THERE'S something rather pioneering about entering an eatery which you can't gauge from the outside.
We recall the sense of adventure we felt years ago, descending the stairs at Seaview's long-missed Khura Thai Orchid.
Below street level, we discovered the most delightful authentic tastes of Bangkok - still available at the chef's restaurant Pinto Thai (formerly Ryde Thai).
Number 8 Cafe in Bembridge has to be approached through a rather sweet farm shop.
We wended our way past the boxes of fresh vegetables, jars of dried goods and some rather exciting-looking chocolate truffles, up a winding staircase into a sunny room displaying yet more deli produce.
Amazingly, we got the best seat in the house, by the front window, with the late summer sun streaming through onto our pine table.
Alas we missed the breakfast sitting by ten minutes; shame as Cat had her eye on the ubiquitous smashed avocado and poached eggs on toast.
No matter, the blackboard had a modest but decent choice for brunch.
Being a deli and farm shop you'd hope for local ingredients, and that's what Cat enjoyed with her bruschetta special (main image, top).
Isle of Wight tomatoes in satisfying sparky hues of red, yellow and orange were quartered onto wholemeal sourdough toast.
The bruschetta was served with burrata; a mozzarella-style cheese softened even more with a creamy heart. This simple dish was a refreshing delight.
Our other brunch plate was a charcuterie baguette. A mild array of mixed meats came in a warmed loaf, oozing pleasingly with melting brie. As the cheese softened it became positively runny, which was as desired.
Again a modest dish, this time served with a tasty garnish of mixed leaves, tomatoes and cucumber, plus homemade coleslaw.
Brunches eaten, we stayed a while, deciding whether to go for one of the delicious-looking cakes, but eventually stuck with our iced coffees as it was too tricky to choose.
Number 8 Cafe is a hidden gem. Bembridge probably doesn't care if it's off our usual beaten track - this self-contained village is clearly bustling.
The farm shop and cafe are lovely assets to the high street and, like Newport's Skintrade, worth coiling your way up the spiral staircase to enjoy a relaxed and simple meal in a peaceful and friendly environment.
MATT & CAT'S BILL:
Bruscetta £5.50
Charcuterie baguette £6.95
Iced coffee x 2 @ £3 £6
TOTAL: £18.45
RATING: Three stars. A decent place that we'd recommend.
CONTACT:
Number 8 Cafe, 8 High Street, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, PO35 5SD.
Tel: 01983 874236
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