When a former contestant of Channel Four's Come Dine With Me, Paul Thorley, moved to the Isle of Wight, his successful background in the automotive industry meant that he quickly found outlets for his skills.

Developing and supporting a range of business projects, he soon became a familiar face at Island networking forums.

So some may be surprised to find this popular local entrepreneur is the chef launching a new venture in Gurnard this month, called The Dining Room.

Paul has long been offering his highly successful private dining and supper clubs for friends, local charities, and other guests.

Isle of Wight County Press: Paul Thorley preparing food, which he will now do at his new venue.Paul Thorley preparing food, which he will now do at his new venue. (Image: Steph Mackrill.)The growing popularity of these means he is now giving his culinary hobby a permanent home, on Gurnard's Church Road.

With his distinctive style of multi-course dining, Paul shows off his skills as he juggles the crockery in a diminutive kitchen to feed up to sixteen people in the intimate venue.

The Dining Room is open now, and offers private hire, supper clubs, and special Sunday Social lunches.

Diners watch the chef preparing the food before tucking in.

Paul said: "I’ve always loved food - at times too much! I left school and went to catering college but I didn’t pursue this as a career choice.

"In 2012 I started to cook again and got my passion back in a big way.

"Moving to the Island, my dream was to become a private chef here and continue my supper clubs.

"I did both, with huge success.

"Now, the universe has aligned to bring me into my own dedicated space, a truly amazing and unique venue where I can hold my regular supper clubs, The Dining Room in Gurnard."