THE Highdown Inn at Totland is a hidden gem which is a worthy recipient of our Pub of the Week accolade.

Situated in Highdown Lane, on the crossroads of Moons Hill, Alum Bay Old Road and Weston Lane, The Highdown Inn is just a few minutes’ drive from Alum Bay and the famous Needles to the west, the breathtaking views of Freshwater Bay just a mile to the east and Colwell Bay and the historic town of Freshwater only a mile to the north.

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This means it’s ideally situated for walkers, ramblers, cyclists and campers to call in for a wellearned rest, because it is located on the public footpaths from Freshwater Bay, Headon Warren and Alum Bay.

It’s within easy walking distance of the beaches and shops of Totland Bay and the historic Needles Old Battery.

The Highdown Inn has received several nominations for Pub of the Week, including from Philip Yates, who said: “It has good pub food, with a good selection of dishes to choose from. “It also has a good selection of beers, which change on a regular basis. It’s always a nice friendly pub to go into and the staff are welcoming and helpful as well.”

He said the pub had adapted well to lockdown, with good table service and well spaced-out tables and chairs, as well as ample seating outside in the pleasant garden.

He concluded: “I love everything about the pub. The only thing I don’t like is leaving at the end of the evening — but I know we will be back!”

Fellow customer Russell Filby nominated the Highdown Inn because it has a lovely range of beers, which are kept well and the food and drink is great.

The Highdown Inn is a traditional country pub and bed and breakfast and is known for its daily specials — the locally sourced seafood and shellfish are not to be missed and the desserts are amazing too.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Make sure you leave room for dessert if you visit the Highdown Inn, Totland.

The seafood platters are a speciality, including freshly caught local crab and lobster, prawns, crayfish and smoked mackerel and halibut.

Landlady Susan White has been at the pub for more than 25 years and is well-known in the West Wight community.

The pub is well-loved by real ale fans and is included in the 2021 Good Beer Guide, which is published annually by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The pub garden now includes a stunning gazebo and there’s a roaring log fire inside for when the weather turns chillier.

You can find out more on the website at www.highdowninn.com or search on Facebook.

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Do you love your local pub? Our Pub of the Week feature aims to recognise local places which have gone above and beyond the norm during the past year.

Nominate those local pubs which have brought light to your life during these difficult times. What attracts you to the pub? Is it the landlord's banter? The wide range of real ales? The tasty pub grub? The beautiful beer garden? The stunning sea or countryside views? Why not click on the submissions box below and tell us why your local should be Pub of the Week!