Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2009 | Page 102

life FOOD & DRINK Hale & hearty at the Ale & Oyster THE Ale & Oyster in Ventnor is failed to find anywhere which gearing up for two events. The served locally caught fish, first is the V-Bay Festival 23rd that prompted her to start her – 25th October. The second is own business. “A small Island the Christmas Season. surrounded by water should As to the concept for V-Bay “I had an idea something was needed in Ventnor to be able to produce fish and seafood,” she said. The logical conclusion was pull together local charities, the Ale & Oyster, which as well clubs and businesses, under as serving excellent seafood one Festival banner” says has a passion for real ale: there Jackie Milne. “It’s a festival is normally one Island ale and to showcase Ventnor and the two guest ale available at any local talent in the town. There time. are two evening events at The The run-up to Christmas Winter Gardens. There’s a is an ideal time to celebrate real ale and seafood festival. the seafood season, whether There’ll be local musicians, you sit in the bar or enjoy the jazz, magic, smugglers and stunning views of Ventnor bay pirates and entertainment from the restaurant. You can going on throughout the town even hire the bar for private to suit all age groups. The festive functions. Esplanade will be closed to The Ale & Oyster, Richmond traffic for the daylight hours House, Esplanade, Ventnor, on Saturday 24th and Sunday PO38 1JX. Tel: [phone]th.” [email protected] Jackie is passionate about the island, local food and Ventnor! V-Bay Festival details: It was her frequent trips to the www.ventnorbay.co.uk Island, a decade ago, when she 102