Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2013 | Page 104

FOOD

Hambrough
has Darren
at helm
By Peter White

Darren Beevers grew up in Hampshire
looking across the Solent at the Isle
of Wight. Now he has arrived on
the Island as new head chef of The
Hambrough, Ventnor.
Darren has brought with him
a wealth of experience, having
developed his skills in a number of
leading mainland restaurants. Now
he is providing Hambrough diners
with high quality food, using Island
produce wherever possible.
He explained: “When I came here I
decided to cook in a modern way but
with underlying French tones. I love
using Island products, and I have been
very fortunate. We have a fishmonger
virtually in front of the Hambrough,
and another fisherman just down the
road brings us beautiful lobster and
crab.
“Someone else goes out and catches
us sea bass and plaice, and meat-wise
we get a constant supply of Island
beef, lamb, pork and veal. We also
have our homemade sausages and
home-cured bacon, as well as Isle of
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Wight pigeon, rabbit and hare. We use
about 85 per cent Island meat and fish
as well as most of our vegetables, with
everything freshly picked.”
Darren initially trained to be a motor
mechanic, and then nearly joined
the Army before opting to become
a chef. He said: “I started v