We go to pubs to eat food but, perhaps hypocritically, we also like it when pubs still feature local patrons, a buzz of conversation, and the clink of glasses.

The Portland Inn in Gurnard ticks all those boxes for a comfy and welcoming evening at the neighbourhood tavern. How about the food though?

Pub grub favourites included pie of the day, battered haddock, and a whole page of burgers.

But anyone wishing to stray beyond those staples had plenty of tempting options, many featuring fish or seafood.

(Image: Matt and Cat)

We started with a couple of truffle and parmesan arancini to share - piping hot home-made fried balls of rice in panko crumb, served with a lively side salad and a splendidly rich port and blue cheese sauce.

The parmesan and truffle were subtle, if they were there at all, but we loved popping the freshly fried arancini into the moreish dip.  

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Both our main courses caused exclamations of delight.

Spiced prawns with chilli, ginger and garlic noodles was a beautifully-presented Asian-inspired bowlful.

Noodles and prawns were generously dressed in a classic Asian curry sauce, and the dish was decorated with neatly sliced limes, pickled red cabbage, and pink daisies.

The shellfish were big, soft, and plentiful; and the gently spicy curry sauce was a great complement to their mild flavour.

(Image: Matt and Cat) A dish as good as it looked, and it looked great.    

Impressive in a different way was the Portland Fishy Board.

This compilation dish included three big battered haddock goujons, two spicy Thai fishcakes, no fewer than three home-fried onion rings and chunky chips.

A flavourful tartare came alongside, as did some sweet chilli dipping sauce and a spoonful of fresh slaw.

(Image: Matt and Cat) All served on a wooden trencher, this was a titanic celebration of fish.

The haddock, fresh, moist and hot, was as good as a chip shop, and the fishcakes were stuffed with plenty of actual fish – another well-executed meal from the Portland.

So, as is often the case, to find some satisfying seafood-themed dining the answer is to go inland a little bit.

As well as offering pub dining standards the Portland Inn pleased us with their creative and good-value specials.

It's a good place for a pint and a chat; and we can certainly recommend it as a place to eat too. 

(Image: Matt and Cat)(Image: Matt and Cat)