The Hambrough

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<p class="intro"> Rightly proud of its status as the most-decorated restaurant on the Isle of Wight, and winning more glowing accolades by the year this restaurant with rooms is small, intimate and exclusive (there&rsquo;s a handful of top-quality suites available for guests alongside the &lsquo;main attraction&rsquo; of the The Hambrough).</p> <p> An impressive edifice, surrounded by other lofty villa-style houses and featuring a beautiful sea-view terrace, The Hambrough marries utmost relaxation with a gently formal air. The restaurant &ndash; with food influences which caper around Europe and make use of the best British seasonal produce &ndash; strives for (and gains) the &lsquo;wow&rsquo; factor to match this.</p> <p> Chef Robert Thompson has sought to turn the place into a modern, exclusive retreat, and the food produced in his kitchen matches this. Cornish mackerel might be served in a ceviche with horseradish cream and pickles, and other top-quality ingredients make welcome appearances: smoked eel and foie gras with pork belly, celeriac remoulade and brioche, for example, or cannelloni of wild rabbit served with a broth of rabbit and porcini. Staples like loin of pork (reared on the island) might come with Spanish omelette and black olive nicoise purée; and pan-fried red mullet could arrive with a tagliatelle of courgette, seared scallops, purple basil pesto and veloute of smoked garlic. For all of the prestigious ingredients, prices are reasonable - particularly considering the accolades.</p> <p> Service is expert and attentive, with the emphasis on comfort and relaxation rather than excessive formality &ndash; as befits the comfort levels of the establishment in general. Vegetarian and breakfast options complete the picture, and it&rsquo;s all augmented by a wine list which covers the world and the &lsquo;champagne of the millennium&rsquo; as the house fizz.</p> <p> &nbsp;</p>

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