AN ISLE of Wight restaurant will return next year, after its Michelin star owner announced exciting news this morning (Thursday, December 22).

Thompson’s Restaurant in Newport has been closed since March 2020, when the first Covid-19 lockdown was announced.

But now, after almost three years, the Town Lane eatery will reopen in January, says owner Robert Thompson.

Robert teased: “With a team of faces both old and new, a few changes, and a lick of paint - it’s time.”

The top chef won his first Michelin star at Winteringham Fields restaurant in Lincolnshire in 2006, becoming the youngest British chef to receive the accolade.

He won a second Michelin star at The Hambrough in Ventnor in 2008 before joining The George Hotel in Yarmouth in 2014.

A year later, Robert opened his first solo venture Thompson’s, and, following the 2020 closure, announced plans in December last year to reopen over five dates in January and February, with bookings full just two hours after the announcement was made.

Unfortunately, the impact of Covid meant this did not come to fruition.

In April, Robert joined the team at North House, rebranding at Foresters Hall, but parted ways with the Cowes venture in November.

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On reopening Thompson’s, Robert said: “Can’t wait to get the stoves back on and welcome you back to the place that makes me smile.

“Happy Christmas and see you in 2023.”

The Thompson’s Restaurant website is now open for online bookings HERE.