Island Echo examines the 4 current licensed premises in Yarmouth – the settlement with the highest density of pubs per person in the whole of the Isle of Wight. The population of Yarmouth (according to the 2011 census) is just 865. While most Isle of Wight towns and villages have lost many if not most of their historic watering holes – Newport and Ryde were said to have had over 100 at one time – there is still one drinking establishment for every 200 people in the town on the Western Yar. However, when the George opened in Yarmouth in 1764, there were said to be 5 or 6 others in the town – at a time when its population was a mere 300. All remaining Yarmouth Inns are historic buildings – George Inn, the King’s Head, the Bugle and the Wheatsheaf – which date back as far as 4 centuries. There were once 2 more, now long gone: the New Inn in the High Street (now Marlborough House) and the Whyte Lion in St James Street (now Port House). 
The George Hotel
The George Hotel – formerly the Pier Hotel – was originally a mansion built for Henry Holmes, Governor of the Isle of Wight, at the beginning of the 18th century. This, in turn was built on the site of the residence of the famous admiral Sir Robert Holmes, who was said to have entertained King Charles II. It then became a hotel in 1764. 
The George has had a somewhat chequered history over recent years. in 2019, it was taken over by nightclub owner and reputedly friend of Prince Harry – Howard Spooner. In 2022, it attracted national media attention for the cost of its burgers – a whopping £21.50 – for which you would pay a £2 removal fee for any unwanted ingredients. This would mean a plain burger without cheese, bacon, lettuce or onions would set you back £35.50. Howard Spooner was involved in a bitter dispute with former TV weather presenter Sally Johnson over ownership of the hotel which Johnson lost, paying £120,000 in legal costs. In July 2023, the George hotel went into liquidation owing close to £1million to its creditors, including many small Isle of Wight companies. Today, the George Hotel is owned by Solent Views Hotels Ltd whose sole director is Felix Spooner (his relationship with Howard is unknown).
The King’s Head
The King’s Head – now part of the Character Inn Group together with the Bugle – dates back to the 16th century. It has stone floors, low ceilings, an intimate atmosphere with an abundance of cosy corners and often boasts a large open fire. 
It is named – naturally – after King Charles I, imprisoned in Carisbrooke Castle in 1647 and beheaded for treason in 1649. However, the King’s Head was once known as the Queen’s Head, in reference either to Queen Anne (1702-14) or even the earlier monarch Queen Elizabeth (1558-1601).
The Bugle Coaching Inn
The Bugle Coaching Inn is and was Yarmouth’s largest hostelry. This 16th century coaching inn has been owned by a 4-generation Island family for 3 decades. 
No doubt the former coaching inn was of great importance before the railway station was completed in 1889, and stage coach services ran from the Square to Newport, Freshwater and Ventnor. Some locals believe the Bugle was once known as the Bull’s Head. However, in Isle of Wight dialect. ‘bugle’ means young or wild bull.
The Wheatsheaf Inn
The Wheatsheaf – another old former coaching inn – appears modern from the front facing the quay with its 20th century facade. However, the back facing the the alley dates to the 18th century. 
The Wheatsheaf is twinned with another traditional pub: the Red Lion in Freshwater. For those who live to combine beer with a walk, the Red Lion is a 2-hour walk along the former railway line on the east bank of the Yar. If you frequent the hostelries of Yarmouth, which is your favourite?
