The Spyglass Inn

Pub

The Spyglass Inn sits directly on the seafront at Ventnor, built into the cliff face with waves lapping at the sea wall below. The pub has been a fixture of the Esplanade for well over a century and takes its name from the nautical lookout tradition of this stretch of coast. Inside, the decor leans heavily on maritime salvage and naval memorabilia, with ship timbers, brass fittings, and old photographs covering the walls and ceiling. The main bar is compact and characterful, and there is a terrace area with unobstructed views across the English Channel towards France on clear days. The menu focuses on pub staples and fresh fish, with locally caught crab and lobster appearing when available. Real ales are kept well, often including offerings from island breweries, and the pub draws a mixed crowd of locals and visitors throughout the year. In summer, the terrace fills quickly and the pub operates at full capacity, with queues forming for outdoor tables on warm evenings. In winter, the Spyglass is one of the more atmospheric places on the island to sit with a pint and watch a storm come in across the Channel. The location on the Esplanade makes it a natural stopping point for anyone walking the Ventnor seafront or the coastal path that runs along this dramatic stretch of the island's south coast.