Thompson's

Thompson's

  • 6/10The Good Food Guide
  • Two Rosettes
Chef Robert Thompson’s first solo restaurant gives the diner front row seats to the theatre of the kitchen and all the wonderful flavours the Isle of Wight has to offer.
11 Town Lane
Newport
Isle of Wight
United Kingdom
PO30 1JU
Contact Details
  • (01983) 526118
  • Visit website
  • Thompson's
    11 Town Lane, Newport, United Kingdom, Isle of Wight, PO30 1JU
    Telephone
    (01983) 526118
    Restaurant reservations
    Open Table Logo

    Situated in the heart of the Isle of Wight in the island’s principal town, Newport, is Robert Thompson’s first solo restaurant: Thompson’s. It is a contemporary ‘open kitchen’ restaurant offering a modern British menu inspired by both the flavours of the island and Robert’s own experiences. Compared to the 100 covers at his previous position as chef at The George hotel, this forty-eight-seat venue is on a smaller scale, but of much more importance to Robert, as his name now hangs above the door.

    This original dining concept features kitchen view tables downstairs with a more intimate atmosphere upstairs. The beautifully restored building has kept many of its original features, including exposed brick walls and the old wooden beams that once formed the basis of a local flower shop. The bar and dining room are bathed in a warm glow from modern copper lamps and hanging pendant lights, all in an eclectic mix of styles and designs that complement the mix of brick, wood and painted interiors. This chic design keeps simplicity at its heart, so the diner’s focus is on the action in the kitchen and the food on their plate, rather than in overly fussy designs or details. Equally accessible for a special dinner, casual drinks at the bar or a lazy lunch, this restaurant will appeal to locals and tourists alike.

    At Thompson's, Robert has created a menu based on his clear culinary style. His menus are typically succinct and both respectful of classic dishes, yet mindful of modern cooking that values lightness and freshness. With this comes a passion for the locality surrounding him, as Robert supports many of the rural producers virtually on his doorstep and continues to be an ambassador for food on the Isle of Wight.

    'It’s vital to me that guests can identify with the food they are eating – where it’s from, how it was farmed, grown or caught and the ethos behind its presentation,' says Robert.

    Menus available at Thompson’s include an eight-course tasting menu designed to take you on a journey through the season’s best ingredients and includes influences from Robert’s cooking career to date, meaning that fusions of classical and contemporary cuisine are finely balanced. There are also à la carte options and a separate lunch menu to choose from. Start the evening with snacks such as Sussex Slipcote cheese mousse with crispy island beetroot, or Toro pastrami, crispy rye bread and sour white cabbage. Then move through to one of the kitchen view tables or a little quieter table upstairs for dishes such as ceviche of mackerel with cucumber, English wasabi, avocado and ponzu, or roasted local chicken with variations of asparagus and local tomatoes (the island is famous for these). To finish you might find yourself tempted by an aerated milk chocolate and caramelised banana dessert, or a fine selection of regional cheeses.

    Three things you should know
    1
    Not only a beautiful holiday destination, the Isle of Wight is also home to a wealth of rich and fertile agriculture. Just a stone’s throw from Thompson’s are some revered producers, such as The Garlic Farm, Isle of Wight Cheese, The Tomato Stall and Will and Aimee Steward’s Living Larder to name but a few.
    2
    The Isle of Wight is home to some of the summer’s biggest events, including the Isle of Wight Festival, as well as sporting highlights including the sailing events of Cowes Week and the Round the Island Race.
    3
    Thompson’s is situated in Newport town, the capital of the island and actually only about an hour and a half’s travel time from London. Three different ferry services run from the south coast to the island, and Newport is easily accessed from the ferry terminals in Cowes, Ryde and Yarmouth by car and public transport.
    Thompson's
    11 Town Lane, Newport, United Kingdom, Isle of Wight, PO30 1JU
    Telephone
    (01983) 526118
    Restaurant reservations
    Open Table Logo