First there was The Terrace in Yarmouth being shortlisted for a Catey Award, now we hear that a Ventnor restaurant carries the same accolade.
Restaurant Matthew Tomkinson, situated at The Hambrough in Ventnor, has earned a place on the shortlist for the esteemed Menu of the Year Award at the Cateys 2023.
Second time for Tomkinson
Regarded as one of the largest and most desirable recognitions in the hospitality sector, The Cateys award excellence in service, innovation, and quality.
It’s not the first time that Matthew has been recognised by The Cateys. Having previously won Hotel Chef of the Year in 2015, Matthew says it’s truly humbling to be recognised once again by such a prestigious body.
Tomkinson: I am astounded to have been shortlisted
He explains,
“It is an absolute honour to have been nominated and I am astounded to have been shortlisted for the Menu of the Year 2023 award in competition with so many exciting restaurants throughout the country.
“I am unbelievably proud to bring recognition to our restaurant here in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight where we constantly aim for the highest quality food using our fabulous local produce wherever we can.
“Since opening the restaurant at The Hambrough on 17th May 2021, the day the hospitality world re-opened after Covid, it has been a rollercoaster ride for myself, my number two, Chef Craig Englefield, and our team to create a destination restaurant based on the southern tip of the Isle of Wight.
“To be nominated for this award is a testament to the hard work we have put in to ensure the consistently high standards we set ourselves have been achieved and the fantastic local produce we have on our doorstep.”
The nomination serves as a testament to the dedicated efforts they’ve put in to consistently achieve high standards, and to the exceptional local produce that they have readily available.
100 judges
An assembly of more than 100 judges, all respected for their industry expertise and previous Catey victories, convened for four intense days of debate to discuss the nominees and form the shortlists in the various categories.
The award winners, who represent the best performers and highest achievers in each sector as determined by the industry itself, will be unveiled at a dazzling ceremony on 4th July at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London.
A decorated professional
Tomkinson, already a decorated professional, with the Roux Scholarship and two Michelin stars to his name, finds the shortlisting of his restaurant in the Menu of the Year category in 2023 a significant opportunity.
This nomination allows him to spotlight the excellence he continuously pursues in his restaurant, ensuring that guest experience always remains a fundamental part of his ethos.
