An exceptional experience

We sample the delicious menu at Penrose Kitchen, an idyllic spot on the edge of Truro.

This month I was lucky enough to catch up with husband and wife team, Ben and Sam, who together run Penrose Kitchen, an award-winning restaurant, idyllically located among picturesque water lily ponds on the outskirts of Truro. Over a coffee and a delicious lunch I get to know exactly what makes Penrose Kitchen one of the most exciting places to eat in Cornwall.

“Every week we showcase a new menu and Sam will be implementing her skills in pairing the perfect wine for each meal!”

“We recently celebrated the restaurant’s first anniversary,” explains Ben, “and in this first year we have implemented exactly what inspired us – providing fantastic food and fantastic service – our way. We have both worked in the industry for years; in fact it’s where we met! During these formative years we cemented our passion for food and service, but we also discovered what we did and did not like. You’d be surprised at how many supermarket meals we saw being used! Having our own place means we can do things our own way. We love sourcing and using great quality local produce. As well as this we believe that exceptional service is crucial to a dining experience.”

As I am delving into my lunch of pork belly with seasonal vegetables – complemented excellently by some lightly grilled strawberries (which is fantastic) I can’t help notice the comparison between the couple’s attitude and approach and the atmosphere of the restaurant – warm, friendly, open and honest. Ben and Sam have found a fantastic location for their restaurant.

“Yes – we were extremely lucky,” adds Sam with pride. “It came up for lease just at the right time and we immediately fell in love with the space. The water gardens are such a bonus and provide a very flexible space!”

So, what can we expect in the future from Penrose Kitchen? “We have lots planned for our second year. Every week we showcase a new menu and Sam will be implementing her skills in pairing the perfect wine for each meal!”

With a 2017 Taste of the South West Gold award already under their belts, we’re equally excited here at Cornwall Living for what Ben, Sam and Penrose Kitchen have to offer in the coming year. To keep up to date with all upcoming events a visit to the restaurant’s website will tell you everything you need to know.