AN ISLAND hotel is hoping to become a destination venue for vegetarians, with the launch of a new meat-free menu.
The Royal Hotel, Ventnor, now offers diners a choice of gourmet vegetarian dishes, on show recently, when the new dishes were launched with a tasting session.
"The Royal is recognised as one of the best places to eat on the Island and I would like it to be known as a destination for gourmet vegetarian food as well," said hotel owner William Bailey.
Seeking inspiration for the hotel’s new menu, head chef Dan Maskell and executive head chef Alan Staley visited some of the country’s top vegetarian restaurants.
Alan said: "Chefs like cooking meat and fish whereas vegetarian food can sometimes be an afterthought, which is something we are really keen to change.
"We want to get to a stage where people mention vegetarian food and automatically think of The Royal."
Guests at Wednesday’s tasting session included Island food reviewers Matt and Cat, who were quick to praise the chefs’ efforts.
"I think it will be popular because there are a lot of vegetarians on the Island.
"Vegetarians often get a bum deal and have to eat the same dishes over and over again, like mushroom risotto or cheese omelette, so to have a choice like this is incredible," said Cat.
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk