The UK’s Most Popular Seaside Restaurant Reopens This Weekend

Picture this: you’re sitting on the waterfront at sunset, magnum of rosé on ice, about to devour a fruits de mer platter. Nope, you’re not in the Med, but the Isle of Wight – and specifically, its beloved restaurant The Hut, which is reopening its doors this weekend for its 2025 season.

The Hut Is Back For Its 2025 Summer Season

Since opening in 2013 on the white sands of Cowell Bay, The Hut has grown from a rustic beach bar to one of Britain’s best-loved destination restaurants. Renowned for its candy-coloured cabins, idyllic views and lively atmosphere, the eatery is accessible via a ferry from Lymington – unless you’re one of the island’s yachties, of course, who anchor in the bay before hopping on one of the restaurant’s tenders. 

Head chef Lucian Romocea and his team cook up a menu of fresh seafood-focused fare: think small plates of fritto misto, fish tacos and braised octopus ahead of mains like monkfish laksa, grilled lobster, and surf ‘n’ turf. Always a highlight is the signature Big Fish dish, where guests can order a locally sourced catch of the day and watch as it is filleted tableside. There are also steaks, burgers and salads. 

Drinks-wise, there’s a wide selection of wine, champagne and cocktails on offer, with a bar area upstairs where you can continue the fun after your meal. The Hut is known for its party vibe – expect fun, young waiters, plus lots of dancing and napkin twirling.

Naturally, the eatery is at its prime on a sunny afternoon, but the decks have a retractable roof for when it does rain – although note some tables are exposed to the elements.

This is The Hut’s only UK branch, but last year the restaurant’s owners, brothers George and Matt Adams, opened a sister property in Antigua called Little Jumby.

How To Get A Booking

The Hut will reopen its doors on Saturday 15 March 2025. It’s a very popular spot, so get your booking in early for the summer here. If the date you’re after isn’t available, there’s a waitlist running for all busy weekends and peak summer days.

The resturant’s annual party will take place on 17 and 18 May this year, plus watch out for its new Hut Live events, which involve live music and DJs on Friday evenings throughout May and June. 

Find out more at thehutcolwell.co.uk