Cornwall, the southwestern gem of England, has long been a beacon for those who revel in the pleasures of food, culture, and the unspoiled beauty of its coastline. For American travelers with a passion for culinary adventures, Cornwall presents an array of new gastronomic experiences that are as sustainable as they are delectable. Here’s what’s cooking in Cornwall’s burgeoning food scene:
A New Chapter in Cornish Dining
Cornwall’s restaurant landscape has seen exciting developments in recent years, with new establishments breathing fresh air into its already vibrant food culture:
The Tartan Fox: Set in a historic Grade II-listed building, this pub opened its doors to diners in June 2024. Located near Newquay, it showcases the culinary vision of Adam Handling, who brings his signature blend of Scottish influence and Cornish ingredients. Expect dishes like ‘Beef tartare with St. Ewe yolk’ and ‘Cornish crab cocktail’, offering a taste of local luxury with a sustainable twist.
Harbour House: Located in Flushing, near Falmouth, this venue opened in summer 2023. It’s the latest project by Tamara Costin and William Speed, known for their unique dining concepts. Harbour House serves up fresh flavors, focusing on local seafood and ingredients, with menus that change with the seasons.
Why Cornwall for Food Lovers?
Cornwall’s allure for food enthusiasts isn’t just about the new openings; it’s the region’s deep connection with its produce:
Sustainable Sourcing: Cornwall’s chefs have embraced sustainability, with many restaurants sourcing directly from local farms and the sea. This commitment ensures freshness while supporting the local economy and reducing carbon footprints.
Seafood Supremacy: With its extensive coastline, Cornwall offers some of the UK’s freshest seafood. The likes of Nathan Outlaw and Rick Stein have long championed this, but newer establishments continue to innovate with Cornish catches.
Farm to Fork: The region’s agricultural richness means that from the Eden Project’s culinary initiatives to small farm cafes, visitors can experience the farm-to-fork concept in its purest form. Places like Crocadon Farm exemplify this with their regenerative agriculture practices.
Artisanal Alchemy: Cornwall’s food scene isn’t just about eating; it’s about experiencing. From the traditional Cornish pasty to award-winning wines and cheeses, there’s a craft and history behind every bite.
Must-Try Experiences
Feast Nights at The Hidden Hut: While not a new opening, these events have become a cultural phenomenon, offering themed evenings where Cornish cuisine takes center stage.
The Pig at Harlyn Bay: Not just for its new openings, The Pig is known for its ‘Lobster Fridays’ where you can enjoy local lobster with a view, embodying the essence of Cornish luxury.
Café Pop-ups and Street Food: Cornwall’s dynamic food culture includes a variety of pop-ups and beachside shacks, like the Cove Cafe on Towans Beach, providing a laid-back yet gourmet experience.
Why Now for American Travelers?
With tourism numbers down, Cornwall offers an intimate dining experience like never before. Special interest group tours can now curate exclusive visits, perhaps arranging private dining experiences, cooking classes with local chefs, or vineyard tours at places like Trevibban Mill.
For American food lovers whether you’re savoring a Michelin-star meal or enjoying a simple yet exquisite pasty, Cornwall invites you to a table where food is not just consumed but celebrated.
About Us
Based in Cornwall we’re the only full service destination management company for our region. Recommended partner of Visit Cornwall, the official tourism board, we work with tour operators, agents and individual group leaders from the US offering it as part of complete packages that can include London, Southern England and the rest of the UK & Ireland.
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