A well-known Isle of Wight chef, Tom Axford, has taken over as Head Chef at The Royal Hotel in Ventnor, beginning a new culinary chapter for one of the Isle of Wight’s longest-established dining destinations.
Tom is already a familiar name on the Island’s food scene, having worked in a number of well-known kitchens during his career.
He was previously Head Chef and co-owner of Kynge’s Well in Brading before becoming Head Chef at The George Hotel in Yarmouth, where he worked closely with Michelin-starred chef Robert Thompson and later Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi.
Tom went on to lead the kitchen at Salty’s Bar and Restaurant in Yarmouth, where the restaurant gained 2 AA Rosettes.
Most recently, he worked at Robert Thompson’s RT Cafe and Grill in Ryde and Thompson’s Restaurant, helping to deliver its 8-course tasting menu.
At The Royal, Tom is now leading a combination of new talent and members of the hotel’s existing kitchen team, with new menus set to showcase his approach while retaining some established favourites.
The Royal has held 2 AA Rosettes for 30 years and its Geranium Restaurant will continue to offer dinner alongside breakfast, lunches, Sunday Lunch and Afternoon Tea, the latter featuring the work of Head Pastry Chef Hubert Żuchkowski.
The hotel’s signature Twice Baked Gallybagger Soufflé remains on the menu, while other dishes include Isle of Wight Tomato Gazpacho, local fish and a range of meat and plant-based options.
Tom Axford, new Head Chef at The Royal, has said:
“The Royal has such a strong history and reputation on the Island, so it is exciting to have the opportunity to build on that and bring fresh ideas to our guests.
“I want The Royal to feel somewhere you can come for a relaxed lunch with family or friends one day and return to for a special dinner another evening, with both experiences receiving the same intimate care and attention. We have fantastic produce here on the Isle of Wight and that will play a big part in what we do.”
Antony Baxter, Senior Operations Manager at The Royal Hotel, has said:
“We are delighted to welcome Tom to The Royal and to begin this next chapter for our restaurant. Tom is a chef many people across the Island will already know through his work in some of its best-known kitchens, and he brings a great deal of experience, creativity and a genuine understanding of the Isle of Wight and its food scene.
“The Royal has an extraordinary culinary heritage, and we are immensely proud of what has been achieved here over many years. This is about building on those foundations, bringing fresh energy into the kitchen and giving both Island residents and visitors new reasons to dine with us.
“Whether that is lunch with friends, Sunday Lunch, Afternoon Tea or an evening in the Geranium Restaurant, we want people to rediscover The Royal and enjoy this new chapter with us.”
