James Tanner Preparing a pizza on the Isle of Wight

Wightlink signs up a celebrity chef to showcase the Isle of Wight as a top destination for foodies

The Isle of Wight’s reputation as a top foodie destination has been given a boost, thanks to TV chef James Tanner who has visited the Island with Wightlink.

Several Island producers are featured in a new short film, commissioned by the ferry company, which follows James as he collects ingredients for his recipes.

Wightlink organised the visit to showcase the Island’s award-winning producers as part of its commitment to supporting tourism and boosting its economy.

The Ready Steady Cook chef travelled by electric car as he met farmers, fishermen, cheesemakers, bakers and distillers on a journey to create the ultimate pizza recipe, with an Isle of Wight twist.

Wightlink is encouraging visitors to follow in James’ footsteps and has produced a handy guide showing his itinerary and a selection of his recipes featuring Isle of Wight produce.

“It was wonderful to welcome James back to the Isle of Wight,” says Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield. “As a company, we too are passionate about supporting local quality producers. Our Wight Taste outlets serve a range of tasty treats from the Isle of Wight and we also offer a range of local produce for customers to buy both onboard ferries and at our ports.

“We are sure plenty of visitors will want to retrace James’ journey, in search of the Isle of Wight’s top culinary offerings and I know they won’t be disappointed.”

James says: “I have always loved travelling to the Isle of Wight, so I was thrilled when Wightlink asked me to return on a foodie adventure.

“Getting the ferry is always an exciting start to the trip. Out on deck with a drink in hand, breathing in the fresh sea air as you approach the Island is the perfect way to begin any holiday.

“From the moment you step ashore, you’re never far from an amazing restaurant, pub, farm shop, market or brewery. The number of award-winning producers on the Island is remarkable and I love sourcing fresh ingredients here to create new dishes for my restaurants.”

James Tanner’s Isle of Wight Food Journey can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzcTOamRvyo&t=3s

His itinerary and recipes can be found here:

https://www.bookspot.sbs/things-to-do-on-the-isle-of-wight/james-tanner-food-and-drink


Picture caption: James Tanner at work 

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