chips, fresh, tasty and well priced (comparatively speaking) , can't beat the view from the terrace. Highly recommend.

Written 10 June 2024

MartinJ1007

Telford116 contributions

Poor service and disappointing food

July 2023 • couples

We had gone to Shanklin whilst on holiday in the Isle of Wight, it was my birthday so we decided to eat out. After looking ay a number restaurant menus both online and onsite we decided on the Waterfront as it looked like it had the most gluten free options for my wife who is coeliac. I chose the Fish and Chips and my wife the Mushroom Risotto and drinks for both of us. The drinks soon arrived, but after almost 45 minutes waiting for the food, others who came in after us had been served, we called the waitress over and asked how much longer it would be. She came back and said there had been a problem and they would do our meal immediately, didn't say what problem was. The meals arrived, I had a large portion of chips, which were OK, the portion of fish was small, half the size of what I have had elsewhere, what there was was OK, the garden peas although hot hadn't been cooked fully. My wife's mushroom risotto looked very unappetising, she said it was look warm around the edges on hot in the middle, the plate was hot on the bottom, she believed the risotto had been reheated in the microwave making it go all congealed. We ate what were could, asked for the bill, paid and left, needless to say no tip was left. At no time did anyone ask about the food, we had an apology at the time the food was brought to us, but noting else. As for a birthday lunch, it was one I would want to forget quickly.

Written 13 July 2023

BunsMum

Basingstoke79 contributions

Fab

July 2024 • family

We were staying up the road, and after spending all week travelling around the island, we decided to do a day in Shanklin. We stopped in here for our breakfast and everything was spot on. Service was fab, the food was hot and fresh, and the views were lovely. Such a joyful start to the day. My boy loved his breakfast and even asked our waitress to give his compliments to the chef (he's only 10 and gets a bit excited 🤣😁). We're back on the island in 3 weeks and we'll definitely be coming back, probably for an evening meal this time. Thank you guys

Written 31 July 2024

Spaderoo72

Shanklin6 contributions

Affordable food with a view

Sept 2023 • family

They have recently undated their menu and it is great to see that they have some simple dishes on the menu at truly affordable prices. They are obviously going for bums on seats and I think it’s working. Staff are always pleasant and they’ve kept table service since lockdown which makes life easier.

Written 18 September 2023

Waterfront Inn

Dear Maps, Many thanks for your pleasant review.

Written 20 September 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Marc Ollosson

Norfolk1487 contributions

Great value, tasty food

Aug 2022 • couples

Warm welcome from one of the servers. Seated very quickly, on being asked was there any delays to food etc. was told no and shouldn't be longer than 15 mins from ordering 👍 only problem was no-one came with menu and after 20 mins we went and found one. Literally 30 seconds after finding menu we were asked were we ready to order 😃 Great smiles and humour on the staff. Ordered 2 pints and 2 mains. Young lad was spot on, no longer than 15 mins from ordering and a massive plate full of tasty gammon & chips and a homemade pie arrived. Food was delicious, giving great tastes and great value. We ordered just before 7pm and Jane realised there was a drinks offer... The discount was applied without asking👍 Very laid back, casual feel. Would definitely recommend

Written 29 August 2022

Waterfront I

Dear homebrew_author, Firstly, I apologise for the missing menus, sometimes when we're busy things can get missed but I can only apologise for the wait. I'm glad you had a good experience in spite of this though, and that you enjoyed our food. We hope you'll come by again sometime!

Written 1 September 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.