Sprouting this Spring

the latest in Isle of Wight Food and Drink

Duck to water

Pulled in by the magnetism that is chef Matt Tomkinson’s warm and welcoming hospitality, we’ve found ourselves at a table for two in the window of The Hambrough. The spring menu has been unveiled – with a fresh repertoire of his stand-out dishes, using top-quality produce, and presented in his usual pared-back minimalist style. One plate that’s top of the recommendations list is the honey-roasted duck with Jerusalem artichoke purée and an orange-glazed white chicory tart – made with free-range Merrifield Farm duck and locally grown baby kale (from Arreton). It’s another example of what Matt does best – combining British cuisine with classical French influences, using the finest ingredients around. And, from a chef who has already got The Hambrough a mention in the next Michelin Guide, we wouldn’t expect anything less.

The Hambrough, Ventnor thehambrough.com Instagram: thehambrough 01983 856333

Spring tides and Salty vibes

Behind the sliding teal-coloured doors of Salty’s in Yarmouth’s Quay Street, freshness on a plate is the order of the day. Their high-quality gourmet offering has been evolving and developing in exciting new directions since the appointment of Head Chef Tom Axford in April last year (he’s widely tipped by local foodies as something of a rising star).

Ask the Salty’s team for their recommendations and one dish in particular seems to be a firm favourite with them all: the Isle of Wight tomato and burrata salad, drizzled with a fragrant splash of basil dressing. Described as “bursting with flavour and sunshine” it’s just the seasonal antidote we need after a winter full of grey skies and chilly winds.

Salty’s, Yarmouth | saltysrestaurant.co.uk Instagram: @saltysbarandrestaurant | 01983 761550

Brew it yourself

Fresh from the dairy

Fans of the satisfying whirr of a Nespresso coffee machine will certainly be welcoming the latest news coming out of Newport’s Caffè Isola. Their in-house coffee label – Island Roasted – will soon be adding to their range a new set of specially commissioned biodegradable espresso pods, made with their own freshly ground, aromatic coffee.

Compatible with any Nespresso machine, it means your work from home caffeine hit can still be local, as well as eco-friendly and delectably satisfying too. Due to hit the shelves in the coming weeks, we’d recommend keeping those milk frothers at the ready and an ear to the ground for the launch date.

Caffè Isola, Newport | islandroasted.co.uk | Instagram: @caffeisola | 01983 524800

Down on the farm – Briddlesford Lodge Farm to be precise – the new sound of clinking glass hints at an exciting development. The Griffin family’s 140-strong herd of white and caramel coloured Guernsey cows has been producing top-notch dairy products since their ancestors were first brought over to Island shores in 1923.

Now, helping locals to reduce, reuse and recycle, their rich and creamy milk can be bought in glass bottles once again, and these can be returned to the farm for sterilising and refilling. Not only that, if you prefer your milk bottles to make their own way to your doorstep, home delivery can be arranged through the Island Dairy Service (just send them a quick email at islanddairyservice@aol.com to set it all up).

A matcha made in heaven

With the weather on the turn, why not lift your spirits with a freshly shaken cocktail at The Drunken Lobster in Ventnor. This Japanese-style izakaya bar can rustle up finely crafted artisan drinks (as well as some tasty small plates), inspired by the owners’ love and appreciation for Pan-Asian cuisine; from Amaretto Wasabi Sours to Cherry Blossom Pink Ladies. For those steering away from the strong stuff, there are mocktails too – including a refreshing Thai Lemonade made with almondy Orgeat syrup, kombucha, chilli, lime, and a sprig of fresh coriander.

Feeling adventurous? Then leave the choice to the in-house mixologist. On a recent visit, we were presented with a Lychee Cucumber Martini made using lychee liqueur and Roku Gin – a Japanese spirit blended and distilled in Osaka with six different botanicals, including sencha tea and sakura flowers.

Drunken Lobster, Ventnor Town | drunkenlobster.co.uk Instagram: @drunkenlobsterbar | 01983 852500

It’s a date

Sailing into the Fishbourne Inn this spring is a new season of exciting events and culinary celebrations. Visitors pulling up a bar stool on the 17th or 18th of March will be welcomed by a St. Patrick’s Day menu of Irish-influenced delights – including celeriac soup with a bacon crumb and soda bread, or pork chop with an Irish whiskey cream sauce.

We’d also recommend calling to book a table (on 01983 882823) for the hotly anticipated Meet the Chef on the 1st of April, with kitchen head chef Jarek Kozak. For one night only, he’ll be cooking a special three-course menu of the dishes he’s most passionate about, including enticing Polish specialities from his Central European homeland.

Other dates for the diary include National Pie Week (7th - 13th March) featuring homemade pies and triple-cooked chips; and Fishbourne’s Beer Festival (8th - 10th April) with a handpicked selection of the finest Isle of Wight and south coast real ales.

Fishbourne Inn, Wootton Bridge | innsofdistinction.co.uk Instagram: @innsofdistinction | 01983 882823