Robert Thompson to close his eponymous restaurant and relaunch it later in the year

The chef opened his eponymous restaurant Thompson’s in 2015 in Newport and the restaurant has won acclaim for its modern cooking of classic dishes offered in a la carte and tasting menu options.

Announcing the news on Instagram, Thompson wrote: “Thompson’s has been home since, and to say it’s been a blast is an understatement. I’ve met many guests and employed many staff, and I feel privileged every time I unlock and lock the door.

“The support I’ve received has been immense, and my sincere thanks go to my family, friends, colleagues, and, of course, guests. It’s that same support that fuels me every day.

“With every journey, there is a beginning and, of course, an end, and for my first restaurant with all its charm, the time has come.”

The restaurant will close its doors after service on the 17th of February.

The chef added that in early March he would open another restaurant, which would be followed in the autumn by the new Thompson’s “in a new, fully designed space, of course still on the Island of which I’m so fond."

Thompson was awarded a Michelin star at The Hambrough in 2006 when he was aged just 23 and was named among Restaurant ‘stars of the future’ back in 2009. He launched his food meal kit brand You Be Chef during lockdown.