DOZENS of nominations for Pub of the Week have come in for The Fleming Arms at Binstead.
Run by Lucy Edwards and Craig Bruce since July 2018, The Fleming Arms is a dog-friendly, family friendly gastropub with a loyal following.
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Since their arrival, Lucy and Craig have also established The Pantry, a little farm shop selling IW produce, and added a children’s play area.
Among those who nominated the pub was Kim Williams, who said: “It offers great food and has great landlords who go above and beyond. There is a fabulous local spirit at The Fleming Arms and excellent service.
“It’s super Covid-safe and it’s the only establishment my elderly parents and I will visit. When the restrictions have allowed the pub to be open, the staff have abided by the rules 100 per cent. It provides a safe place for every visitor— especially the vulnerable.”
Stacey Bell echoed the way the staff had stuck to Covid-safe procedures, including limited people in and out, table service only, ensuring everyone was wearing masks and carrying out regular cleaning.
Jenna Carey said: “It’s a lovely pub to visit, with a great atmosphere, and the landlords support other local businesses and use local produce. As a customer, I feel really safe when I’m there.”
Tara White added: “The Fleming Arms is well known for its warm welcome and lovely food, which really is delicious.”
A tasty dinner from The Fleming Arms, Binstead. Picture: Tara White.
Mark Williams is also a huge fan of the great food and beer, while Robert Gorst said: “It’s not just a pub, it’s a community centre which serves food and beverages. It has an excellent shop and a great garden with a huge play area for the kids.”
The garden and children's play area have proved popular.
Matt Green also loves The Fleming Arms. He said: “The staff are welcoming and full of enthusiasm even in these unprecedented times. The staff are friendly and greet you by your name, and Craig and Lucy always go the extra mile.”
Naomi Newey added: “This pub has come on leaps and bounds since Craig and Lucy took over. It is now a lovely place to be for all local residents and people from all over the Island. The Fleming Arms team has worked so hard to make it the best it can be and have brought a new lease of life to Binstead.”
At the moment, Covid restrictions have meant neither the pub — nor the farm shop located inside the restaurant — are able to open.
Instead, The Fleming Arms has been providing a wide range of home-made cakes and savouries, which are cooked to order and can be collected from the pub on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or can be delivered in the Binstead, Ryde and Sandown areas.
Tasty cakes and savouries at The Fleming Arms, Binstead. Picture: Ashley Edwards.
These have proved extremely popular and can be ordered via facebook.com/flemingarmsiow — ordering them at least two days ahead is recommended.
Lucy concluded: “It’s been a roller-coaster since we took over the pub, but we think community spirit is very important. We listen to what people want and do our best to ensure we provide it.”
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Do you have a favourite Isle of Wight pub? What is it you love about it? The community spirit? The warm welcome? The tasty food and good beer? You can nominate your favourite spot for Pub of the Week by clicking on the submissions box below!
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