What’s New in Padstow for Summer 2021

These are exciting times in Padstow. As we slide out of lockdown and slip into summer, there’s a buzz on the streets as the season finally gets into full swing. And there are lots of things to be excited about with a series of new openings and happenings to keep people fed, watered and entertained this summer.

Here are some of the exciting, new openings and event in Padstow for summer 2021.

Tarquins Gin School and Shop

Tarquin’s Gin is one of North Cornwall’s business success stories. Having distilled his unique tipple in his home kitchen, Tarquin has won many accolades for his spirit including the ‘World’s Best Gin’. You can now learn about the gin-making process, taste a few samples and create your own blend in a mini copper still at the school in the heart of Padstow. Or you could skip the lessons and pick up a bottle to enjoy in the comfort of your own holiday home.
Location: Lanadwell St, Padstow
Website: https://www.tarquinsgin.com/

Padstow Tasting Room

Padstow Brewing Co is another local success story. The award-winning micro-brewery started crafting beers in 2013 and has built up a loyal following over the years. The brewery now has two venues in town where you can sample and buy delicious pale ale, pilsner, cider, gin and cocktails, including the brand new tasting room on Broad Street. The small venue has seating indoors but is best for late afternoon drinks outside to soak up the town’s lively atmosphere.
Location: Broad Street, Padstow
Website: https://www.padstowbrewing.co.uk/

Padstow Wine Shop

Looking for a good bottle of wine to go with your home-cooked supper? Then pop into this new shop on Duke Street, where you will find a carefully curated collection of wines alongside recommendations from the knowledgeable staff. As well as some excellent English varieties, the shop stocks a hand-picked selection of reds, whites and rosés from around the world. The shop now also has a couple of tables where you can enjoy a glass or two of wine, or perhaps one of their own brand gins.
Location: Duke Street, Padstow
Website: https://padstowwinecompany.co.uk/

The Pig Restaurant

One of the area’s most exciting developments in recent years has been the transformation of this grand, 15th-century house in Harlyn into a boutique hotel and first-class restaurant. The focus at the restaurant is on simple, home-cooked food picked from its walled garden or produce sourced within a 25-mile radius. So you can expect the freshest, Cornish foods from the sea and local farms. If the restaurant is full, you can try the Lobster Shed where you can enjoy wood-roasted fresh lobster, chargrilled meats and barbecued veggies.
Location: Harlyn Bay
Website: https://www.thepighotel.com/at-harlyn-bay/eat-padstow/the-restaurant/

Mahe, Chefs Table

Mahe is the new ‘development’ kitchen where protégés of top local chef Paul Ainsworth develop dishes, which will eventually make it onto the menu in his main restaurant. The Chef’s Table is an exclusive, intimate private dining experience where you get to sample a tasting menu of exquisitely prepared food using fresh Cornish produce. This unique dining experience allows an insight into the creative process of dish development, while you interact with chefs during meal preparation.
Location: Middle Street, Padstow
Website: https://www.paul-ainsworth.co.uk/mahe/the-chefs-table/

PW1 Bar & Café

This newly opened bar and cafe, just tucked back from the harbour in the centre of Padstow, is proving very popular with visitors and locals alike. Formerly known as The Basement, it’s a great place to pick up a morning coffee, afternoon tea or evening cocktail as you set out for a walk around town or return from the Camel Trail. They also offer a selection of home-baked cakes, which are far too good to resist.
Location: The Drang, Padstow
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Pw1-bar-and-cafe-116140283558362/

Prawn on the Farm

Although this out-of-town restaurant operated last summer as well, Prawn on the Farm has returned with year with a bigger and better dining experience. Located at Trerethern Farm just outside Padstow, the restaurant is a temporary summer move for the Prawn on the Lawn team from its tiny premises in Padstow. As the name suggests, the restaurant specialises in seafood and fish dishes.

Location: Trerethern Farm, near Padstow
Website: https://prawnonthelawn.com/restaurant/padstow/

Special Events

Rock Oyster Festival

The Rock Oyster Festival is hosted this year by Padstow restaurateur Paul Ainsworth, who will be one of the many chefs giving cookery demos over the weekend. The foodie element will be complemented by lively musical acts, which include The Dub Pistols, Sophie Ellis Bexter and Nick Mulvey. There are also options to take part in a range of activities, including circus skills, yoga and stand-up paddleboarding.

Dates: 30th July to 1st August
Location: Dinham Farm, near Rock
Website: https://www.rockoysterfestival.co.uk/

Paul Ainsworth’s Travelling Feast

The local chef will also be touring with his own mini-festival at three venues in Cornwall this summer. The three gigs will feature a line-up of food trucks from award-winning chefs, big festival acts, intimate gigs, and outstanding experiences. Music will be provided by the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Jake Bugg, The Human League and Sister Sledge. While food will be served by some of the nation’s best-loved chefs including Niall Keating, Tom Kerridge, John Hooker and James Martin.

Dates & Locations:
Boconnoc Estate – 6-7th August
Scorrier House – 15-16th August
Royal Cornwall Showground – 18-19th August
Website: https://www.travellingfeast.co.uk/