The Crown Inn is a traditional country pub in Shorwell, in the south-west of the Isle of Wight. It's known for three things: hearty pub food, a garden with a chalk stream full of trout you can feed, and being the perfect stop on a walk or cycle across the island.
My wife and I walked out to the Crown Inn from Newport in the summer of 2023, and it's one of our favourite pubs on the island.
At a glance
- Address: Walkers Lane, Shorwell, PO30 3JZ
- Phone: 01983 740293
- Open: daily from 11:30am, until 10pm (10:30pm Friday and Saturday)
- Food: lunch and evening every day (times in the FAQ below)
- Good for: families, walkers, cyclists, a long lunch in the garden
- Bus: route 12 stops about 25m from the pub
The pubSection titled The pub
The pub is in the middle of the village, next to the stream that runs through Shorwell. The building is Grade II listed and dates from the late 18th or early 19th century. Inside it's just what you'd hope for from an island country pub: low beamed ceilings, uneven stone floors and a big open fireplace for winter.
The gardenSection titled The garden
In summer the garden is the main draw. There's plenty of seating along the stream and a small but well-equipped play area for children. The stream and pond are stocked with trout, and there are usually ducks too.
Feeding the fishSection titled Feeding the fish
You can buy fish food at the bar. Children love feeding the trout, and you can watch from the garden tables while you eat.
The foodSection titled The food
The menu is mostly traditional pub classics, cooked fresh.
MainsSection titled Mains
My wife had the buttermilk chicken burger with chunky chips and coleslaw.
I went for the steak and ale pie. It may well be the best pie I've had in a pub. It was absolutely rammed with filling and quite intimidating when it arrived at the table.
We both agreed I won the day with my choice.
PuddingSection titled Pudding
For pudding we shared a cinnamon bao bun with ice cream. It was a nice surprise to see something that inventive on the menu of such a traditional pub.
Menus change with the seasons, so these dishes may not be on when you visit.
DrinksSection titled Drinks
The pub serves three real ales in summer and two in winter. According to CAMRA, there is always at least one from Yates', the Isle of Wight brewery.
The atmosphereSection titled The atmosphere
We visited on a Saturday afternoon after the long walk from Newport. The pub was heaving with cyclists taking part in a cross-island cycle challenge, and everyone was in good spirits.
We grabbed a table in the garden next to the stream and enjoyed the sunshine and the sound of the water. We're looking forward to going back in winter for the open fire.
Getting thereSection titled Getting there
- On foot: Shorwell is about five miles from Newport. Walking out across the countryside and stopping here for lunch is a classic island day out.
- By bus: Southern Vectis route 12 runs from Newport bus station through Carisbrooke and Shorwell, then on to Brighstone, Freshwater and Alum Bay. There are only a handful of buses a day, so check the timetable for your return before you set off.
- By car: the pub has parking.
- Access: there's step-free access into the pub, but two steps inside to the accessible toilet.
Our verdictSection titled Our verdict
The Crown Inn is everything a country pub should be: generous food, a warm welcome and one of the best pub gardens on the island. If you're exploring the West Wight or walking the downs, plan your day around lunch here.
If you're in Newport, have a look at The Castle Inn, the town's oldest pub, which also does a very good pie, or see our best pubs in Newport. For more, browse all our Isle of Wight pub reviews. Heading on to the West Wight coast? Route 12 carries on to Freshwater, and Colwell Bay is a short hop beyond.
SourcesSection titled Sources
- Our own visit, summer 2023 (photos are ours)
- Crown Inn, Shorwell: CAMRA (food times, facilities, listing; updated February 2026)
- The Crown Inn: Visit Isle of Wight (2026 opening hours)
- Route 12 timetable: bustimes.org
