A food lovers island

Discover the best local food producers on the Isle of Wight, all of which are members of the Wight Marque scheme.

Here on the Isle of Wight we’re blessed with many things. There’s the above average amount of sunny days that we have, abundant countryside that diversifies as it criss-crosses the island and an overwhelming pride in our local produce, food, and the provenance of it.

From the fertile Arreton Valley growing a wealth of crops to award-winning Jersey herds and cheeses, beers, wines and meat as well as foraged and found fruits, it’s no wonder the Wight Marque food provenance scheme came to be.

Wight Marque

The Wight Marque audited scheme was established to give local growers and producers the opportunity to trade together right along the food chain and onto the consumer, giving them a distinctive recognisable banner to operate under. This encourages people to buy local and reduce the impact of transporting food over long distances.

It also helps to sustain the island’s economy, raising the profile of the Isle of Wight as a quality food destination. Restaurants and tourism businesses who work hard to promote and support local food, drink and produce are all encouraged to join.

To be eligible to display the Wight Marque logo, products must be grown, raised, reared, caught, laid or fished on the Isle of Wight and processed products must contain raw ingredients from other Wight Marque members.

Meat and poultry

Farming has played a huge part in the landscape of the island for centuries. Although many have had to diversify by adding cafes, farm shops and areas where people can ‘meet the animals’. This has enhanced the offerings to islanders and tourists alike as well as creating a ‘foodie scene’.

The prize-winning Jersey herd at Briddlesford Farm not only supplies milk for its butter and award-winning cheeses but also veal. The shop supplies local favourites Cheverton Farm beef and lamb, Idlecombe Farm lamb and Brownrigg poultry.

At Island Foods between 75 and 80% of their meat is now sourced locally, brought directly from the farmers. The rest is sourced from other UK suppliers.

Seafood and vegetables

For super sides there’s the box scheme from Living Larder delivering fresh fruit and veg across the island and the new Modern Kitchen Garden providing homes and restaurants with eggs and vegetables.

Farmer Jacks in Arreton takes full advantage of the fertile soil where the Brown family have been faming for generations. They produce not just sweetcorn, for which it is renowned, but other seasonal crops of fruit and vegetables all for sale in their shop.

For fish lovers, Ventnor Fishery is a popular spot for fresh, locally caught crab and lobster in the summer months. As is Captain Stan’s in Bembridge with fish for sale caught by their boat Shooting Star or other local boats fishing in a low-impact way.

Drinks

If you like a tipple, then there are plenty of locally produced ones to choose from. Found and foraged ingredients form the basis of Tipsy Wight’s vodkas and liqueurs. There is also the award-winning vineyard at Adgestone producing first-class English wines.

If you like a gin or a Navy strength rum, then head to the Wishing Well at Puckpool and sample Mermaid’s offerings. Or choose from the selection of beers brewed by Goddards which include Quarr Abbey and Ducks Folly on sale across the island.

And if you like a bit of cheese to go with your wine, then Green Barns goats’ cheese or Isle of Wight Blue could be just the thing. Or a Wild Island dip or dressing to enhance your accompanying salad.

Whatever you choose from Isle of Wight food producers – meat, fish, fowl, vegetable or drink, you can be safe in the knowledge that everything has been produced with the countryside and sustainability in mind. We are proud of our island and strive to promote and support our farmers and producers by buying locally.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. If you have your favourite small producers, then promote them yourself through social media and word of mouth to keep the Wight Marque and island produce momentum going well into the next decade.