Two Ventnor pubs named among Britain's best for 2026

Summarised from IW County Press's report · Updated 4 Nov, 21:40 · Archive

The Bonchurch Inn and The Volunteer in Ventnor have been named among The Telegraph's best pubs in the UK for 2026. The Telegraph added 150 new pubs to its 500-strong list from 2025.

Panel member Will Hawkes praised the Bonchurch Inn for its cask ale and Italian food. Converted from stables in 1904, it has been run by the Besozzi family since the 1980s and offers a traditional pub experience on the Isle of Wight. The pub has attracted famous visitors, including chef Rick Stein, and features a striking fifties bar.

The Volunteer, on Victoria Street in central Ventnor, was recognised for being traditionally minded with no television or fruit machines. The pub features a wooden Union Jack and military memorabilia. It is also home to Rings, the Isle of Wight's own pub game involving throwing rings onto hooks on a board.

Read the report

• The Telegraph names two Island pubs among Britain's best in 2026Two Ventnor pubs have been named among The Telegraph’s best in the UK for 2026.IW County Press · 4 Nov, 05:00

In this story: The Telegraph · Ventnor · Isle of Wight · Bonchurch Inn · The Volunteer · Besozzi family

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