Ryde chef, Alex Kimber, is leading the charge for the Isle of Wight at Wimbledon Food and Drink, serving up products from Island suppliers at the tennis tournament's exclusive Centre Court Skyview suites.
By day, Alex runs fine dining restaurant The Heron but, over the past few weeks, he has been working all the hours, prepping and serving delicious food at the corporate suites, alongside a team of Island chefs.
Formerly a sous chef at the tournament, Alex has since relocated to the Island and his message is all about keeping it local and sustainable.
Working alongside some of the producers who supply his restaurant, he feels it is important to showcase what the Island has to offer and to support small businesses like his own, on Castle Street.
Some of the familiar names involved include the Isle of Wight Cheese Company, The Tomato Stall, Slab fudge, The Wight Smoke, Island Foods - which has in turn sourced lamb from Andrew and Robert Groves, of Combley and Wacklands Farms and game via Adam Royal, and Living Larder, which has sent fruit and veg.
It means the Isle of Wight has a striking presence at the world-famous lawn tennis club competition.
In what he called exciting times, Alex praised the Island's produce - which is being put to the ultimate test, feeding guests at nine corporate suites - around 130 covers per day.
Meanwhile, Alex's kitchen team has been drawn from Goddards, The Fishbourne and Seaview's The Boathouse.
Together they are acing lunch service and afternoon tea - over long hours for all involved.
Alex has been working at Wimbledon for the best part of two decades and he already has his sights set on 2024.
- He wants to hear from new suppliers and potential team members and has urged Islanders and businesses to get in touch with him.
- Contact him via heroniow@outlook.com for a chat.
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