A ROAST dinner and a pint of well-kept ale in front of a real fire is an experience treasured all the more as we've been deprived of it for so long.

The Pointer Inn has the delightful ambience of the archetypical English country pub.

For starter, a wholesome chorizo and parmesan scotch egg (main image, top) was the standout dish; perfectly liquid in the very centre and served with a generous splodge of well-matched homemade smoky tomato relish.

Alongside, we had pan-seared scallops, a simple and satisfying presentation of the tender mollusc delicacy which came with an intriguing creamed leek sauce.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Belly pork and crackling.

The Pointer Inn beefburger, even with the optional extras of cheese and bacon, was outstanding value.

Decorated with a cheeky chunk of gherkin on the top, but otherwise playing a very straight bat with brioche bun, lightly-dressed salad and handful of chips.

The true test was the meat; fresh, hot and juicy. This was a burger that did justice to the partnered pint of Fuller's exquisite HSB.

Belly pork hoved into view under a sail of crackling that was plenty for two to share.

The vast chunk of tender meat was itself totally enrobed in an unusual rich, brown cider sauce, decorated with a balsamic reduction that made the whole thing look like a giant Quality Street.

Fresh sugarsnap peas and red cabbage added vivid colours, giving this excellent dish an attractive look that matched its very enjoyable taste.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Leave room for the Rolo cheesecake.

Finally, a Rolo cheesecake flaunted its homemade credentials. Unlike some 'homemade' cheesecakes that are suspiciously jelly-like, this one was decadently soft and sweet, with the eponymous Rolos scattered over it.

Fully in the spirit of the reassuringly easy-going menu that we had enjoyed all evening.

The Pointer gets the thumbs-up from us for comfort food: familiar dishes given new life and interest with some creative interpretations.

What's more, the new management has kept the great responsive and friendly service and atmospheric interior.

Perhaps most impressive are the very keen prices. In the current climate it's expected that things might cost a little more, but somehow the Pointer has managed to avoid this.

At just over £22 each, a comparable meal of this standard would be hard to find.

Matt and Cat's bill:

Scallops £7.50
Scotch egg £6.50
Belly pork £11.95
Burger £9.95
Extra cheese and bacon £1.75
Rolo cheesecake £6.50

TOTAL: £44.15

RATING: Four stars - very good indeed; well worth seeking out

CONTACT DETAILS:

Pointer Inn, High Street, Newchurch, Isle of Wight, PO36 0NN.

Tel: 01983 865202

Web: pointernewchurch.co.uk

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