A rising star

With Liam Trathen at the helm, the future of dining at the Polurrian is deliciously bright.

Perched above some of Cornwall’s more breathtaking coastline, the Polurrian on the Lizard is fortunate to have 29-year-old Liam Trathen as its head chef. With an infectious passion for local ingredients and bold coastal flavours, Liam’s culinary journey began in 2017 when he joined the Norway Inn as a kitchen porter. It was here that he got his first taste of the high-energy kitchen environment and he was hooked.

From there, Liam stepped up as a commis chef at The Falmouth Hotel, where he spent several years honing his skills and learning the building blocks of fine dining. In 2018, he joined the Polurrian team as a sous chef and by January 2020, he’d taken the reins as head chef.

While the pandemic posed challenges for many, Liam used lockdown as a springboard – experimenting with new ingredients, developing fresh ideas and refining dishes at home with the help of his biggest fans: partner Neisa and their newborn daughter. The enforced pause allowed him to reconnect with his culinary roots and explore Cornwall’s rich seasonal produce.

His creative journey through those isolated months yielded unexpected innovations and flavour combinations. The result? A rejuvenated post-lockdown menu full of vibrant, seasonal plates that truly reflect Cornwall’s coastal bounty.

Liam’s menus are rooted in his love for seafood, so you can expect beautifully cooked local seabass, mackerel and hake, often paired with hand-gathered samphire from Polurrian Cove. Elderflower posset, made from locally gathered blooms, is a signature dessert and a personal favourite of his.

He’s also passionate about developing emerging young talent and encourages his team to explore ingredients, forage sustainably and contribute creatively. With exciting development plans on the horizon, including a new kitchen and expanded facilities, Liam is looking ahead to an executive chef role and shaping the next chapter of the Polurrian’s food story.

POLURRIAN ON THE LIZARD
01326 240421
www.polurrianhotel.com