THE ARRIVAL of Monkton Arts has gone a long way to help gentrify Ryde's bustling community which we have enthusiastically promulgated as Monkton Village.

Local businesses nestle side by side, providing the sort of analogue services that Jeff Bezos can't peddle in his online marketplace, such as a hand car wash, motorcycle workshop and upholsterers.

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When Cat arrived at The Lounge early for her meeting, she sat in the pretty suntrap courtyard; Lavazza coffee by her side and paperback splayed open in her hands. The novel remained unread though.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Cakes are an essential at The Lounge, Monkton Arts, Ryde.

Monkton Arts is a friendly space where you could soon find yourself engaged in conversation. Through the counter's curved window, Cat eyed the cakes and pastries and was impressed to hear that they were made in the town.

Behind her was a stand of non-edible local artisanal products. It's not in every cafe that we will purchase a frittata, cheesecake and a sterling silver knuckle ring.

For a fiver, Cat's platter wasn't just value for money, it was also attractive, nutritious and delicious.

The frittata was a pleasingly dense slab of cheesetopped broccoli, potato and peppers united by egg, giving the appearance of a savoury terrazzo.

It was accompanied by seeded coleslaw and crisp tortillas, plus a plentiful salad; way beyond a garnish. Sweet twirly peashoots wound among the slivers of beetroot and cherry tomato halves; all drizzled with tangy balsamic.

Cake was essential, but what to have from the homemade goods? A fruit or almond flan? A slice of Victoria sponge? We chose baked vanilla cheesecake with a strawberry glaze. The subtle cake let the berries' flavour take centre stage, all washed down with more coffee.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The vanilla cheesecake with strawberry glaze.

Having chatted with the owners, musician Steve Love and the people at the next table, it was time to take our leave. We love how the team at Monkton Arts has established a dynamic and cordial hub among the industrial units.

It's a place where you can go alone and read, make new friends, or enjoy artworks or a live event. It might even inspire you to take up a creative hobby if that threatened winter lockdown becomes a reality.

MATT AND CAT'S BILL:

Vegetable frittata £5

Cheesecake £3

Coffee £2.40

TOTAL: £10.40

RATING: Three stars - a decent place that we'd recommend.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The Lounge Cafe, 11 East Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 1JP.

Tel: 07490 486356

Facebook: monktonarts

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