ST MICHAEL'S Mount is steeped in more than a thousand years of history but something new and very contemporary will soon be launched on the island.
The redesigned Harbour Loft will open on Monday 15 May and will host a new afternoon tea experience, with a mouth-watering menu inspired by the very best Cornish produce.
The refurbished Harbour Loft overlooks the harbour at one of Cornwall’s most iconic locations and will be the venue for the new afternoon tea.
The island’s inventive Head Chef, Greg Milne, has created a unique, high-end menu. It is inspired by locally sourced, Cornish produce, with many producers located around and close to Mount’s Bay.
Food miles are reduced to near zero in the case of pine, rose, nettles, sorrel, fennel pollen and edible flowers that are grown on the island.
There’s an extensive menu of tea served, sourced from the Tregothnan estate, who grow their own teas on a plantation on the banks of the River Fal.
For those looking to add a little extra fizz to their afternoon tea experience, there is an option to include a glass of sparkling 2016 Cornish Seyval Blanc wine from Penzance-based Polgoon Vineyard.
The renovation and relaunch of the Harbour Loft, and the development of the afternoon tea menu, is the latest move with a focus on creating year-round employment on the island.
Harvey Thomas, St Aubyn Estates CEO, said: "The Harbour Loft is a unique space and we’re very proud to combine this special location with a delicious afternoon tea, bursting with Cornish provenance, to create a truly memorable event for locals and visitors.”
The Harbour Loft project follows hot on the heels of the creation of a new, free-to-access art gallery featuring notable local artwork, and the refurbishment and improvement of the island’s other cafe.
Mr Thomas added: "The seasonality of many jobs within the hospitality sector in Cornwall is well known. It is our ambition for St Michael’s Mount to be able to support more year-round employment, which is much needed in West Cornwall.
“There are so many talented people in this part of the world, and we are delighted that the Harbour Loft and other recent investments on the island have enabled us to convert another 12 former seasonal jobs into permanent salaried roles. We hope we can increase this further in the future.”
Afternoon Tea at the Harbour Loft is priced from £30 per person with gluten-free, dairy and egg-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available, and can be booked online by visiting stmichaelsmount.co.uk.
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