Situated right on the waters edge
The Old Fort is a privately owned free house perched on the seafront in the heart of Seaview, one of the Isle of Wight's most picturesque sailing villages. Overlooking the Solent and just moments from the beach, it has long been a landmark gathering place for locals, sailors, holidaymakers and visitors alike.
In July 2020, lifelong friends Justin and Will took on their beloved local pub during one of the most uncertain periods the hospitality industry had ever faced. With a shared passion for great food, great service and creating memorable hospitality experiences, they set about carefully restoring and reimagining The Old Fort for a new generation.
The response from the local community was overwhelming. What started as an ambitious project soon became one of the Island's busiest and most popular coastal destinations, welcoming tens of thousands of guests each year and earning a reputation for quality food, warm hospitality and one of the best views on the Isle of Wight.
Today, The Old Fort remains proudly independent, locally owned and owner-operated. While much has changed over the years, the philosophy remains exactly the same: serve delicious food and drink, champion the very best local and seasonal produce, and create a relaxed, welcoming environment where everyone feels at home.
Whether you're joining us for a long lunch in the sunshine, sunset cocktails overlooking the sea, or dinner with family and friends, you'll find the same warm hospitality, spectacular views and unmistakable Old Fort atmosphere that have made us a favourite with locals and visitors alike.
Serving fresh, locally sourced, seasonal produce
The Isle of Wight is blessed with some of Britain's finest produce, from its fertile farmland and market gardens to the waters that surround its coastline. Head Chef Scott Wright and his talented kitchen team take great pride in showcasing the very best of the island's seasonal ingredients, creating dishes that celebrate both provenance and flavour.
Our menus evolve throughout the year, making the most of what's fresh, local and at its peak. Expect vibrant seasonal dishes, locally landed seafood, hand-stretched sourdough pizzas, creative daily specials and carefully crafted takes on much-loved pub classics, all prepared fresh to order.
We work closely with local fishermen, growers and independent suppliers wherever possible, allowing our kitchen team the freedom to create dishes inspired by the changing seasons and the incredible produce available right here on our doorstep.
Whether you're joining us for a leisurely lunch overlooking the Solent, sunset drinks with friends, or dinner by the sea, our aim is simple - to serve honest, delicious food in a relaxed and welcoming setting, with quality ingredients always taking centre stage.
Enjoy refreshing drinks & delicious food
The views may be the first thing that catch your eye, but we hope it's the atmosphere that keeps you coming back.
As a proudly independent free house, we're free to serve what we genuinely love to eat and drink. From carefully selected wines and local spirits to ice-cold draught beers, seasonal cocktails and ever-changing specials, our drinks offering has been curated with the same attention to detail as our food.
Whether you're joining us downstairs in the lively pub, enjoying a relaxed lunch on the terrace, or settling into our light-filled upstairs restaurant with panoramic views across the Solent, every space has been designed to make the most of our unique seaside location.
Led day-to-day by Charlotte, Bee and our fantastic front-of-house team, we strive to offer warm, genuine hospitality from the moment you arrive. Many of our guests return time and time again, drawn by the combination of great food, great drinks, spectacular views and the friendly atmosphere that has become synonymous with The Old Fort.
We're passionate about quality in everything we do. From perfectly poured pints and thoughtfully chosen wines to signature cocktails enjoyed as the sun sets over the water, our aim is simple: to create the sort of place we'd want to spend our own time in - relaxed, welcoming and full of character.
With 11 draught beers, an extensive wine list, premium spirits and a growing cocktail menu, we've built a drinks offering we're incredibly proud of. As the first pub on the Isle of Wight to achieve Beer Marque accreditation, quality is at the heart of everything we pour - from perfectly chilled pints and local ales to signature cocktails enjoyed overlooking the sea.
Multi-award winning
We’re proud of the recognition The Old Fort has received so far, from Best Destination Pub to Best Pub (Silver) at the Isle of Wight Awards 2023. None of this would have been possible without the support of our community and the dedication of our amazing team.
But this is just the beginning. With more exciting plans ahead, our goal is simple — to keep putting The Old Fort and Seaview on the map for locals and visitors alike.
"This is seaside dining at its absolute best – all in a relaxed, cosy environment served with a smile..."