Popular Isle of Wight pub with superb sea views set to reopen

The pub, on St Catherine's Road, which boasts spectacular sea views and wonderful walks down the Island's southern-most tip on its doorstep, will reopen on Mother's Day — Sunday, March 10.

The Mother's Day reopening will be a "one off" though, ahead of its official opening on Wednesday, March 13. It will then run seven days a week.

The traditional pub, formerly known for more than 150 years as The Buddle Inn, closed for business on October 29 to allow major refurbishment of the premises.

Some of the history of The Buddle Smugglers Inn

The Buddle has a long and rich history dating back to 1776, when the lease of what was then known as 'Bundle Place' was sold by the then 'Lord of the Manor'.

A document of 1830 refers to it as 'Little Buddle or Bundle'. Sometime between 1830 and 1859, The Buddle became an inn. It was referred to for the first time in a will of 1859 as 'The Buddle Inn'.

The Buddle is owned by Character Inns, who also own The Crab and Lobster Inn, Bembridge, and The Bugle Coaching Inn, Yarmouth.

Work to spruce up The Buddle includes its barn, which the company says will make it "a great venue for functions", such as birthday parties, anniversaries and wedding receptions.

The pub also has a new kitchen and extraction system, with extensive work done on the interior decor to make it cosy, such as new wooden flooring and stonework, while being sympathetic to its original rustic features, together with new, comfy wooden benches, wooden panelling and wallpaper, and new dining tables. 

The cosy fire at The Buddle Smugglers Inn (Image: Character Inns)

The company is also finalising plans to introduce boutique accommodation (four rooms) above the pub, with work envisaged to be completed around June.

Running the pub is new licensee and general manager, Bobby Oddy, who helped put the Royal Esplanade Hotel on Ryde Esplanade back on the map.

She said: "I'm very excited about my new role. I know I can make it work as a place not just for locals, but also attract people to come from elsewhere.

"Where better to go on the Island? Relaxing with a drink and enjoy looking at those amazing sea views."

The Buddle, which will employ ten, including a new chef with fresh culinary ideas, will be entertaining too, with bands and singers already booked up at the venue to perform live.

During the off-season, Bobby still aims to keep the momentum going by running events such as murder mystery weekends and casino nights.

"I can't wait to get started," said Bobby.