Four gastropubs across Cornwall have been named among the best in the UK.
The Estrella Damm Top 100 Gastropubs list is created each year by an academy of several hundred judges who vote for the nation's must-see gastropubs.
It is considered the jewel in the crown for gastropubs across the UK, voted for by top foodies and hospitality experts including fellow gastropub operators, food writers and top industry chefs.
Each year, the judges are asked to vote for their top three gastropub businesses, from those they have visited in the past year, and the votes are then tallied to produce a top 100 list.
READ MORE
- AA Restaurant Guide 2022: Best Cornwall restaurants revealed. See the list
- Good Beer Guide: See the Falmouth pubs that made the list
The Mariners
Rock
Appearing at number nine in the list is celebrity chef Paul Ainsworth’s the Mariners in Rock.
The pub’s motto is, in short, to provide guests with warm and happy memories, driven by food that puts a smile on your face, alongside drinks that put a spring in your step.
The Estrella Damm gastropub website says: “Celebrity chef Paul Ainsworth’s the Mariners in Rock, Cornwall, is a must-visit gastropub for staycationers and international tourists alike.”
Speaking about the gastronomic empire Paul and Emma Ainsworth have built, Paul says: “Starting this next exciting chapter here in Padstow, we couldn’t be more grateful for the support from our loyal customers and friends.
“Every day we learn new things that we bring to the business, allowing us to keep improving what we do.”
St Kew Inn
Bodmin
It’s the first time that the St Kew Inn has made the top 50, ranking at 36. Nestled in the beautiful Parish of St Kew it offers everything expected of a traditional village pub in the Cornish countryside.
The Estrella Damm gastropub website says: “Cosy log fires, outstanding food and beautiful secluded gardens, there’s little more you could ask for at the St Kew Inn, Bodmin, Cornwall.”
The venue takes pride in the quality and presentation of its food offering, made with locally sourced ingredients served wherever possible.
The team specialise in cooking over wood fires, which recently featured on Rick Stein’s Cornwall on BBC Two.
And it’s not the only St Austell Brewery-owned pub to make the list. Over the border in Devon, the Cornish Arms in Tavistock has come in at number 14.
It’s the ninth year this establishment has featured, moving up two places from its 2021 ranking.
Run by husband-and-wife duo John and Emma Hooker, the pub serves unpretentious, mouth-watering dishes, made with local produce.
It has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for offering high-quality food at an affordable price and was also named as one of six national finalists for the title of Best Food Pub in 2016’s Great British Pub Awards.
John has been named Chef of the Year at the coveted Trencherman's awards. He’s also held three AA Rosettes, featured in the Good Food Guide and competed on BBC 2’s Great British Menu.
Speaking after the announcement John Hooker, Cornish Arms said: “It’s such a privilege to be named as one of the top 50 gastro pubs in the country.
“We have made the list for the past nine years – the Oscars of the pub world – which is credit to our amazing, hardworking, dedicated, and professional team at the Cornish.”
Jim Sloan, Head of St Austell Brewery’s tenanted estate said: “Congratulations to the Cornish Arms and the St Kew Inn for this much deserved recognition.
“We are delighted that they have both been awarded for their exceptional food offering and service.
“Featuring on this list is a big achievement on a national scale, and we’re extremely proud to be working in partnership with such fantastic teams.”
READ MORE
- Best Cornwall restaurants according to Tripadvisor reviews
- Good Beer Guide: See pubs in and around Helston and Porthleven in the list
The Tolcarne Inn
Penzance
Appearing in the top 100 gastropubs list at number 66 is The Tolcarne Inn, Penzance.
The Estrella Damm gastropub website says: “The Tolcarne Inn in Newlyn, Penzance, is a historic maritime pub that sits next to the sea wall of one of the UK’s most important fishing ports.”
The person running this outstanding venue is chef and restauranteur Ben Tunnicliffe, creating an irresistible dining experience for seafood lovers.
Menu highlights have included fish soup with rouille and crostini; mussels in white wine, garlic and cream; and whole lemon sole with crushed Cornish earlies, French beans, capers and brown shrimp butter.
Port Gaverene Hotel
Port Isaac
The Port Gaverne in Cornwall was a recent “One to Watch” on the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list and David Barnard’s splendid Cornish pub has, according to judges, “exceeded expectations” appearing in 77th place.
The Estrella Damm gastropub website says: “Nestled in a secluded cover near the quaint fishing village of Port Isaac, The Port Gaverne offers up some of the freshest fish and seafood in the country, with some of the pub’s aquatic produce caught only hours before it is served.
“The pub also offers 16 boutique hotel rooms for travellers who want to stay a while and take in its awe-inspiring surroundings.”
Menu highlights at the Port Gaverne have included grilled chorizo and saffron aioli; roasted hake with cauliflower purée, savoy cabbage, truffle and hazelnut pesto and red wine reduction; crispy beer battered Cornish haddock with chips, minted peas and tartare sauce.
To see the full list of the nation's must-see gastropubs, visit the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel