Browns Golf Course leaseholders hopeful of summer return

The lease to the attraction was advertised by the Isle of Wight Council in January, but without detail about how long it would last.

Kate and Geoff Scandrett of Shanklin picked up the keys to their new venture just yesterday (Monday), and are aiming to be operational by June at the latest.

• Sandown's Browns Golf Course looks set to reopen

The couple have run a number of businesses before, both in the UK and New Zealand, from hospitality to dairy farming.

Browns Golf Course, Sandown.

They most recently ran a pizza bar and restaurant in 2011.

Geoff also has a history in turf care and grass management, which will prove invaluable in restoring and maintaining the green.

A musician himself, Geoff says he is keen to reinstate the popular campfire sessions, and the couple are even entertaining the idea of running an outdoor cinema.

"It's been a whirlwind couple of days," said Kate.

Browns Golf Course, Sandown.

"We found out before the weekend, but we weren't going to celebrate until we had the keys in our hand.

"This idea and business concept, I've been brewing for the last ten years while bringing up my kids.

"Geoff was doing farming previously which is fantastic for what we're doing here. With our backgrounds, we felt Browns fitted us so well.

"The golf side of it, we want to keep almost exactly the same. We want to continue the nostalgia and the feeling Islanders have for the place.

Browns Golf Course, Sandown.

"It's the cafe that's going to be completely revamped, as far as the menu goes. That's my speciality.

"I ran a very busy cafe in Auckland before I became a mum, and the cafe culture in New Zealand is huge.

"We're going to call it Blue Tiki Cafe. I think this little part of the Island needs a real good coffee place.

"We'd love to get the fountains going but that's probably a bit beyond the budget.

Browns Golf Course, Sandown.

"We're going to give the building a nice lick of paint, get some hanging baskets and really freshen up the place.

"Our priority to start with is the front, and initially we may open up the front two pitch and putts, and then open the front part of the building for coffees, light bites and ice cream.

"The back area needs a bit more of a refurb. The place just needs some love."

By Friday, Kate and Geoff hope to have an opening date set in stone.

Browns Golf Course, Sandown.

In February, the County Press reported no-one had come forward by the deadline to take on the business opportunity, which closed when its former leaseholders shut the doors in September.

First opened in 1932, it falls within an area of possible regeneration, as part of plans for the future of neighbouring Dinosaur Isle.