Points for Providence: Why Braai Might Be the Most Important Restaurant on the Isle of Wight

A BBQ is nothing new, but Braai? Why's that so special?

Braai is a South African-inspired BBQ restaurant nestled on the historic Nunwell Estate, where open wood fires meet local, sustainably sourced food and drink—all served in a rustic barn. That’s a twist worth talking about.

As food filmmakers, we have the privilege of going behind the scenes at some of the most exciting food spots on the Isle of Wight. So, when we were tasked with capturing the essence of Braai—its menu, staff, and unique farm-to-fork ethos. We knew we were in for something special.

Upon arriving at the Nunwell Estate, it was clear that a lot of thought had gone into transforming the old barn into this extraordinary pop-up restaurant. The ambiance hits you as soon as you step in: rustic charm, the comforting aroma of sweet smoke, and the warm hum of a working kitchen in full view. Chefs gather around an open fire, and there’s a buzz in the air that feels... authentic. Braai doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is—a barn turned BBQ restaurant serving honest food. And that’s what makes it so inviting.

We got the chance to chat with the founders, asking the questions we knew everyone wanted answered:

• How did this start?
• Why a BBQ?
• How popular is Braai?
• What’s the vision?

Francesca from Nunwell Farm shared her philosophy while herding cows on the estate’s lush green pastures. She explained that

their mission is to create food that not only sustains but regenerates the land. The concept of farm-to-fork at Braai is not just a buzzword—it’s a reality. The distance between farm and table is as short as it gets.

So why Braai? Visionary chef Alex Kimber, from The Heron in Ryde, brought this pop-up BBQ to life.

His vision: simple, rustic BBQ in a setting that celebrates the essence of the Isle of Wight. And the collaboration didn’t stop there. It’s like an Avengers-style assembly of Isle of Wight food and drink. Nunwell supplies the meat, The Heron crafts the menu, and partners like Wight Whisky and Wight Knuckle pour the drinks. A perfect fusion of local businesses coming together to create something remarkable.

That collaboration is what’s drawing the crowds. While we were tucking into the smoked pulled pork—a caramel-rich, meaty delight—Alex mentioned they’re serving up over a thousand covers on weekends. That’s a serious amount of food.

And the food itself? Outstanding. We sampled everything, but the Nunwell beef burger stood out: thick, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Simple, rustic, and delicious. No apologies from me, I devoured the whole thing.

So what’s next for Braai? It’s clear the locals love it, and visitors are catching on too. Though I might be biased, I think we’re at the start of something bigger. The idea of local food, grown and prepared by local hands, is resonating. It’s a movement we need to see more of.

As we’ve all noticed, health trends are increasingly focused on eating local, embracing sustainability, and prioritising gut health, among other positive shifts. These changes benefit not only our personal well-being but also the broader community and environment. It’s good for us, and good for everyone.

Braai is a shining example of Isle of Wight providence at its finest. It’s not just about the food. It’s about creating a community around local businesses, celebrating our heritage, and setting the stage for the Isle of Wight to become the UK’s top foodie destination.

Instead of relying on mass-produced, overly branded, processed food from mega-corporations that prioritise profit over quality, Braai stands as a rebellion. It's a bold statement: "We choose quality and local over cheap and fast." Braai champions the belief that our hard-earned money should support local businesses that take pride in their craft, offering real, fresh ingredients rather than compromising for the sake of the bottom line. This isn’t just a meal. It’s a movement toward valuing what’s genuine, sustainable, and close to home.

And that’s why Braai is important. Providence is what will elevate us, making the Isle of Wight not just a place to visit but a place to experience.