Getting to the heart of good food

Introducing the family behind CJ’s at the Sanctuary and what good food means to them.

Run by Paul James and his wife to be Sarah Casswell, the restaurant was named CJ’s as a union of their second names and the names of their two sons, Charlie and Jack – hinting at what lies at the heart of the restaurant for them, family. Paul tells us: “It’s all about family, I work in the kitchen, my partner Sarah runs front of house, granny makes the puddings and the boys keep things clean in the kitchen.”

“It’s all about family, I work in the kitchen, my partner Sarah runs front of house, granny makes the puddings and the boys keep things clean in the kitchen.”

The family took on the running of the restaurant in September, and gave it a thorough refurbishment. They got rid of the booth style tables to really utilise the space available, and painted the dark red and black walls white to create a much more airy feel.

Located on the outskirts of Falmouth, CJ’s is nestled in the heart of Budock Water in the spacious shell of an old Methodist church. As you approach CJ’s, you drive away from the hubbub of town and towards this picturesque village through a tunnel of trees. The church is located right next to some beautiful National Trust walks making it an ideal stop for a Sunday roast as you can work up an appetite with an invigorating walk and then head into the spacious restaurant for a hearty feast.

Paul says of his roast: “we have a hugely popular Sunday roast, serving from 100 to 200 people, we bring the carvery to you.” The veg is brought out on huge platters to the table and you get a great big jug of gravy with limitless refills. Paul tells us: “It’s not about fine dining here, it’s about getting back to the heart of cooking and simply producing food that tastes amazing. Forget about foam and micro cresses, at CJ’s it’s about good, wholesome meals that leave you feeling satisfied.”

Having worked in the fine dining industry for over 20 years, and even won a number of competitions such as the televised BBC programme Alex Polizzi: Chefs on Trial, Paul is happy to have left fine dining to get back to simply making great tasting food, without all the faff!

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The restaurant is putting on a number of events this summer with a fun packed Murder Mystery dinner on Friday 13th July and a Drag Night on Friday 3rd August. Not to mention the weekly Steak Club every Wednesday, which includes two prime steaks, hand cut chips, dessert or cheese board all for £30.

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The spacious structure of the church really lends itself to parties and events with a large upper area looking down on the tables below. The building extends right back and the beautiful interior of the church, with its original stained glass windows and detailed woodwork, gives a unique feel to any gathering.