Village Inn Bembridge Isle Of Wight

Let’s talk about a proper hidden gem. I mean the Village Inn in Bembridge, Isle of Wight. This isn’t just a pub; it’s a time machine with a beer engine.

Where Even the Ceiling Tells a Story

Walk in, and you’ll hit the floor with a satisfying thud. That’s because the bar is weighed down by a gigantic ship’s anchor used as a doorstop. Yes, an actual anchor.

Look up. The ceiling is papered with banknotes from all over the world. Tourists leave cash—literally taped to the rafters—for good luck. It’s a weird, wonderful art installation made of money.

This pub has zero pretence. It’s a salty, wooden cave where the floor creaks like a pirate ship. You half expect a parrot to order a pint.

The Beer, the Food, the Quirk

The real star? The God’s Own Brew. No, that’s not a joke. They serve a beer literally named after a divine beverage. It’s a local bitter, and it tastes like victory.

Hungry? Try the fresh crab sandwiches. Bembridge is a working fishing village, so the seafood is ridiculously fresh. It’s so good, you’ll forget the ceiling is covered in cash.

They also sell fossils. Yes, fossils. You can order a ploughman’s lunch, then buy a 100-million-year-old shell. Where else does that happen?

YE OLD VILLAGE INN, Bembridge - 2025 Reviews & Information

The Ghost Who Stole the Beer

Every old pub needs a ghost. The Village Inn doesn’t disappoint. They claim a drunk sailor from the 1800s still haunts the back room. He’s apparently looking for his lost bottle of rum.

Staff swear glasses move on their own. Locals call him “Old George.” He’s either a poltergeist or a very messy regular. Either way, watch your drink.

The quirky bit? The ghost is said to be friendly. He just wants a sip. So if your pint suddenly tastes watered down, you know who to blame.

The Windows Face the Sea, But the Soul Faces the Past

Sit by the window. You’ll see boats bobbing in Bembridge Harbour. It’s postcard-perfect. But turn around, and the dark wooden interior feels like the 1700s.

This pub survived World War II bombings. A bomb actually fell nearby, but the pub stood firm. The locals say it’s because the landlord was too stubborn to close for repairs.

STRUCTURES BUILT WITHOUT PLANNING PERMISSION AT BEMBRIDGE PUB TO BE

They still have an open fire in winter. It crackles like a dragon’s breath. Perfect for warming your hands after a blustery coastal walk.

Why You Must Visit (Even if You’re Not Thirsty)

This isn’t a polished tourist trap. It’s a living museum with a jukebox. The carpet is sticky with history. The locals will chat your ear off about the time a seal walked in.

Fun fact: the pub was once a smuggler’s den. Bembridge was rife with bootleggers. The Village Inn’s cellars probably hid more rum than the Royal Navy.

Today, you can still see the old smuggling tunnels. Some are bricked up. Others are just rumours. But the vibe remains: illicit, exciting, and wonderfully chaotic.

So grab a pint of God’s Own Brew. Stare at the money-ceiling. Feel the ghost’s cold hand on your shoulder. The Village Inn isn’t just a pub—it’s the Isle of Wight’s best-kept, weirdest secret. Go before the anchor sinks the floor.