Gourmet gossip August 2019

We catch up with all the latest news from some of our favourite chefs, eateries, hotels and pubs.

A family affair at Fowey Hall Hotel

Dining at Fowey Hall is a family affair. From leisurely breakfasts and light lunches to afternoon teas, early family dinners or candlelit meals for two, the hotel is happy to offer flexible dining options. On warmer days dining tables spill out onto the terrace for al fresco meals with a sea view that’s hard to beat.

Head Chef, Wesley Pratt, has over 20 years’ experience working in the kitchens of luxury hotels and local restaurants and is also a parent himself, meaning he knows how to cater for the foodie demands of the whole family. Not to mention, Wes and his team have got to know the local farmers and fishermen, meaning that only the finest, freshest ingredients are plated up.

For more information call 01726 833866 or visit www.foweyhallhotel.co.uk

A charming pub that knows good food

Situated just outside Saltash and with the Tamar valley on its doorstep, The Rod and Line pub is perfectly located for a rest and refuel on any exploration of this area of Cornwall. With a menu that includes fresh crab, lobster and shellfish alongside locally reared dexter beef grown on the banks of the river Lyner and seasonal game dishes, you know you’re in for a treat if you choose to dine at this charming 15th century inn. One happy customer has said of their experience: “We chose this pub by chance after spotting their signpost advertising fresh crab and in a week of eating out around the area this was the best meal we had. Nothing fancy, a good honest pub and the food was incredible.” Not surprising, considering everything is cooked fresh to order including, the homemade desserts!

For more information call 01752 851912 or visit www.rodandlinetideford.co.uk

The whole package at The Polurrian

Situated atop the cliffs of Polurrian Bay, Polurrian on the Lizard boasts panoramic sea views and is a great place to visit whether you’re staying at the hotel or not. It’s ideal for spending a lazy afternoon enjoying a Cornish cream tea or afternoon tea, especially considering the team was recently presented an award by Food and Beverage Magazine! For something extra special, make sure to visit on a Sunday when, over the nine weeks of summer, there will be live music showcasing a wealth of local talent, allowing you to make a day of it. Spend some time on Polurrian beach building sandcastles, enjoy a wood-fired lunch and finish the afternoon listening to live music in the sun – it doesn’t get much better! Or, enjoy an evening out with friends, sipping cocktails on the terrace with the Atlantic as your backdrop.

For more information call 01326 240421 or visit www.polurrianhotel.com

A flawless foodie experience

At Edie’s Kitchen, guests can always expect seasonal, local food and a warm welcome. After a 20-year career spent working with culinary luminaries such as Raymond Blanc and Bill Granger, Nigel Brown brings his well-honed skills and foodie flair to the beautiful Cornish setting of Carlyon Bay, heading up the kitchen and wowing guests with his expert weavings of flavour. His wife, Kelly, runs everything front of house, charming guests and ensuring guests leave satisfied and eager to come back.

Together, the dynamic duo provides the ultimate foodie experience, with recent guests commending on the excellent dishes and second-to-none service. But don’t just take our word for it – head to Edie’s Kitchen and discover what sets this family-run restaurant apart.

For more information call 01726 813888 or visit www.edieskitchen.co.uk

For all things gin, why not visit…

The Little Gin Shack is a dream come true for Neil and his wife Lee. Neil spent over ten years working for a major wholesaler and, feeling the time had come for a change, he conceptualised the Little Gin Shack – a boutique gin emporium in Wadebridge selling gins especially selected for their quality and taste.

Neil is a great host and, thanks to his vast experience in the industry, has extensive knowledge on all things gin. Whether you’re popping in to buy a bottle or two, or soaking up the atmosphere of one of this wonderful shop’s tasting events, Neil loves to share his expertise.

With over 160 gins in stock, more than half of which are Cornish, there is bound to be a gin for you. What’s more, with the opportunity to sample most of the gins, you are sure to leave with a new favourite! The shop also has a range of top quality gifts, from glassware and t-shirts, to gin books and gift packs. You can also shop online, where you will find comprehensive tasting notes and serving suggestions.

For more information call 07740 639565 or visit www.thelittleginshack.co.uk

Enjoy beachside fish and chips at Rick Stein, Fistral

Head to Fistral beach this summer for world-renowned surf and delicious fish and chips. Located right on the beach, Rick Stein’s offers a casual and laid-back environment to enjoy your food. With a varied menu of fish and chips, curries, noodles and burgers, plus Mini Stein meal options for kids, the whole family will be satisfied. If you hit the beach early, there are also bacon rolls and coffee ready to power your seaside adventures. Watch out for Fistral Sessions, taking place on the first Friday of every month from 7pm to 9pm – grab a beer, pick a spot overlooking the beach and enjoy the live music. What better way to watch the sun set?

For more information call 01841 532700 or visit www.rickstein.com

Gin and swim at the manor

Work out and then unwind on Thursdays at Merchants Manor. Buy a £10 swim pass and then kick back with a gin and tonic at Rastella bar!

Enjoy some carefree floating or cool down from the Cornish summer sun – the indoor pool is the perfect place to relax.

Set your muscles free with water, heat and pressure massages in the hydro pool, or just unwind with a leisurely lap or two through the glassy water before diving into a classic gin, served as you like it. The perfect midweek tonic.

Worked up an appetite? Linger a little longer and taste some of Cornwall’s authentic local produce at Rastella, Falmouth’s only three AA Rosette restaurant!

For more information call 01326 312734 or visit www.merchantsmanor.com

New trends emerging at Wadebridge Wines

First seen at their Rum and Tequila Festival, and following the movement from the U.S., Wadebridge Wines have reintroduced a canned wine range, perfect for beaches and festivals and considerate in packaging, recyclability and cooling.

Other trends the team have noticed of late include the cooling of light red wines in the fridge – spotted by owner, Sue, in the Navarra Spanish region in time for evening consumption – as well as the trend of vermouths. “The cult Negroni has started the resurgence, with vermouth and tonic proving a less-punchy but thirst-quenching favourite.”

In other news, Wadebridge Wines was abuzz recently supporting Nathan Outlaw – Patron of the National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow. Wines were matched with Nathan’s favourite recipes, raising money for the hatchery. What’s more, Wadebridge Wines will be hosting the FAR Stage Cornwall Folk Festival this August bank holiday weekend, so be sure to pop that in your diary!

For more information call 01208 812692 or visit www.wadebridgewines.co.uk

Dinner and a show!

Adjoining the Merlin cinema on Wendron Steet, Helston, The Reel Pizza Company offers a selection speciality handmade pizzas, plus a tempting choice of classic Italian dishes. Contemporary in design, the restaurant and bar retains an intimate, warm atmosphere and, with great prices to boot, it’s perfect for casual dining before or after a movie!

Ingredients are sourced locally, from fish landed in Newlyn Harbour, to meat and produce reared and grown around the Duchy, and everything on the menu is made to order. The menu isn’t all about the pizza though – there’s also a delicious choice of tapas dishes too, along with a choice of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

With two pizzas for just £17.99 available throughout the week, as well as offers and discounts running in conjunction with certain film showings in the cinema next door, if you’re seeking great food at equally fantastic prices, be sure to pop into The Reel Pizza Company.

For more information call 01326 569900 or visit www.thereelpizzacompany.co.uk

A beautiful setting at Miss V’s Cornish Cream Tea

Situated right next to St Just In Roseland Church, Miss V’s Cornish Cream Tea serves traditional Cornish Cream teas, a range of homemade cakes and light lunches amidst beautiful surroundings.

The 13th century church is located in semi-tropical gardens on the edge of the River Fal. Described by poet John Betjeman as one of the most beautiful churches in the world, its location near St Mawes means you can easily walk from the seaside village to the church for an idyllic stroll, and then take the opportunity to rest and refuel at Miss V’s before walking back.

Occupying a new custom-built café on the old nursery grounds opposite the church car park, Miss V’s is a tranquil spot to enjoy your tea and soak up the beautiful surroundings.

For more information call 07500 418504 or visit MissVsVintageHighTea on Facebook.

Eat into the evening at The Digey Food Room, St Ives

Nestled between the plethora of boutique shops in St Ives, the Tate Gallery and Porthmeor beach, The Digey Food Room serves breakfast and lunch all day. Popular choices are the breakfast of smashed avocado on Vicky’s sourdough toast with poached eggs and streaky bacon. Or for lunch, dig in to the open crab sandwich packed full of brown and white crabmeat fresh from Newlyn harbour.

The café is also open in the early evenings this year for the first time. Owner Alex Baird tells us: “We will be serving a casual menu featuring quality local produce, perfect for people leaving the beach on sunny evenings.” The menu will be an extended version of the lunch menu with some light summer specials and there will be a selection of delicious salads and deli sharing boards as well. Essentially providing great casual food for a sunny evening in St Ives.

For more information call 01736 799600 or visit www.digeyfoodroom.co.uk