An Island restaurant with a history steeped in royalty has been awarded 2 Rosettes by the AA.
The Essex restaurant, located in Godshill, once served afternoon tea for numerous royal visitors, and now regains its place among the finest establishments on the island, becoming only the fifth venue to be given this special accolade.
Built in the seventeenth century, The Essex is one of the six original buildings of Godshill, and was bequeathed by King Henry VIII to his chief minister Thomas Cromwell. The cottage was also frequented by Queen Victoria, while her daughter Princess Beatrice also entertained the monarchy of Spain there.
Converted from a tea room last year, The Essex has been given the coveted AA award thanks to a winning combination of excellent service, the use of local organic produce – including poultry and pressed juices - and all round high gastronomic standards under the direction of head chef Steve Harris.
Today, the restaurant strives to become as famous for its delicious seasonal food as for its history, and this award – coming only a year after Kathy and Mark Domaille took over the running of the restaurant – highlights that it is indeed well on the way to sculpting a future as impressive as its past.