THE food festival dubbed Gastro-Glastonbury is preparing for a huge weekend of gastronomic delights in Winchester! Featuring MasterChef and Bake Off champions, plus chart-topping favourites Scouting For Girls, Foodies Festival is to go ahead just before Freedom Day with current Covid rules in place. The event, which takes place at Devils Island for the first time from July 16 to 18, features celebrity chefs, headline music acts and over 150 exhibitors. Award-winning chefs taking part in the Foodies series this summer, include Alex Webb, MasterChef: The Professionals champion, 2020 MasterChef winner Thomas Frake, and Hampshire based stars Dave Friday of Bake Off fame and MasterChef champions Jane Devonshire and Shelina Permaloo.
Matthew Tomkinson has officially joined The Hambrough team, based in Ventnor. He comes with 14 years’ experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants, having won the coveted accolade twice. The Hambrough Group said Matthew will elevate its existing reputation as one of the key destinations on the Island’s culinary map. The appointment, which coincided with the re-opening of the hospitality sector, means The Hambrough is anticipating an exceptionally busy summer with their new chef at the helm. He brings with him a wealth of experience. After gaining a degree in hospitality management at Birmingham City University, he realised his real passion was in the kitchen.