Waters’ edge dining

Cornwall’s coastal brasserie champions local producers and seasonal ingredients.

The appointment of David Waters as Head Chef at Brasserie on the Bay marks a significant development for St Michaels Resort. Waters brings credentials forged at Outlaw’s where he absorbed the discipline of working with premium Cornish seafood. His approach reflects both technical precision and genuine respect for local ingredients.

Brasserie on the Bay is St Michaels’ coastal dining space occupying a commanding position above Falmouth Bay. Waters’ philosophy centres on building relationships with Cornwall’s fishing fleet and farming community, ensuring ingredients travel minimal distances from source to plate. The St Michaels kitchen brigade works closely with day boats landing at nearby harbours, adjusting what they cook based on what the sea delivers.

Earlier this year, a culinary collaboration between St Michaels Resort and acclaimed chef Stephane Delourme, saw the development of new menus,  celebrating the best in local produce without unnecessary embellishment. Waters will continue to develop this offering as the seasons unfold, bringing his own individual skills to the table. 

An example of which is the torched mackerel fillet which receives careful treatment, enhancing rather than masking its natural qualities, partnered with soused tomato and squid ink tuile that add textural interest without overwhelming the primary ingredient.

Cornwall’s natural larder extends beyond the shoreline, as evidenced by the wild mushroom and summer truffle linguini. Here, Waters incorporates miso to create depth whilst maintaining focus on the woodland fungi. Such dishes prove that celebrating Cornwall’s bounty need not mean parochial cooking – international influences can strengthen rather than dilute local identity.

The lobster thermidor represents more than culinary skill. Each serving generates funding for Padstow’s National Lobster Hatchery, demonstrating the kitchen’s commitment to sustainable practices. This approach ensures that today’s menu choices support tomorrow’s fishing industry.

From the dining room’s Falmouth Bay views, diners can look out over the very waters that supply their table. This connection between location and plate creates context for honest, flavourful dishes that require no artificial enhancement. Waters has achieved refined coastal dining that satisfies serious appetites whilst respecting the ingredients that define Cornwall’s culinary reputation.

BRASSERIE ON THE BAY
01326 312707 Ext 103
www.stmichaelsresort.com