Abigail Spooner heads to a cosy coastal guest house on the Isle of Wight, which is a haven for food and wine lovers alike.

Where is it?

The Victorian villa stands proud over Ventnor Bay, on the south coast of the Isle of Wight, and is a matter of footsteps away from the russet-red shingle beach.

What’s the accommodation like?

There are six sumptuous bedrooms, all boasting a sea view. Ours is chock-full of calming coastal charm – teal furnishings, atmospheric paintings and not one, but two cushioned window seats overlooking the lapping waves. Downstairs, there is a cosy lounge for guests to enjoy at their own leisure, with a roaring wood-burning fire in the winter months.

What did you eat and drink?

The five-course tasting dinner celebrates The Terrace’s passion for wine. Owner and expert sommelier Tom explains his concept of ‘reverse wine pairing’: creating a dish around a bottle, rather than pairing a wine in retrospect. A glossy ‘pinot noir’ sauce accompanies tender venison loin, yet contains no wine at all, instead mimicking its earthy, red fruit flavours. Fortunately for us, we have a glass of the real deal to hand.

Each course tells a story of its provenance, whether it’s an oversized leek deemed unfit for vegetable boxes, eucalyptus from the local botanic garden, or beef from a dairy cow that’s typically considered less tender. On the seafood front, flaky poached cod sits in a pool of lobster and swede bisque, alongside a tangle of bitter red chard. For dessert, a burnt butter and honey tart is velvet smooth, and contrasts braised quince and a tart buttermilk sorbet. It's lick-your-lips good.

And that’s not the end of our feasting. We tuck in to no fewer than four courses for breakfast. Each dish is perfectly portioned, from the daintiest of chive-topped sausage rolls, to the ‘Barely Full’ breakfast, featuring a single crispy rasher of bacon, a bubble-and-squeak cake and a soft-yolked egg, enveloped in an umami-rich mushroom sauce.

What is there to do?

Besides 70 miles of coastal paths, there is no shortage of things to do on the island. While away an afternoon at Ventnor Botanic Gardens, which claims the title of ‘Britain’s hottest garden’ due to the town’s microclimate; take a swing at mini golf in the nearby coastal town of Shanklin; or visit Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s beloved retreat on the island, whose Italian Rennaissance-style turrets reflect those of The Terrace itself. Round off your day with a fun and informative daily wine tasting (included in every stay) in the dedicated wine room… it’s like a library for connoisseurs and is home to some 800 bottles.

What do I need to pack?

A good pair of walking shoes and a beach bag for the summer months. Come armed with an appetite too!

Lasting memory

The burnt butter and honey tart was sweet-toothed perfection.

Sainsbury’s magazine insider tip

Book your stay over a Friday evening so that you can enjoy the special tasting dinner in the wine room.