The team behind the popular Yarmouth restaurant, Off the Rails, have been revealed as the new owners of The Bandstand in Sandown. Offering panoramic views of the picturesque Sandown Bay, The Bandstand has been a firm favourite with Islanders and tourists alike in recent years but closed its doors in March 2023. Now under new ownership, this iconic venue is set to undergo a transformative revival under the experienced guidance of locals Philippe Blot and Roger Hewins, renowned for their railway-themed dining experience at Off the Rails in the West Wight. Sandown’s beloved culinary gem is set to re-open at the end of March. Philippe, sharing his vision for The Bandstand, explains:
“Our goal is to build and create a unique dining experience that captures the essence of The British seaside. From savoury hints of seaweed to whimsical cotton candy, every dish will evoke the nostalgia and charm of a day by the sea. “Behind the scenes, The Bandstand is a buzz with activity as a passionate local team prepares to welcome guests. The interior is undergoing a top to bottom redecoration while the Culinary Team is crafting a menu brimming with surprises. “We invite guests (and their canine companions) to join us on this exciting journey. Follow us on social media for updates and sneak peeks, and visit Off the Rails Yarmouth for a flavour of what’s to come”.
The building was originally built around 1910 but had sadly fallen into disrepair after a café in the downstairs section closed in the mid-1970s. The site was purchased from the Isle of Wight Council in 2013 before undergoing a major renovation, opening to customers in April 2015.
Oh dear.
Poor service and staff at off the rails, it’s not a place that I would recommend so I’d avoid this new place too.
I remember reading reviews on the Yarmouth place before my visit, the negative reviews I agree with.
Sorry to say but I agree.
I drove all the way over there to go off the rails and it was just what it said on the tin, off the bloody rail, if the new Band stand is the same I will stay well away
“From savoury hints of seaweed to whimsical cotton candy, every dish will evoke the nostalgia and charm of a day by the sea”.
Ahhhhh, the aroma of weed emanating from passing cars and the occasional whiff of woodsmoke as the fire from abandoned hotels glow in the night time seaside sky. The musical call of seagulls as they swoop to gather chips and burgers from the overfull bins…
Rubbish, look at the monstrosity of a building we have ended up with at Totland Bay and its still not open. When will people learn that if your on the beach with your children you want an ice cream, tea or coffee not a mouthful of seaweed or cotton wool, this is the Isle of Wight for christ sake not London!
Good luck with this new venture, we are looking forward to visiting you very soon.
Brave move setting up a business in Turd Town Sandown
It was blitzed a few years ago and the Council have still not
cleaned up the mess.
The High Street is derelict, most people will drive by and go to Shanklin.