Royally recognised Isle of Wight chef Robert Thompson is closing down his open-kitchen restaurant Thompson’s in Newport this month and reopening it on the island later this year.

Robert first won acclaim in his early 20s as chef at the Hambrough two decades ago, and his been a standard bearer for Isle of Wight dining ever since. Last summer he was awarded an MBE in King Charles’s first Birthday Honours for his services to hospitality, tourism and charity.

He outlined his projected move in an Instagram post which also announced the opening of a second restaurant early next month. Full details of both openings are expected to follow.

The post read: “Opened in July 2015, Thompson’s has been home since, and to say it’s been a blast is an understatement. I’ve met many guests and employed many staff, and I feel privileged every time I unlock and lock the door.

“The support I’ve received has been immense, and my sincere thanks go to my family, friends, colleagues, and, of course, guests. It’s that same support that fuels me every day.

“With every journey, there is a beginning and, of course, an end, and for my first restaurant with all its charm, the time has come.
Thompson’s will close its doors after service on the 17th of February, and I look forward to seeing what the place I’ve loved will become.

“It’s not the end though, and early March will see the opening of my second restaurant, with Thompson’s following in the Autumn – in a new, fully designed space, of course still on the Island of which I’m so fond.“