In The Observer today, there’s a story about the 2009 Michelin Star Guide being leaked on the Internet – it contained information that had the Champagne corks a poppin’ at Ventnor’s Hambrough.
Having got wind of The Observer’s story, Michelin unexpectedly released the details on their own site, confirming what was earlier leaked – they weren’t due to release the results until the 20th of this month.
The combination of the recently awarded three AA Rosettes and the Michelin star – a different class to the AA honour – will do absolute wonders for Ventnor, as well as the Isle of Wight, re-gaining a Michelin star for the Island.
“Everyone here’s really, really happy”
We gave Robert a call this morning to get his reaction. There’s little wonder that he was in a very good mood, “Everyone here’s really, really happy. Rakesh, the restaurant manager, happened to go on the Michelin site last night and found the details had been released early.”
Following that news, it’s not surprising to hear that a considerable celebration with the customers who were at the restaurant ensued.
Foodies on the Wight will already be aware that Robert Thompson gained his first Michelin star at the age of just 23 years old.
He became Patron of The Hambrough and The Pond Cafe back in July last year and has been busy wowing customers of the Hotel and Restaurant ever since.
Robert told VentnorBlog, “It’s great to be recognised after only six months of work. The whole team has been wondering if we were going to get it, or not.
“It’s great that our cooking good food and looking after customers has been rewarded.
“We’re also pleased for the Isle of Wight and Ventnor especially.”
We sure that everyone joins with VentnorBlog in congratulating Robert and his team at The Hambrough for such a great achievement.
What’s next Robert? A second Michelin star?
As a side note The Observer was true to form with a typo in their piece …
The appearance of the Hambrough in Ventnor is certainly a first for the Isle of White marking yet a further expansion of Michelin’s magisterial overview into new lands
(Eek, Observer proof reader alert – Isle of White????)
Many thanks to Andy for the heads up.
Michelin Star Guide details released
Observer: Michelin restaurant list leaked online
Michelin stars 2009 revealed
