BEING a proper pub, with a great range of real ales and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere are just some of the reasons why customers have nominated The Travellers Joy at Northwood for Pub of the Week.

The pub, situated on Pallance Road in Northwood, is run by Pete and Sam Booth, who have been landlords for the past three-and-a-half years.

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One customer who nominated The Travellers Joy was David Craddock, who loves the fact there’s loads of classic real ales.

He said: “Add to that an uncommonly endearing multifarious bunch of valued local customers, who are full of banter and chat, which makes for a brilliantly refreshing public house. Other benefits include a car park, a kids play area, being dog-friendly and it’s just a short cross country walk to the sea and back for another pint.

“And that is why it’s a really well-named pub — The Travellers Joy. Don’t leave home unless you’re going there!”

Isle of Wight County Press:

The Travellers Joy.

Jackie Hunt said: “The team at The Travellers Joy are so friendly and accommodating. The pub is welcoming and traditional with real ales and comfy surroundings. We love our regular folk music sessions. Pete and Sam go out of their way to ensure everyone is happy and safe and they have worked tirelessly to support their local community.

“It’s friendly — a proper locals pub that welcomes everyone, wherever you are from. Nothing is too much trouble. They do so much for charity as well.”

Dan Price said it was a friendly pub with a good atmosphere and home-made food, including amazing pies, while Hazell Stanton loved the fact the pub had great beers, good local entertainment, was family-friendly and even had pool tables. 

Isle of Wight County Press:

The team during a pre-Covid fundraiser. Picture: Jackie Hunt.

All of those who nominated The Travellers Joy were impressed with its Covid procedures.

This well-established pub is also the 2020 IW CAMRA Pub of the Year. Landlord Pete said they always have five or six real ales on tap and favourites Wight Gold, Reverend James and Old Peculiar are available all the time. 

The pub has recently relaunched Wednesday pie days and Saturday steak nights and The Travellers Joy is one of only a few Brit Stops on the Island — a scheme where camper-van owners who pre-book can have a meal and a few drinks at the pub and then stay in their campers in the car park overnight.

The pub has also started Open Mic events, which have proved to be a big success — Pete said musician Chris Quinton had been “an absolute diamond”.

The Covid pandemic has meant many adaptations, but Pete and Sam have used their time wisely.

When the pub had to be shut, they did improvements including building the new Candy Shack, which serves ice creams, lollies, soft drinks and sweets directly to the family beer garden; as well as redoing the flooring in the bar and extending outside seating.

The Travellers Joy is on Facebook and booking is recommended, as it is a highly popular destination, particularly in summer. 

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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!