Matthew Tomkinson appointed executive head chef at Harbour Hotel Southampton

Matthew Tomkinson has joined Harbour Hotel Southampton as executive head chef, overseeing the hotel’s waterfront restaurant the Jetty Ocean Village.

Tomkinson, who retained a Michelin star at the Montagu Arms in Beaulieu for eight years will work alongside chef patron Alex Aitken.

Earlier in Tomkinson’s career he was head chef at the Goose in Oxfordshire, during which time the restaurant earned a Michelin star, and he was also executive head chef at the Terrace in Yarmouth.

Tomkinson also won the Roux Scholarship in 2005 at the age of 29, choosing to stage at Les Pres d’Eugenie in France.

Tomkinson will focus on seasonal produce and coastal flavours at the Jetty, with signature dishes on the new menu including the likes of Hampshire partridge ‘schnitzel’ with cider apple purée and toasted hazelnuts, honey-roasted Creedy Carver duck breast with caramelised orange and endive tart, and roasted Cornish monkfish tail with garlic and herb butter.

The news comes shortly after the appointment of Jorge Gertrudes as general manager at Harbour Hotel Southampton.

Gertrudes’ career started with the Hotel Du Vin group before joining the pre-opening team at Lime Wood, spending a number of years at the Pig Hotels.

Mike Warren, CEO of Harbour Hotels, said: “Harbour Hotel Southampton has always been about delivering exceptional hospitality in a unique waterfront setting. The arrival of Michelin-starred chef Matthew Tomkinson at the Jetty Ocean Village, alongside Gertrudes’ appointment as general manager, represent a significant investment in the future of the hotel. Together, they bring outstanding culinary and operational expertise that will further elevate the guest experience.”