THE Hambrough has appointed a new head chef.

The award-winning boutique bed and breakfast in Ventnor has appointed Ashley Randle as the head chef of its newly re-opening restaurant.

Ashley's experience of working with some of the country's culinary masters, together with ideas from different cultures and styles, has been the inspiration behind his modern European menu on to which he will put his twist using local suppliers.

He said: "I am honoured to be re-opening a restaurant which has such a reputation and can't wait to get it re-established on the culinary map of the Island." Ashley's career has taken him to work in a number of prestigious hotels and kitchens starting as a lowly kitchen porter in the kitchen of renowned Cornish Michelin chef, Kevin Viner, learning from the bottom up.

He moved on to work as sous chef at the Hotel Endsleigh, the small luxury private hotel of the renowned Pllizi family, part of the Rocco Forte group.

Ashley then progressed to senior sous chef at Calcot Manor, one of the UK's leading hotels.

In 2007, Ashley was among the top under 30 year old chefs in the country after placing as a regional finalist in the highly acclaimed Roux Scholarship.

Throughout his career he has also worked stages at various one, two and three Michelin starred restaurants including Gidleigh Park under Michael Caines.

He has also worked alongside the great Anton Mosimann, cooking at events within Buckingham Palace and the Great British Chefs Dinner 2017.

A short stint working at The George in Yarmouth originally brought Ashley to the Island but he left to continue his career in London.

However, he is now settled back on the Isle of Wight with his soon to be expanded family.

The restaurant will be re-opening from February 15.