The Melbourne Ardenlea, a privately owned hotel in Shanklin, has today (Monday) announced an exciting new restaurant concept coming to the Island this Easter weekend – headed by their new head chef and culinary creator, Jonathan Clarke.
The hotel has recently changed hands, and the new management has taken an alternative view on the food served at the hotel, and the style and sophistication that they want to offer both their guests and visitors in their restaurant.
The Melbourne Ardenlea now provides 5-star British fusion food, with a goal to create and serve Michelin star level food. With gourmet creations like the Rosemary and Redcurrant Lamb Shank served with herb mash and a berry jus, the Herb Crusted Cod with Ratatouille and even the Lavender and White Chocolate Crème Brulee, there’s a dish for the preference of every palate on offer.
Despite the fine dining menu, their sophisticated and stylish décor and knowledgeable staff aim to create a relaxed, warming atmosphere to ensure that it’s the perfect setting for a meal with families and loved ones this Easter weekend.
Johnathan Clarke, from Southsea, was trained in his culinary arts by Carl Byron – the MasterChef professional, before moving on to work as the Goodwood Pastry Chef of the Park Hotel on the Goodwood estate, ensuring that Clarke has cooked for stars like Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. He’s also worked at the line in the double Michelin starred Linewood Hotel, and has brought many of these key principles with him to the Ardenlea – meaning that they only use locally sourced goods that are highly traceable and always fresh and seasonal.
Jonathan says:
“We’re really excited about the launch of the restaurant, because we’ve been working so hard on it. We’ve created a menu of good, honest, seasonal local food perfect for any occasion.
“I’m making sure that the food at the Ardenlea is always in fashion, high in flavour with perfect presentation, and we have a goal to make this one of the – if not the – best place to on the Island to go for fine dining. I want my food to offer something different – and bring a bit of the WOW factor to the Island.”
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Once the restaurant opens officially on Easter weekend, visitors and guests can enjoy breakfasts, lunch and evening meals at the Ardenlea, with a goal in the future to create a more laid-back bar snack menu and room service options for their staying guests.
To make a reservation call 01983 862596.
