Isle of Wight restaurant's global street food reviewed

We visited during the venue's first week — lured by promises of "one of the sexiest places to hang out" and "global street food with impeccable service".

Our menu choices were from a series of 'boxes', with Thai, Indian, Mexican and Asian fusion options. 

'Proper loaded fries' were, essentially, versions of the main dish choices, on fries.

The menu said the food would be in a box. It was not in a box. Perhaps it would have been if we had ordered takeaway. 

Luckily we didn't, as it took over 40 minutes for the meals to arrive, but when they did they looked great — served on little wooden boards; just as good as boxes, and probably more sustainable.

Garlic chilli pork in bao buns was accompanied by fries, and hoisin sauce for dipping.

The garlic chilli flavour was subtle, and the pork was served at room temperature, but nonetheless it was a satisfying dish. 

The Thali box was a generous selection of Indian-style finger food, alongside more fries, and a curious little pot of chopped tinned tomatoes.

The thali was hot and tasty, and a well-considered selection of bits to nibble on.

We shared a bowl of tandoori chicken shashlik 'proper loaded fries'. This was probably the best thing in the meal — a hot, fresh pile of those fries topped with slices of tandoori chicken, moist fried onion and roasted red pepper, all slathered with mint yoghurt sauce. 

It was an unusual and enjoyable way to eat fries.

Charter Lounge fed us well, and delivered on the promises of global street food and good service. 

It is an attractive venue, easy to access in a very central location and outstanding value for money. 

The food had some imaginative touches. 

If you want the ultimate in international fusion food, you know where to go (a hint — it's smoking), but you'll pay about three times as much and struggle to get a table.

Meanwhile, this new venture at Charter Lounge has made a good start — we would be happy to suggest you give it a try.