Robert Thompson launches Isle of Wight event catering business
Thompson, who became the island’s culinary ambassador in November last year,has set up the business in response to a significant customer demand to provide event catering for a range of potential clients.
Speaking at a reception held at his restaurant The Hambrough in Ventnor, he said: “I believe Robert Thompson Event Catering will provide new standards of event catering on the island and satisfy the demand that clearly exists for quality food and service at both indoor and outdoor events such as weddings, corporate events, private parties, cocktail receptions, festivals together with a full event catering and party planning service
“We’ve been greatly encouraged by the number of enquiries that we are receiving from a diverse range of clients. I believe that using freshly prepared, quality local products that we can translate the quality of the food served in our restaurants out to the businesses, people and visitors to the Isle of Wight.”
Visit Isle of Wight
The chef’s ambassador status came following the launch of Visit Isle of Wight, a new tourism body which has the aim of attracting 300,000 people to the county over the next five years.
Visit Isle of Wight's chief executive David Thornton said: “Robert’s creativity, quality of food and presentation of his dishes is totally in line with our desire to build a world-class reputation of our holiday Island.
“It is excellent news that Robert’s food will be available to a wider audience on the Isle of Wight. I have no doubt that Robert Thompson Event Catering will add to the appeal of the Island and we look forward to working with Robert and his team to continue building exposure on the mainland and overseas.
Promotional video
“I'm pleased to announce that Robert will be featuring in a short film which VisitEngland will be screening on their website later this year, starring along with other inspiring and creative people committed to growing the worldwide appeal of the Isle of Wight.
“I have no doubt that this event catering business will attract visitors to the Island and Robert’s continuing exposure on the mainland will ensure the success of this new business venture.”
Thompson is also currently in the process of overseeing a £4m transformation of Ventnor’s Winter Gardens,which will see him move his nearby fine-dining restaurant into the same property as a 37-bedroom hotel and an all-day bistro.
Following a year littered with event catering opportunities - from the Queen's Diamond Jubilee to the London 2012 Olympic Games - BigHospitality recently reported that 2013 can be as successful, if not more so, for mass caterers or those looking to move into event catering. Read about that here.
