Robert Thompson (chef)
Robert Thompson | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 24, 1981 Bedfordshire, England |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, Restaurateur |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Known for | Youngest UK chef to receive a Michelin star; Head chef at Winteringham Fields and The Hambrough; Founder of Thompson's restaurant |
Robert Thompson (born 24 May 1981) is a distinguished British chef recognized for becoming the youngest chef in the UK to receive a Michelin star in 2007 while working at Winteringham Fields, Lincolnshire. He subsequently achieved another Michelin star during his tenure at The Hambrough in Ventnor, Isle of Wight. After departing The Hambrough in 2013, Thompson took up a position at the George Hotel in Yarmouth in 2014. The following year, he inaugurated his inaugural independent restaurant, Thompson's, located in Newport on the Isle of Wight.
Career
Originating from Bedfordshire, Thompson's passion for culinary arts was sparked early on, inspired by his brother Patrick. He pursued studies at Thames Valley Community College before embarking on his professional journey through an apprenticeship at L'Ortolan in Reading. His early career included roles at The Falcon and Chimney's Restaurant. In 2001, he joined Winteringham Fields as a commis chef under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Germain Schwabb and was honored with the Acorn Award in 2006. At just 23 years old, following Schwabb’s retirement, Thompson was elevated to head chef, achieving his first Michelin star and earning acclaim as an emerging talent from journalist Jay Rayner.
Having maintained two Michelin stars and secured one independently, Thompson spent a year working at Waldo's at Cliveden before being appointed head chef at The Hambrough on the Isle of Wight. In 2008, within four months of his arrival, he earned the island’s sole Michelin star for the establishment. Under his leadership, The Hambrough was ranked 20th among UK restaurants by the Good Food Guide and placed 18th in the Sunday Times Harden's Top 100.
Thompson concentrated on delivering exceptional British cuisine with a strong emphasis on local sourcing and market appeal, which led to the launch of his own dining venue, Thompson's, in Newport. In recognition of his services to hospitality, tourism, and charitable causes, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2023 Birthday Honours.