Meet The Hambrough’s Matthew Tomkinson
Meet the Executive Chef of The Hambrough Group, Matthew Tomkinson. A Roux Scholar and Michelin Star holder at two of his previous restaurants, Matthew joined The Hambrough in April 2021.
He’s already elevated The Hambrough’s existing reputation as one of the key destinations on the Island’s culinary map. In his first 6 months the restaurant was awarded 2 AA Rosettes and an entry into 2022 Michelin Guide. “I’ve already been fortunate to use some of the Island’s ingredients in my professional career and this role gives me the chance to showcase the abundance of fine, seasonal produce available on the Island.”
It was during his time at Ockenden Manor in West Sussex that Matthew won the Roux Scholarship – a prestigious cooking competition for promising chefs – and subsequently at The Goose in Britwell Salome and The Montagu Arms in the New Forest, his Michelin Stars.
Perched on the hill, high above Ventnor harbour and beach, the views from The Hambrough restaurant are unrivalled. Windows overlook Ventnor’s serene seascape and diners can spot yachts bobbing and seabirds flying towards the horizon.
Matthew’s dishes are influenced by classical French cooking, and he offers seasonal menus with a light classical style. The Hambrough’s menus change regularly and there’s a different offering for lunch and dinner, giving you good reason to return again and again. Recent dishes featured include Arreton Valley Asparagus Velouté, Roast Rump of Briddlesford Farm Veal and a selection of local cheeses. Many ingredients travelling no more than 10 miles across the Island!
Matthew is so enthusiastic about the Island, where he stays during the week; “Every time I catch the ferry it feels like I’m going on holiday!”. With a young family over in the New Forest he crosses the Solent with Wightlink regularly via our Lymington route.
If you get chance, enjoy a sundowner in the ‘secret’ garden out the back or an aperitif in the relaxed Hambrough Bar before dining – the views here are equally incredible. The bar offers a good selection of wines, champagnes and cocktails for either location. From the restaurant it’s just a 3-minute walk to the beach – perfect for walking off your fine dining experience.
If you’d like to stay overnight, this boutique hotel has seven individually designed rooms, most with those amazing sea views, and some with balconies looking across the English Channel.
The Hambrough Group also owns several self-catering properties and they have grand plans for the future which include more hotel rooms and self-catering properties on the site, as well as a series of food and wine events, making Ventnor a must-visit destination for foodies.
