The Taverners

Ahh this was a worthy stop after a long cycle around the Isle this weekend.
The mains are very good (I had the oxtail and kidney pudding, sounds gross but is very fortifying after 40 miles fighting strong winds) and the desserts are better and really what garnered the fifth star.
Best sticky toffee pudding I’ve ever had and also probably the best hot chocolate. Service is super friendly and they have a good English beer selection though I started with a nice big glass of red wine with the food
They also have a map showing exactly where the locally-​sourced ingredients come from on the island, which was interesting

After a day out sightseeing and driving around the countryside, we decided to stop into The Taverners to partake of happy hour. The interior is welcoming with a definite quaint, homelike feel, from the rustic beams to the uneven floor (fear not: cardboard coasters are provided with the express purpose of steadying any wobbly tables or errant chair legs). An interesting feature is the large blackboard on the wall indicating via colored dots what is at the peak of its taste and freshness (meat/​fish/​fowl) according to the season. There is a lot to see here, including pet-​owners bringing their dogs to this pup-​friendly pub (note: there is a container of dog biscuits at the ready). It seems like this pub also has an international following, as at one point I heard a group of tourists speaking English (but not quite) at a neighboring table. I later found out that they were visiting from Canada.
Surprisingly for a pub, the wine list is comprehensive, even rivaling that of some restaurants. As happy hour was quickly morphing into the dinner hour, we decided to take a look at the menu. I appreciated that the offerings were accessible and local/​seasonal in nature as it is often tricky navigating a menu in an unfamiliar country. After some deliberation, I decided on the dover sole (excellent and very moist with the bone still in) and my Aunt had the roast with seasonal vegetables. This was a leisurely meal, with none of the rushed feeling or hovering that often evidences itself in dining establishments. I wish that I could magically transport The Taverners to a corner near me so that it could become a new favorite watering hole, especially as the cold winter months approach. For now, I will just have to content myself with filing it away as a quality eating and drinking option for the next time I am in England.

Pub food at is best! Some really inventive stuff — big flavours, good portions and all homemade. Sometimes the menu is a bit ‘man food’ but I have always eaten extremely well. A real island gem — and food hero!

Been into this pub a few times now, and every time the food has been excellent, all the people I have been with agree. Reasonable selection of traditional pub food, but of real top quality. Would definitely recommened.

This is a quaint old pub and eating house, located in the very heart of the picturesque village of Godshill. There are lots of beams and fireplaces, uneven floors, wonky tables and fabric napkins! The menu is appealing and all of the produce used is both local and seasonal, with most ingredients coming from well within a 5 mile radius. Blackboards on the wall will tell you what produce (both animal and vegetable) is in or out of season or the best time to enjoy it. The food is both delicious, generous and good value and the staff are very friendly and helpful. Can thoroughly recommend The Taverners!

Great pub in the middle of tourist central Godshill.
The new owners have made a big effort to source all their food locally — some of it merely metres from the pub. Great atmosphere, especially if you get a table at the front or just behind — tables in the newer back area — have less character.
Have been three times in the last couple of months. The bucket of chips are crispy and yummy, mains are tasty and all the deserts are wonderful.
Heartily recommend

This is a typical good British pub. Excellent ales and good wines. The food is fantastic and very generous portions. A good atmosphere.