RT Café Grill in Ryde – the latest venture from renowned Isle of Wight chef Robert Thompson – has been nominated for Best New Restaurant at the prestigious British Restaurant Awards 2024. It was in 2006 that Robert Thompson won his first Michelin star whilst working at Winteringham Fields in Lincolnshire, at the time becoming the youngest chef in the UK to be awarded the prestigious accolade aged just 23. He went on to get a local name at The Hamborough in Ventnor. His Newport-based restaurant opened in 2015 and traded successfully until 2020 when the COVID pandemic hit. It reopened once more in January 2023 but has since closed, with RT Café and Grill opening on St Thomas’ Street in Ryde, alongside Thompson’s Restuarant, earlier this year. The 6th Annual British Restaurant Awards are set to take place on Wednesday (28th August) at the Crown London Hotel, promising an evening of culinary celebration that will leave an indelible mark on the food industry. The public’s help is now being sought to help bring the trophy home next week. Islanders are being asked to visit the British Restaurant Awards voting page here, register for an account and cast your vote for RT Café Grill under the Best New Restaurant category. A spokesperson has said:
“This recognition is a huge honour for us, and we couldn’t have achieved it without your incredible support. “Voting only takes a minute, but it would mean the world to us. With your support, we can make history together!”
If you want to try it, best visit soon, before he moves on….
Very appetising… a nicely burnt steak and not a lot else…
I thought exactly the same
The steak is not burnt but instead it has been barbecued to perfection and has a great crust (or bark to some). You obviously have never eaten a well cooked steak in your life.
utter crap expensive food do better at home for a tenner..went to his newport one a few years ago utter crap..
Wetherspoons is probably the best choice for you
A group of us went very recently and, in my own opinion, RT has got it right. The venue is excellent with views looking out over the Solent. The drinks and menu choices are spot on. You can choose to spend a few pounds (taking advantage of the decent sized SNACKS) or choose from the full menu – as always it depends what you want and what you are willing to pay.
There are pricier choices on the menu but you are not forced to buy them. Drink prices pretty much the norm for most venues now.
Before you slate it….try it.
I do agree though – the picture above doesn’t do the place justice.
people in the comments got a “poor” mindset
Its fabulous you can spend no more than you would for a pub meal, or you can go all out, the setting is fabulous and the inside tastefully renovated, been a couple of times now, first for drinks and snacks and secondly for evening meal, lovely relaxed evening, friendly staff and not at all pretentious, maybe those on here mocking it are only used to a spoons meal?
Best comments ever, burnt steak, of course they picked of the hundreds of dishes served that day to photo a burnt steak, brilliant, thank you for brightening my day, say what you see and show us who you are
We ordered a rare fillet steak, two attempts came out medium and medium rare, Mr Thompson commented that we are doing high end pub food so we shouldn’t expect the food to be as good as the Newport restaurant even at extortionate prices
Utter nonsense!
These saddo’s that post inaccurate comments have probable never actually been. I’ve been to thompsons when it was in Newport, loved it. Had UBe Chef and loved it and am a regular at RTGrill, def deserves that Robert is rewarded with another Michellin star ASAP
Over priced food, cheaper to cook your own at home.
Of course it’s cheaper at home!
What a dumb thing to say.
Overpriced and pretentious in my opinion.
Clearly never been.
The words, ‘my opinion’ kinda says it all
Very over rated chef. Sampled his food and was left ripped off and disappointed
Art on a plate. Most can’t afford it. All we want is good food at a reasonable price.
Then go visit it Frank; you will be surprised I am sure. And if you aren’t converted at least you are able to comment having actually given it a go. Unlike most on here.
most can’t afford?
Prefer French Franks anytime.
Sorry but that steak is not burnt it is seared. Haven’t been but would definitely like to try it for a very special occasion. I’ve not heard anything bad about the food or prices at all.
Congratulations to Robert & the Team. After 9 months of sheer graft, a very well-deserved award, the first of many!