New Head Chef Tom Axford Joins Ventnor’s Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel in Ventnor has welcomed experienced Island chef Tom Axford as its new Head Chef.

Tom has worked in some of the Isle of Wight’s best-known kitchens, including Kynge’s Well in Brading, The George Hotel and Salty’s in Yarmouth, where he secured 2 AA Rosettes.

He has also worked alongside Michelin-starred chefs Robert Thompson and Claude Bosi, most recently at RT Café and Grill in Ryde and Thompson’s Restaurant.

At The Royal, Tom will lead the Geranium Restaurant’s kitchen team, introducing new ideas while building on the hotel’s longstanding culinary reputation.

The Royal has held 2 AA Rosettes for 30 years, with its food offering now encompassing breakfast, relaxed lunches, Sunday Lunch, Afternoon Tea and dinner.

Its signature Twice Baked Gallybagger Soufflé will remain on the menu, alongside dishes showcasing seasonal and locally sourced Island produce.

Tom said:

“The Royal has such a strong history and reputation on the Island, so it is exciting to have the opportunity to build on that and bring fresh ideas to our guests.

“We have fantastic produce here on the Isle of Wight and that will play a big part in what we do.”

Senior Operations Manager Antony Baxter said Tom brought “a great deal of experience, creativity and a genuine understanding of the Isle of Wight and its food scene”.