I am The Island Chef and I have a passion for food! I love the Isle of Wight for many reasons.
The beaches, weather, countryside, walks, along with locations such as Osbourne House, uncover a rich tapestry of historic and ancient sites. Dinosaur fossils on many beaches such as Compton, great adventure venues like Blackgang Chine. Experience the iconic Needles with its diverse colored sands and fun-filled activities. Annual events from the Round the Island Race, Powerboat weekends, Cowes week. The island offers year-round charm with a bustling summer and colourful autumn and winter.
The island is home to a significant amount of farming and agriculture, which many overlook. These dedicated people provide a range of fantastic produce that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Restaurants and hotels use these local products in their own offerings and the quality of the produce shine through!
There is a growing number of food and drink producers creating and bringing wonderful products to the market. It is across the board from dairy to spirits, bread to vegetables, meat to wine and so much more. The island is now a food and drink destination, with many excellent places to ear and drink, but also many great produce creators and innovators of food and drink. Add to the many excellent chefs such as Robert Thompson, Alex Kimber, Matt Egan, and many more plus fabulous restaurants, cafes, bars, street food vendors and caterers.
Hello, I’m Paul Bellchambers. My passion is for food and drink. During the Covid pandemic in 2020, I moved to the Isle of Wight. It was a bold move and once settled here; I was determined to pursue my culinary interests. As 2021 rolled around, I delved into researching the local food producers here on the island. To my delight, I discovered an abundance of talented food and drink producers right on my doorstep! Throughout the summer, I worked with some amazing clients, including a crew here for Cowes Week, as well as visitors who came to the island to revel in its beauty and festivities.
A Passion for Food
Sharing a passion for food is what I love to do through teaching, cookery demonstrations, developing recipes and I have created and taught a range of cookery courses. Simple recipes that can you can cook easily and quickly are important. Using fresh ingredients and reducing the use of processed and ultra processed foods. If you can do all of this and cook, then it becomes fun, improves your confidence in the kitchen and eating more healthily! What could be better?
In the time that I researched the Isle of Wight’s range of food and drink producers, I have learnt about the creative and dedicated people they are. With exceptional abilities and a determination to excel in distinctive ways. New people and things appear each week. I feel as if I am becoming a food and drink researcher and podcaster.
Sharing this incredible collection with the world became a reality through the Food and Music IOW podcast. You will find my podcast episodes here along with recipes and menus that I create for my clients!
Personal Chef Services
We asked Paul to cater a 70th birthday dinner at our rental property for 15. It was outstanding. Fussy adults / picky children. All were catered for without question and everything was demolished. Wholly recommend.