Where the Isle Parties: A Day at The Hut, Colwell Bay

Gazing across the Solent from the quay at Lymington Spa, the Isle of Wight appears almost like a mirage—clouds parting above it, sunlight spilling onto its coastal edge. For somewhere close enough for a day trip from London, this little patch of land just off the mainland has a way—especially at The Hut—of prompting that classic line: “I forgot I was in the UK.” It’s the same kind of disbelief people have when they first see pictures of St Ives and do a double take—convinced it must be somewhere in the Med rather than Cornwall. Granted, we were lucky with the weather that day, but with Hamachi Tiradito going around, rosé on ice, sun hats galore and a live quartet playing a bouncy rendition of the Gipsy Kings, it felt a lot closer to Antigua than Lymington—believe me.

Ties to the Tropics

Speaking of...The Hut now has a genuine connection to Antigua, with the opening of a second outpost on its own private island off the crystal shores of Little Jumby. Back at the original Hut in Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight, the feeling of private seclusion is just as present.

Guests can *almost* sail right up to their table via private boat. The restaurant also features two bookable spaces for private events: the Top Deck, which seats up to 26 guests and includes its own drinks terrace; and the Roof Deck, a larger area for up to 48, complete with a dedicated bar and bathrooms just for yourself and your guests. My recent visit had an agenda: the highly anticipated summer party. It spilled across every corner of The Hut with an infectious energy that grew as the sun moved across the sky—complete with nods to its Antiguan sister, from glitter-dusted Carnival dancers to the saxophonist’s setlist.

Surf, Turf and Sax

Upon arrival, the shots were already flowing—gazpacho shots, that is. The stronger stuff was saved for the “Pops & Shots” part of the party, where vibrant passionfruit-filled cake pops and baby Guinness shots made the rounds across the terraces. By then, most guests were barefoot and dancing on cushioned benches (rightly so). But let’s rewind to before the Painkillers kicked in—and to be clear, I mean The Hut’s signature cocktail (a cinnamon-spiced take on the Piña Colada), not the contents of a first aid kit.

The food offering revolves around fresh, locally-sourced seafood, with both Mediterranean and Catalan influences taking centre stage. Naturally, the summer party menu brought these elements to the fore. Silver platters circulated, brimming with moreish canapés – the most unexpectedly delicious being a bite of compressed watermelon, crowned with a silky avocado and wasabi purée.

Sharing starters included a zesty Hamachi served with aji amarillo and mango salsa, and a bright, citrusy lobster salad. The popcorn shrimp, however, were irresistibly light. Reaching for them and dunking them in the accompanying Cajun mayo became an involuntary reflex – once you’d popped a couple, stopping simply wasn’t an option.

The main event arrived in the form of a classic surf ’n’ turf: a 35-day dry-aged beef fillet paired with a tender lobster tail and a rich bisque reduction. I personally would’ve welcomed a few more sauces alongside the steak, but everything was cooked beautifully, with spot-on textures throughout. My jalapeño apple margarita – with just the right spicy kick – made for the perfect companion.

As the seafood was passed around and drinks flowed, The Strikes – a lively four-piece from Courchevel and regulars at The Hut – weaved between tables belting out everything from ABBA to The Beatles. Later in the evening, the party turned up a notch with Kiss My Brass! – a sax, trumpet and DJ trio who had everyone dancing carelessly on tables and benches to Bamboleo, as all proper summer parties should. This year marks the first time The Hut’s annual summer bash has stretched over two days – and on this, the second day, not a single seat remained unclaimed (or undanced upon).

Find out more and book a table at The Hut, Colwell Bay via thehutcolwell.co.uk and look out for upcoming events via thehutcolwell.co.uk/events

How to get to The Hut, Colwell Bay

The most common way to travel from London to the Isle of Wight is by taking the Wightlink ferry from Lymington or Portsmouth, following a train journey from Waterloo Station. The ferry crossing typically takes around 40 minutes, after which you’ll need to make your way from the ferry terminal to Colwell Chine Road to visit The Hut.

For a faster and more stylish option, you can charter a private powerboat to cross the Solent and pass the iconic chalky silhouette of The Needles. Attitude Charter, run by Tim Coe and Terri Spencer, offers a direct transfer to The Hut with Champagne in hand as you glide across the waves. There’s no bumpy, windswept ride — just a sleek, private journey from Lymington straight to your day’s holiday destination.

And when your evening meal is over, Attitude will be on hand to whisk you back into the night. The charter costs £675 for up to six people, Champagne included. Find out more and book at attitudecharter.com/hut.