CELEBRITY chef Tom Kerridge has scotched rumours he is investing in any of the Isle of Wight’s pubs and restaurants.

Social media has previously been awash with suggestions TV star Kerridge was going to buy Little Gloster in Gurnard and North House in Cowes.

Today the rumours started again in response to the The Folly Inn in East Cowes announcing a £1 million investment.

However, the chef spoke exclusively to the County Press earlier today.

He said: “The Isle of Wight is a lovely spot, the food is great and a couple of my Pirate chefs are from the Island so I’m a big fan, but to set the rumours straight, I am not investing in or launching anything on the Isle of Wight.”

Kerridge said his head chef at The Bull & Bear is Connor Black, who was born on the Island.

His group head chef is Chris Mackett, also born here.

Additionally, the head chef of The Coach, Sarah Hayward, has family on the Island and spent a lot of her younger years here.