Jazaphar Smith-DowseA revamped new eatery has opened on Scarrots Lane in Newport offering the best of British and continental cuisine. Valentines – as well as being a romantic moniker – also refers to the tragic sweep who lost his life nearby 2 centuries ago. The breakfasts aim to be as authentically British as possible, with Island-made butcher’s sausages and free range eggs and a decent, solid quantity of food. Tea and toast is, naturally, included in the price of the breakfast. As much of the food as can be sourced from the Isle of Wight will be offered to customers. Other daytime offerings include cottage pie, lasagne, and burgers – all made from scratch by experienced head chef Tyler Bailey. A wide range of cakes are also available – including Coffee, Walnut, and Victoria sponge – made by chef Steph Green. The traditional British café opened on Friday (8th December). Regular breakfast at Valentines However, from Thursday (14th December), the tapas bar will be open from 18:00 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The tapas bar aims to provide small, flavoursome light bites, made in as authentic a manner as possible. The tapas menu will include: flash fried garlic chilli prawns, sautéed chorizo, patatas bravas, burnt lemon Basque cheesecake, and traditional lemon Portuguese tarts. Valentines’ proprietor Jazaphar Smith-Dowse says:
“Renovation was a lot of work, but it’s now looking quite smart. It’s going to be a proper British café in the daytime and a Spanish wine and tapas bar in the evening. “We started off quietly on Friday, but but business has picked up over the weekend.”
One uninvited guest to the renovated café is said to be the restless spirit of Valentine Gray, who is believed by some to haunt the environs of Gray’s Walk. Tyler Bailey, Steph Green, and Jazaphar Smith Dowse The new owner has reputedly experienced objects being moved in an unexplained manner and the mysterious shattering of glassware…
Valentines’ proprietor Jazaphar Smith-Dowse says:
