International award-winning cheese
Forget Roquefort or Camembert, Cornwall is home to some of the very best cheeses in the UK, and better yet, in the world – they’ve got the medals to prove it. Named the World Champion Cheese in 2010, the young, distinctive hand-made Cornish Blue has made its mark, having beaten over 2,000 other cheeses to gain the coveted title. Not bad, considering makers Philip and Carol Stansfield didn’t know a thing about cheesemaking when they began twelve years ago. Another business that is quite used to bringing home the awards is Cornish creamery Davidstow, whose cheddar scooped them the titles ‘UK Champion Creamery’ and ‘Best Mild Cheddar’ at this year’s International Cheese Awards – another couple to add to the extensive collection. www.cornishcheese.co.uk www.davidstowcheddar.co.uk
Super-fresh fish
Where better to get hold of the freshest, tastiest fish, than this peninsula poking out into the ocean? Undeniably, Cornwall is the ideal location for finding great seafood and nothing short of paradise for lovers of scallops, skate and sardines, to name just a few of the 40 or so species that can be landed on any one day. Fish merchant Wing of St Mawes definitely comes into this bracket, sourcing fish directly from markets around the county then swiftly getting it either to restaurant kitchens, where it’s usually on the table within 24 hours of being landed, or directly to your door with their home delivery service, The Cornish Fishmonger. They certainly know how to handle their seafood too – their range of smoked fish has gained handfuls of Great Taste Awards over multiple years. www.wingofstmawes.co.uk www.thecornishfishmonger.co.uk
Top tipples
Cornish drinks too, have been in the limelight on the national and international stage over the years, with old favourites and new names alike bringing in award after award for great wines, beers and ciders. The long-established St Austell Brewery has a list of accolades that is far too long to cite individually but includes recognition from CAMRA, the British Bottlers’ Institute, Food magazine and many more. We think the list will grow longer with the release of the new draught keg beer, Proper Cool. The new brew is based on the popular IPA Proper Job, but unlike the brewery’s traditional cask beers, it’s served cold, making for a refreshingly hoppy pint. Keep an eye out for it at Cornwall Food & Drink Festival this month, where you can be one of the first to try it. www.staustellbrewery.co.uk
Location, location
There are more than a few stunning locations dotted around the county where you can dine, take in the view and explore the surroundings. The Headland Hotel, which perches on Newquay’s cliff tops, looks over Fistral beach and the expanse of Atlantic beyond; breathe it all in whilst relaxing in the comfort of the terrace or veranda, or enjoying the fine-dining experience of the restaurant. For an entirely different backdrop try the New Yard restaurant at Trelowarren – sample the lunchtime menu before taking a picturesque woodland walk, ambling in the gardens, or even indulging in a spa package. The New Yard is ideally situated to make use of great local produce too, including game from the estate itself. Take advantage of the wood-fired pizza oven at lunchtimes and evenings. www.headlandhotel.co.uk www.newyardrestaurant.co.uk
Stellar chefs
Cornwall’s kitchens are adorned with accolades – a smattering of the most coveted Michelin stars; bunches of AA rosettes, like those earned by Barclay House, Looe, the Flying Fish at St Michael’s Hotel, Falmouth and Rosewarne Manor at Connor Downs, and bucketfuls of public vote and readers’ choice awards. Take Ben Prior, a prime example of the latter, whose Marazion restaurant Ben’s Cornish Kitchen was named ‘Best Restaurant in the South West’ by the readers of Food magazine this year. Ben’s daily changing menu of local ingredients cooked in simply delicious and slightly quirky ways has won over swathes of diners and promises to attract many more, with items such as scrumptious shellfish dumplings and slow-roasted pork with hazelnut mayo on offer to tempt the tastebuds. Watch out too for tantalisingly creative desserts by Ben’s brother Toby. www.benscornishkitchen.com www.barclayhouse.co.uk www.stmichaelshotel.co.uk www.rosewarnemanor.co.uk
As featured by Cornish Guardian, West Briton and Cornishman newspapers