Way back when I first met Mr D, the Crab and Lobster used to be the place to be on the Isle of Wight. Perched up high on a cliff on the edge of one of the Isle of Wight’s loveliest villages, Bembridge, no trip to the island to see Mr D’s parents would be without a visit to the Crab and Lobster.

Somewhere in the intervening years, the pub lost its way. The food stopped being so reliably good, the welcome a little less congenial, even the décor of the pub seemed to look increasingly tired.

So a recent change in landlord with a mini refurb (but not so much that it lost any of its village charm) and a serious refresh of the menu – along with the return of the chef who’d been in charge during its heyday – has placed it firmly at the top of my list when visiting the Isle of Wight.

I’ve visited both in winter and summer this year and on all occasions enjoyed a fantastic gluten free meal. Note this is not a dedicated gluten free establishment but I believe their approach to food preparation made it safe for me to eat in.

On the menu the gluten free options are clearly marked, along with those with which gluten free bread can be served:

I thoroughly enjoyed this seafood platter – complete with Schar gluten free roll. On this occasion the pub couldn’t guarantee the chips had been cooked separately to gluten containing foods so not safe for me.

During a summer visit while we sat outside under parasols in a scorching hot day, I had this wonderful lobster and chips. The lobster (like the crab served in the pub) was caught locally in the bay over which the pub looks. In fact many of the items on the pub menu are locally produced and sourced, helping to support the local economy.

On this occasion the chips were safe. Fresh oil had just been put in the fryer and the benefit of dining out with kids is that we usually eat early, this meant the staff knew nothing else gluten containing had been put in the fryer before our order. As always, you must do your own due diligence but this goes to show that if ask, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Finally, another visit this year where I had the great British pub classic; ham, egg and chips. Again, I checked and the oil was safe on this occasion.

Gluten Free on the Isle of Wight at The Crab & Lobster, Bembridge – Key Info:

Location: 32 Forelands Field Rd, Bembridge PO35 5TR
Website: https://www.characterinns.co.uk/the-crab-and-lobster-inn
Would I come back: Definitely now they’re back on the map!

The Crab and Lobster also have accommodation if you are looking for a place to stay on the island. https://via.eviivo.com/CrabAndLobster