Important please read

dining & booking information

Can I request a specific table or area?

Whilst we do our best to honour specific area & table requests, unfortunately we cannot guarantee any particular area or specific tables and reserve the right to move customers to another area or table for operational purposes. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience and understanding with this. Please note that selecting a seating preference at the time of booking is not a guarantee.

How far ahead can I book a table?

You can book online for up to 12 guests with all our availability displayed for the year ahead. If you are looking to book more than 12 people, more than 12 months in advance or cannot find what you are looking for, please send a booking request or give us a call on 01983 612 363 and one of the team will be more than happy to help.

Do you charge a booking deposit?

Deposits will be taken on standard bookings of 13 or more people at £10pp refundable with a minimum of 5 days notice. Event bookings & large groups of 25+ require £250 deposit refundable with a minimium of 14 days notice. To keep us from having to take deposits on smaller bookings, please ensure to cancel any bookings you can no longer make so we can release your table.

I'm running late, do you offer a grace period?

We hold all tables for 15 minutes, after which time we reserve the right to cancel your reservation or offer the table to someone else. Please call us if you are running later than 10 minutes after your booked time. We reserve the right to block those who continually arrive late or fail to show up on more than 3 occasions.

Why do you need my contact details?

From time to time, we may need to contact you about your booking, so please ensure your email and phone number are up-to-date. It is your responsibility to ensure that your contact details are correct at the time of booking.

How long is my booking?

Your table will be booked for 1 hour 45 minutes for parties of up to 3; 2 hours for parties of up to 6; 2 hours 15 minutes for parties of up to 9; and 2 hours 30 minutes for parties of 10+.

Can I book an outside table?

Our outside tables are available on a strictly first-come, first-served basis only as they are not covered and are therefore subject to the unpredictable Great British weather. On very rare occasions, management reserve the right to reserve these tables as part of a private event / function. If this is the case, appropriate signage will be displayed upon the tables and we thank you for your cooperation and understanding with this.

Are children allowed?

Children are always welcome in any area at anytime provided they are accompanied / supervised by a responsible adult. We do respectfully ask that you do not let your children run around or disturb other customers.

We have a good sized children's menu available from 1200-1500hrs and from 1700-2100hrs.

To book a limited space "Kids Tea" from 5pm, please call to speak with one of the team.

Limited amount of high chairs available on request - please specify when booking if one will be required.

Do you allow dogs?

Well-behaved dogs are always welcome downstairs, outside on our beach front patio or terrace but we do ask that you leave your furry friends at home if dining with us in the upstairs restaurant and bar space. This is so we can accommodate those with allergies etc - and we thank you for your understanding with this. We have a doggy station with water bowls, treats and even cozy blankets - these are available to use but please don't abuse this and kindly return anything you borrow. We reserve the right to ask owners and their dogs to settle up and leave if they cause a nuisance or upset other customers, so please keep your dogs on a lead at all times.

Can I bring a birthday cake or a special bottle of wine?

If you are celebrating, and want to bring your own cake and or special wine - that is fine.

You are welcome to bring a cake, we do charge a £35 cake charge if you bring your own cake instead of having dessert with us. Alternatively, we can provide homemade cakes to suit any occasion or we can offer delicious celebration plates which can be ordered in advance with the bookings team.

We charge a corkage fee of £35 per 75cl for the odd special bottle of wine, preferably agreed in advance of your arrival.

Do you have any upcoming events?

Absolutely! We have an array of fun things happening which you can find below:

  • Live Music every Friday night from 8pm in the downstairs bar area
  • Delicious Roasts served every Sunday from 12-5pm - when it's gone, it's gone!
  • Charity Quiz Night on the 1st Wednesday of every month - booking essential
  • Happy Hour everyday 4-5pm with £4 drinks!
  • Tasting Evenings & Events keep an eye out on our social media - details coming soon

To book in or enquire about any of the above, please call or email us

Do you have a Happy Hour?

Yes - everyday 1600-1700hrs come on down and soak up the view with your favourite tipple. Whether it’s a cool, refreshing £4 Pint from our fantastic range of draught beers, any medium house wine for £4, a £5 House Double Café Del Mar spirit with mixer or a selection of our Signature Cocktails for only £6 - go on grab yourself 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒕 𝑫𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒌!

Do you have live music?

We sure do! We have the fantastic Ben Barnes (and friends!) playing every Friday night from 2000hrs in the downstairs bar area (subject to change).

What are your opening times?

During the winter months we are closed Mondays & Tuesdays and open as follows:

- MON & TUE: CLOSED (exc School Holidays & Bank Holidays)
- WED & THU: 1100-2200hrs
- FRI & SAT: 1100-0000hrs
- SUNDAY: 1100-1900hrs

Kitchen hours: Lunch service is 1200-1500hrs and dinner service is 1700-2100hrs, except Sundays where we serve our delicious Sunday Lunch alongside our Winter Menu all-day from 1200-1700hrs.

Can I view your menu?

You can view our menus here. Our Winter Menu is available 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

On Sundays we offer our Sunday Lunch menu alongside our Winter Menu from 1200-1900hrs (with last orders at 1700hrs).

We offer a good range of children's, vegetarian and vegan food at all times.

Please note, all our menus are subject to availability and change and due to food being cooked to order, there may be a short wait during busy periods.

Do you have a dress code?

No - we do not have a set dress code. We offer casual seaside dining in an informal, relaxed atmosphere so please wear whatever you feel comfortable in, but if coming straight from the boat or beach we ask that you wear a t-shirt and that you wear footwear for your own safety.

Can we arrive by boat?

Absolutely! If travelling by motor boat or yacht please be aware of the local bylaws, conditions and restrictions. You can pickup a SVYC visitor mooring by calling ahead on 01983 613268 or trying your luck on the day on VHF 02, M2 or P4. The SVYC tender service will then ferry you to and from the shore. Please note that if dining with us, we will provide you with a token to cover the cost of your daily morning fees. Please speak to a member of the team for more information.

Do you offer private events & functions?

Yes. Outside of the summer season, you can book a private event or function across the top floor only or the entire pub. Please note that a minimum spend and/or a hire fee may apply - depending on the day/time required. Please speak to a member of the team for more information.

Do you sell vouchers?

Yes! You can purchase custom vouchers to gift or redeem on food & drink at The Old Fort, Seaview - valid for 12 months from date of purchase and issued via email. Please click here

We're hiring!

We are always on the hunt for both Front of House positions (including bar staff, waitstaff, runners & glass collectors) and Chefs of all levels for the busy and fun summer season ahead. This is a fantastic opportunity to work at a multi-award winning restaurant & pub with a fun and dynamic team right on the waters edge on the Isle of Wight.

Apply now!