THE RED Lion Freshwater is a traditional venue, but our dining experience there was delightfully non-standard.

Yes, there was pie and battered fish on the menu but, looking closer, we saw beetroot-cured salmon pastrami, venison and autumn truffle, cod with mussel veloute.

The Isle of Wight beef crumpet was incredible. Succulent meat stacked on a toasted crumpet melted on the tongue.

Moistened and flavoured with sweet onion jam; the whole tower squelched onto a dollop of parsley and horseradish emulsion.

Isle of Wight County Press: Expect amazing food at The Red Lion.Expect amazing food at The Red Lion. (Image: Matt & Cat)

Beautiful textures were supplemented by both crispy and pickled onion rings. Right off the starter blocks, the meal was turning out to be a zinger.

Perhaps it was the purity of the food or the atmospherics, but the effect upon eating the double-cooked souffle was remarkable.

Inside the mouth, it felt like time stood still as tastebuds did their work; savouring - relishing. Ambrosia.

Next up: sublime mushroom wellington; finely-chopped mushrooms, red wine-braised onions and chestnuts created a surprisingly meaty loaf.

Isle of Wight County Press: A feast for the senses.A feast for the senses. (Image: Matt & Cat)

Decorated like an autumnal woodland scene, with a scattering of wild mushrooms, around the wellington log. Greens came in the form of the tenderstem broccoli. A brilliantly executed dish; earthy and hearty.

Similarly, the duck pie was creatively-wrought. The brace of breasts was superbly cooked to the perfect pink; the pastry the acme of shortcrust, and the blackberries a fruity match for the gamey flesh.

Isle of Wight County Press: Don't miss the duck pie!Don't miss the duck pie! (Image: Matt & Cat)

The cheese board was laden with slices of crisp green apple, brittle hexagonal crackers in various browny hues, plus a hunk of spongy olive cake.

The three cheeses conformed to the tried and tested formula of one hard (tangy Lancashire bomber), perfectly musty and ripe Isle of Wight Cheese Company blue, and a soft creamy white.

There was easily enough to share but, by now, we were pretty replete.

The Red Lion was a revelation. Each dish surpassed our expectations of this quiet pub at the tail-end of service on a chilly November evening.

We loved the care and attention to detail in the food, and the charming and informative service. We have eaten out a lot; our meal at the Red Lion rekindled within us the joy of food.

MATT & CAT'S BILL:

Beef crumpet £8
Souffle £8.50
Mushroom Wellington £17
Duck pie £18
toffee pudding £7.50
Cheeseboard £10.50

TOTAL: £69.50

RATING: Five stars. Exceptional - one of the very best places we have tried.

CONTACT DETAILS: 

The Red Lion, Church Place, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, PO40 9BP.

T: 01983 754925

W: redlion-freshwater.co.uk

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Isle of Wight County Press: Save space for the cheeseboard!Save space for the cheeseboard! (Image: Matt & Cat)