The Hambrough

On a cliff-top in a Victorian resort on the sheltered side of the island, this villa has been restored as a restaurant-with-rooms by chef/patron Robert Thompson, who has a Michelin star for his cooking. 'The whole ethos is maintained by the young, cheerful and competent staff,' say visitors this year. Dinner, taken in a smart restaurant ('pretty Isle of Wight glass adds interest to the plain modern table setting'), is 'what we would expect of a Michelin star, plus a bit extra'. Locally landed fish and island meat are used for the seasonal menus, which have dishes like line-caught brill, fennel croquant, pesto and purée; loin of rose veal, bone marrow, Madeira and thyme jus. Mr Thompson's wife, Diana, supervises the service. The 'faultless' bedrooms are light and airy (six have sea views), decorated in modern neutral colours with bold wallpaper designs. Breakfast has a continental buffet; cooked dishes include 'the best-ever kippers'. Mr Thompson also runs the Pond Café, along the coast. And he is involved in the development of the Ventnor Winter Gardens. (John and Sara Leathes)

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  • We came for the food at Robert Thompson's acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant. Much more was in store for us at this friendly, stylish restaurant-with-rooms. Our bedroom was spacious, stylishly decorated and fitted out, and with wonderful sea views. The welcoming staff did everything they could to make our stay an enjoyable one. Robert Thompson cooks with skill and imagination, using much locally sourced produce. Breakfast is the best I've ever had in a hotel.

    Jonathan Gregory, 27/05/2012

  • Arguably the best GHG hotel we have stayed in. Dining was what one expects of a Michelin-starred restaurant, and the arrangement with the sister restaurant, The Pond, is admirable. Our seaview room was faultless. The whole ethos of this small, luxurious hotel was maintained by the young, cheerful and competent staff.

    John and Sara Leathes, 04/09/2011

  • Ventnor is tucked away from the worst of the prevailing south-westerly winds. Warmly welcomed. We stayed on a three-night package, in Room 2, generously proportioned and nicely furmished, with a balcony overlooking the Ventnor haven and the English Channel. Dinner was excellent. Breakfast excellent: the best kippers I have ever had. Fresh fruit, etc, served faultlessly. Pretty IoW glass adds interest to plain modern table settings. Everyone here is trying very hard.

    David Birnie, 01/08/2010

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Local attractions

Blackgang Chine
A dinosaur-themed adventure park on the coast.
The Needles
Visit the lighthouse, along with the Alum Bay glass house and sweet factory.
Cowes Week
Annual sailing regatta, held during August.

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Contact Details

The Hambrough

Hambrough Road VENTNOR Isle of Wight England PO38 1SQ

Telephone

01983 856333

Website

www.robert-thompson.com

Further Information

Bedrooms

7, plus 5-bedroom villa.

Open

all year, restaurant closed Sun/Mon.

Facilities

lounge, restaurant, civil wedding licence, small patio garden, unsuitable for disabled.

Background music

'relaxed, jazz' in Reception, restaurant and lounge.

Children

all ages welcomed.

Dogs

not allowed.

Credit cards

MasterCard, Visa.

Prices

B&B £85-£140 per person, tasting menu £85, full alc £65, Christmas/New Year packages.