​

Their vision was to create a  unique and fun venue which served great tasting food supported by an  awesome selection of drinks, all at sensible prices whilst aspiring to  buying local produce wherever possible.  They chose to go for the bistro  theme, as the word bistro in the dictionary means 'a small, inexpensive  restaurant'.  They also wanted to share their enthusiasm and love of  the hospitality trade, to the 'next generation' to help keep this  industry alive with young and talented individuals.

​

Since opening the doors, Brian  and Caroline have been busy with their new family and developing this  business, here's what has happened to date:

• January 2017 - Baby Cheese Burger was born
• July 2017 - Doors open for HK - Cowes (and yes we opened a few days before the start of Cowes' week with a 6 month old baby)
• Winter 2017/18 - HK ON THE ROAD designed by Caroline and built by Brian
• Spring 2018 - HK takes on its first apprentice for cookery
• Early Summer 2018 - HK takes on its second apprentice for cookery
• July 2018 - HK ON THE ROAD launches with Round the Island Race being its first event.
• November 2018 - refurbishment of the 1st floor for HK Cowes was completed.  Designed by Caroline and built by Brian
• August 2019 - Baby Mini Milkshake was born
• Winter 2019 - first two apprentices completed and passed their qualification 
• Early 2020 - HK is awarded 'Best of the Wight - The Top 5' by the Wight Good Food Guide!
• February 2020 - HK designs and starts the building for two more (maybe three) HK ON THE ROAD units
• March 2020 - HK takes on its third apprentice for cookery
• March 2020 - HK forced to close due to COVID-19
• June 2020 - HK launches a home delivery service on Fridays and Saturdays for Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood areas
• September 2020 - HK Videos created
• January 2021 - Lockdown 
• July 2021 - Harbour Kitchen's sister business, Compass Bar, opened it's doors
• Nov 2021 - Took Silver for Red Funnel's Isle of Wight Awards with 'Best Burger'
• Nov 2021 - Recognised by County Press as one of the top five vegan eateries on the island. 
• Jan 2022 - Closed for the entire month (never done that before) to refurb the kitchen and redecorate the front of house. 
• Apr 2022 - Recognised by the County Press as 'Best places for a burger on the Isle of Wight according to Tripadvisor reviews'. 
• Sept 2022 - Trip Advisors Travellers' Choice Award 
• Nov - 2022 Took GOLD for Red Funnel's Isle of Wight Awards with 'Best Burger' catagory. 
• Nov - 2023 Took