The founder and chairman of Wetherspoons, Tim Martin, has revealed ambitions to create a rooftop beer garden at S. Fowler & Co. in Ryde during a surprise visit to the Isle of Wight this week.
Martin dropped into the popular Ryde pub on Union Street as part of his routine of visiting around 10 pubs each week, a schedule that sees him tour the entire estate roughly every 18-19 months.
During his visit, he spent time speaking with staff and customers, describing Ryde as a ‘fantastic town’ and adding that it is clear ‘people who live here like living in Ryde’.
The visit was captured on video by Island-based Film Officer Dave Russell and Island Explorer’s Neil Hartland, with Tim agreeing to an impromptu interview outside the pub.
During the conversation, Tim addressed one of the most talked-about changes among customers – the removal of steaks and certain traditional meals from the menu. He explained that the decision was driven by ongoing issues with consistency in food quality and preparation.
He said:
“It’s a tricky one… we were struggling to get consistency with the offer.
“A lot of people can’t agree on what a medium steak is, so a lot was sent back… we’re looking for consistency.”
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However, local concerns were also raised during the discussion, with it suggested that the replacement menu – including burgers – has not proved as popular in Ryde, particularly following the loss of traditional steak nights.
Looking ahead, the discussion turned to the future of Fowlers and whether any major refurbishment could be on the cards. Tim expressed caution about large-scale refits, stating that maintaining the character of each pub is a priority.
He added that the company instead focuses on ongoing investment, with around £100,000 spent on repairs and upkeep at each pub every year.
One potential addition did emerge, however – the possibility of creating an outdoor space, something the pub currently lacks.
Tim said:
“I want a garden… the only way I can put it on is on the roof.
“I’m going to try and get a garden on the roof.”
If realised, the proposal would see Fowlers gain a rooftop beer garden – a first for the venue and a notable addition to Ryde’s hospitality offering.
Thanks god for this man if it wasn’t for him pub life would be gone..
Wish he do the same with village pubs and get the offer right and people back
“Film Officer Dave Russell” … may I ask for whom or is it a vanity title?
As long as the numpties don’t smoke or Vape on the roof.
That is one thing the Ferry Companies have got right
“NO VAPING OR SMOKING OUTSIDE ON THE DECK”
Why ever shouldn’t people be allowed to smoke or vape outside?
Nanny state nonsense from the ‘if it moves, ban it’ attitude that now governs our lives. What a small minded, intolerant country we have become.
Non smokers don’t want to spend their hard earned
and breath in uneducated numpties fumes.
If numpties want to smoke or vape
go outside onto the street and be anti-social.
But you were saying they shouldn’t be allowed to smoke and vape outside!!!!
Be consistent, you Numpty!
Passive smoking kills.
If numpties want to kill themselves that’s their
choice.
You are obviously a Numpty smoker
Just wondered what was said in the interview by the interviewer – when was Fowlers ever a “furniture store” and when did it “burn down” ? In my recollection it was a Department store selling mainly clothes and haberdashery.
Fowler’s used to have a great cafe inside, those were the days,
then it became a charity shop, then Spoons.
i shall be up there