Press Releases

One of the Isle of Wight’s best-established destinations for food lovers across the Island is beginning a fresh culinary chapter. The Royal Hotel in Ventnor welcomes new Head Chef Tom Axford to lead its restaurant and wider dining experience. Tom is already a familiar name to many Island diners, with a career spanning some of...

For the first time, 10 of the best-known Isle of Wight food and drink producers have joined forces to launch a new initiative, the Island Foodie Collective, aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to explore the Island’s thriving culinary scene. The newly formed Island Foodie Collective brings together independent businesses that not only produce their...

Ashley Randle, head chef at The Cockle at Island Harbour, has reached the semi-finals of the 2026 National Chef of the Year competition – one of the most prestigious culinary competitions in the UK. Run by the Craft Guild of Chefs, the 2026 National Chef of the Year competition attracts entries from chefs across the...

Isle of Wight Pearl is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Wyatt as its new Head Chef at the iconic, and recently revamped, Pearl Café. Mark’s arrival marks a clear new direction for the café, championing fine-dining quality food designed to be enjoyed every day, overlooking what are widely regarded as some of the...

From Winter Warmers to Festive Fizz: Mermaid’s New Limited-Edition Winter Gin is the Spirit of the Season As the seasons turn, gin quietly becomes the nation’s festive favourite. So, in time for cosy nights and festive gatherings, Mermaid invites gin lovers to discover its latest offering from the Isle of Wight Distillery, a rare seasonal...

The Garlic Farm team announced today that they have received a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. The Garlic Farm have been growing speciality garlic on the Isle of Wight for over 50 years. The team have spent many years exploring garlic’s history and varieties, and creating delicious garlic-infused products, from chutneys and...

Taste of the Wight has been promoting and supporting the Island’s food and drink sector for more than 15 years. We’re now very pleased to be working alongside the Isle of Wight Observer to produce this new printed Isle of Wight food & drink guide. Provenance and authenticity have always been the key to great...

Sussex cider maker, Ascension Cider, has partnered with Newport based drinks wholesaler, Eurovines, to bring their award-winning ciders to the Isle of Wight. Unlike usual ciders, Ascension is made from eating apples, which have been rejected by the supermarkets for being misshapen or too small, to give a much fresher, fruitier taste. Ascension Cider, based...

The Isle of Wight Distillery today announces the launch of Mermaid Spiced Rum, marrying Caribbean rums from Trinidad and the Dominican Republic with local fruits and spices from the Isle of Wight. Mermaid Spiced Rum is the second rum in the distillery’s spirits portfolio and will be available in two sizes, 70cl and 5cl. The...