Jo Slater-Bishop (N°64 Ryde)
Text and Photos by Vincent Dupont-Blackshaw
The Isle of Wight is also (mostly) about the people who live here.
If you live in Ryde, you probably already know Jo Slater-Bishop. She has owned and run N°64 Ryde since April 2017.
When she opened this place, she wanted something a little different from the normal corner cafe. Somewhere people can meet and enjoy a great atmosphere along with great food and coffee. Somewhere to feel comfortable, even coming in on their own, somewhere for the community all year round. I don’t know about you, but I think she has done a really good job.
For ‘Life on the Isle of Wight’, she is sharing her journey and her favorite places on the island.
Vincent Dupont-Blackshaw: What is your story with the IOW? What brought you here?
Jo Slater-Bishop: My story started over 40 years ago, when my husband and I first got together. We used to have many holidays and even day visits on the island. Living in Surrey and Hampshire at the time it was an obvious choice due to being so close, but still an Island away from the mainland. Then after 30 years living in Cornwall, we felt it was time to move back closer to family and chose the Isle of Wight as our home.
V.D.B.: What is your favorite thing about the Isle of Wight?
J.S.B.: Being in easy reach of both the sea and the countryside, with some of the nicest views in the country.
V.D.B.: What do people get wrong about the Isle of Wight?
J.S.B.: Many believe it's a far-flung offshore Island and that the Islanders are not friendly. Nothing could be further from the truth.
V.D.B.: What is the Island's most underrated attraction/place?
J.S.B.: The stretch of coastline from Ryde beach along to Bembridge.
V.D.B.: If someone who had never visited the island before came for the first time, where would you take them?
J.S.B.: The Duver at St Helens.
V.D.B.: What is your favourite pubs/restaurants on the island?
J.S.B.: Michelangelo (Ryde), Ada Mediterranean (Ryde), The Bonchurch Inn, The Culver inn.
V.D.B.: What is your favourite shop on the island?
J.S.B.: Beautique in Ryde.
V.D.B.: Do you have anyone in mind I should meet next for an interview ?
J.S.B.: Anna from Michelangelo in Ryde. Apart from running a very successful restaurant, she is the founder of 'Harp on Wight' international festival. Renowned harpists from all over the world come to play. This year is the 10th anniversary in October.
Lucia Para who is an Italian artist and illustrator. She specialises in nature with a whimsical twist. She is a passionate forager and holds workshops for children.
Terri Exposite. Terri is the Co-ordinator at the Well Being Cafe in Ventnor and is run by Ventnor Town Council. She has done so much for the Ventnor community and helped so many people with mental and physical health issues. She has a very caring and bubbly personality.
