A YOUNG chef has cemented his restaurant’s position as a top eatery by earning a Michelin star.
Robert Thompson took over the Hambrough Hotel, at Ventnor, just six months ago. Last week he learned it had been awarded three rosettes by the prestigious AA guide.
At the weekend he discovered the restaurant had also been recognised by the world-renowned guide Michelin, being awarded one star — the only place on the Island currently to have one.
That puts it in the same league as Gordon Ramsey at Claridges, The River Cafe and Nobu’s two Mayfair establishments.
Mr Thompson, who also held a Michelin star at Winteringham Fields, in Lincolnshire, said he hoped the recognition would not just benefit The Hambrough but the whole Island.
“When we had the star at Winteringham, it would draw people from all over. We had customers coming in from Belgium, or driving up from London for lunch,” he said.
The role of the Island’s food producers was a key part in earning the award, according to Mr Thompson.
“We could not have done it without local suppliers. Freshness of ingredients and using local produce is a huge part of the award these days,” he said.
• Former Island chef Kevin Mangeolles has repeated the success he enjoyed at the George Hotel, Yarmouth, by earning a Michelin star at his latest venture, the Neptune Inn, Norfolk. Mr Mangeolles had been at the George for nine years, before taking over as chef/proprietor at the Norfolk business 18 months ago.
Reporter:
ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk