A POPULAR Isle of Wight restaurant owned by a Michelin-star chef has reopened in the heart of Newport after almost three years left empty.

Following six weeks of renovation, reassembling, painting, upholstering, cleaning, re-stocking and cooking, Thompson’s Restaurant returned earlier this month.

Thompson’s is a contemporary open-kitchen restaurant offering a modern British menu inspired by the flavours of the Island and chef Robert Thompson’s own experiences.

The Newport restaurant had been closed since March 2020, when the first Covid-19 lockdown was announced.

In December, Robert teased that the Town Lane eatery would reopen this month.

Posting on social media, he said: “Not going to lie, I was a little apprehensive building up to opening, but seeing the place buzzing again was.

“So many guests, old and new, booking in, incredible support, kind words and smiles.

“Thanks to the entire team and everyone else who’s helped and encouraged me to dive back in, take the for sale sign down, and get the doors open again.”

Robert has described head chef Edd Wilson, who started at Thompson’s in 2016, as ‘committed, hardworking, passionate and just generally a nice guy’.

The restaurant is open Fridays and Saturdays for lunch and dinner, with a new addition of Sunday lunch (and open Valentine's Day), and with a lot of excitement surrounding the reopening, booking is recommended.