Latest news with #TheSardineFactory
National Geographic
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- National Geographic
Where to eat the best fish and chips in Cornwall
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Come summer, nothing quite hits the spot like a generous serving of fish and chips eaten beside the Cornish coast. Whether wrapped in vinegar-soaked paper — perhaps enjoyed on a harbour wall — or served in a pub garden accompanied by a chilled local cider, this iconic British dish never fails to satisfy. Traditionally made with cod or haddock, deep-fried to a golden crisp and paired with thick-cut chips, tartare sauce and a liberal splash of vinegar, fish and chips is a meal steeped in nostalgia, often evoking childhood memories of summers spent by the coast. Although its exact origins are a source of debate, what seems clear is that the dish first emerged in 19th-century Britain as an affordable, hearty meal for the working classes not only in London's industrial East End but also in Northern English mill towns. Its large helpings and low cost made it a wartime staple, too — one of the few unrationed foods — and over time, it became a cherished Friday-night tradition, rooted in the Catholic culinary custom of meat-free meals on this sacred day. Today, Cornwall's fish and chip scene is more diverse than ever, thanks to greater access to fresh catch and a commitment to quality ingredients not just in beloved local chippies but in a host of restaurants, including Michelin-acclaimed kitchens. Furthermore, innovative chefs such as Benjamin Palmer, at The Sardine Factory in Looe, and Paul Ainsworth at The Mariners, in Rock, are honouring this classic meal while experimenting with creative new twists. To discover the best of Cornwall's fish and chips this summer, here are six must-visit spots. Harbour Lights, Falmouth For award-winning chips and community spirit Family-run and proudly Cornish, Harbour Lights, in Falmouth, isn't just another chippy — it's a local institution. Set above the harbour, this long-standing favourite was a top-10 finalist in the National Fish & Chip Awards 2019 and sources its fish daily from nearby Newlyn. A regular cod costs £17.95, and double-fried chips — made from Cornish potatoes — start at £4.85. Beyond the classics, the team encourages diners to try something new. The menu features Cornish hake and plaice alongside starters such as salt and pepper squid, crispy whitebait and breaded king prawns. Diners who eat in get unlimited chips with their main course. What sets Harbour Lights apart, though, is its strong community presence. The team supports causes such as the Fishermen's Mission through regular donations and hosts the Harbour Lights' Community Hero Awards to recognise civic-minded local residents. They've also taken to the stage with the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide at Falmouth's Oyster Festival and even offer an annual gift card providing 12 fish and chip meals for £170 for their most loyal customers. The Sardine Factory, Looe For Michelin-garlanded dishes At Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded The Sardine Factory, the fish and chips is prepared with all the precision you'd expect of a fine dining establishment. Housed in a restored 19th-century sardine factory overlooking the harbour, this relaxed, award-winning restaurant is the passion project of local chef Benjamin Palmer, who returned home to celebrate Cornish seafood. Benjamin's take on traditional fish and chips (£20) — served with caramelised lemon and a selection of condiments — shares the menu with dishes such as dry-aged pollock ceviche, smoked haddock scotch egg and Cornish crab mac and cheese. The restaurant has a strong focus on local produce, with most ingredients sourced from the nearby Looe market and the surrounding area. Looe's Sardine Factory serves up not just traditional fish and chips, but also other Cornish-inspired dishes such as smoked haddock scotch egg and crab mac and cheese. Photograph by The Sardine Factory Harbour Chippy, Newquay For a classic menu with a modern twist Just a stone's throw from the fishing boats of Newquay's historic waterfront, Harbour Chippy serves succulent, flaky fish and chips with all the charm you'd expect from one of the best traditional seaside spots. Owned by Rob and Jen Randell, this family-run, takeout-only venue is located on one of the oldest roads in Newquay, offering the expected classics with refreshingly inclusive offerings. Alongside freshly cooked cod and chips (small portions from £6.10), there's a dedicated vegan selection — including battered sausages, pea fritters and nuggets — all fried in vegetable oil by the Chippy's vegan fryer. Plus, to cater to those with gluten sensitivities, a separate fryer is used for wheat-free batters and chips. This year, the couple also introduced a touchscreen ordering system, a nod to their forward-thinking ethos. If you've still got room for something sweet afterwards, pop next door to Newquay Waffle Shop, run by their son Matthew. The Mariners, Rock For an elevated, gastropub experience Michelin-recognised The Mariners serves a refined twist on pub classics, including traditional fish and chips. Relaunched in 2019 by Paul Ainsworth — one of Britain's top chefs and a leading name in Cornwall's food scene — alongside his wife Emma, this well-established spot has a terrace overlooking the beautiful Camel Estuary and puts a spotlight on Cornwall's finest produce. Under the direction of head chef Joe Rozier, who previously worked at Ainsworth's Michelin-starred No.6 in Padstow, the menu embraces bold, creative twists — from 'The Dog's Pollock', a pollock hot dog with pickled cucumber and parmesan, to Cornish monkfish served with cockle and clam butter. His elevated take on classic fish and chips (£25) includes line-caught cod, triple-cooked Yukon Gold chips, seaweed tartare, madras sauce and parsley peas. The Mariners is the vision of Paul Ainsworth, one of Britain's most celebrated chefs. Photograph by Chris Fynes (Top) (Left) and Photograph by @ (Bottom) (Right) Rick Stein's Fish & Chips, Padstow For old-time favourites with a premium edge It's hard to visit Cornwall these days without hearing Rick Stein's name — especially in Padstow, where his presence is particularly prominent. For a scenic day out, hire a bike in Wadebridge and follow the Camel Trail along the estuary into town, stopping for lunch at his popular fish and chip shop. Prices lean towards the higher end — with a standard cod costing £19 — but the quality and Stein's enduring reputation keep the crowds coming, so be prepared to queue. Fish such as haddock, hake, lemon sole and cod are fried in beef dripping for a golden, crunchy finish. Unlimited chips are available for an extra £3.95 when dining in, while a standard takeaway portion costs £3.50 and can be enjoyed by Padstow's picturesque harbourfront, just steps away. The menu also features small plates, including honey-drizzled halloumi saganaki, salt-and-pepper prawns and fish tacos. Argoe, Newlyn For a contemporary take that honours local roots Argoe offers a refined take on a fish supper — although not in the traditional sense. Frito misto with aioli is the closest thing this Cornish seafood spot gets to conventional fish and chips. Overlooking the town's busy working harbour, this intimate, wood-clad restaurant features contemporary interiors and a relaxed outdoor terrace. Owned by Richard Adams, a local, the restaurant honours Newlyn's rich fishing heritage with a daily-changing menu that's shaped by chef Angus Powell around the morning's catch. Sharing plates, including grilled piri piri monkfish, hand-dived scallops and smoked whiting roe flatbread, are served with chips or salad and a range of natural wines. Adding to the experience for diners, Angus can often be spotted heading down to the quay to collect fish straight off the boat — a fantastic way to see just how fresh the ingredients are. To accompany your meal, organic wines are poured from taps behind the bar. Since opening in 2021, Argoe has earned a Michelin Guide mention — a status reflected in the premium pricing, with grilled fish typically costing around £43 and chips available as a £6 side. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Daily Mirror
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I own Beyond Paradise's Ten Mile Kitchen and not all locals are happy about it'
BBC Deayj in Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise has proed a hit with viewers and now the celebrity chef who owns the restaurant featured has spoken out The BBC's Death in Paradise and its UK-based spin-off, Beyond Paradise have captured the nation, with filming in Looe, Cornwall. Kris Marshall reprises his role as Humphrey Goodman from the original series, now leading a new troop of detectives in the quaint town of Shipton Abbott. The hit show delves into his personal life too, depicting his relationship with his fiancée, Martha Lloyd (played by Sally Bretton), who's recently launched The Ten Mile Kitchen. Yet, the real-life backdrop to this on-screen eatery is actually 2024 Great British Menu winner Ben Palmer's highly-regarded establishment, The Sardine Factory. Ben shared insights with the Daily Express regarding his restaurant's newfound fame as a viewer favourite and the contrasting opinions among locals witnessing its escalating renown. Since the third series of Beyond Paradise showcased it, the Sardine Factory has seen an astonishing hike in interest – its bookings shot up to 245, scaling a peak from a modest 45 the previous week, marking an eye-opening leap by 444%. While the surge spells great news for Ben's venture, not all residents are thrilled. Ben conceded: "You know you get a lot of kickback from a lot of locals saying, we don't want more people coming to town, but you know what it's so important to bring tourism to the restaurant business, we rely on it," reports the Express. Despite a mixed reception, Ben disclosed that many locals are enthused about the new attraction, saying: "As locals, we were all really proud when we saw our beautiful kind of hometown on the telly, it was really kind of cool, and everybody was kind of asking, 'where is this beautiful place?'" He added: "You know, we're incredibly lucky. It kind of gives you a sense of feeling like we're really proud that this is our hometown, and it just showcases it, making you realise how beautiful it is as well. "It's a lovely place, but then when you come to see it, you think, 'my God, it is actually,' we're very lucky. It's a very beautiful place, and then everybody wants to come and visit where they saw on TV, which was really cool." Ben even confessed his surprise at not realising the show Beyond Paradise's popularity, stating: "I never kind of really watched it, and then obviously I thought, you know, it's in my own town and stuff, you might catch a glimpse of someone you know. I started to watch it and, you know what? It's pretty good." In a bid to revitalise the area, Ben launched his restaurant in 2018, alongside the introduction of a museum for the town. Named 'The Sardine Factory', the restaurant honours its history as a former sardine processing plant.
Wales Online
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Beyond Paradise restaurant's celebrity owner 'proud' of show but admits to 'kickback' from locals
Beyond Paradise restaurant's celebrity owner 'proud' of show but admits to 'kickback' from locals The Sardine Factory in Looe, Cornwall, is the real-life location of The Ten Mile Kitchen, which is owned by chef Ben Palmer, who won the Great British Menu in 2024 Kris Marshall on reuniting with Love Actually co-star BBC Death in Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise launched in 2023 and set to the backdrop of scenic Looe in Cornwall. Kris Marshall returns as Humphrey Goodman from the original series, now solving crimes in the make-believe Shipton Abbott with his detective crew. Additionally, the story delves into Humphrey's home life with his partner, Martha Lloyd (played by Sally Bretton), who steps into the culinary scene with her venture The Ten Mile Kitchen. The actual venue used for Martha's enterprise is owned by none other than chef Ben Palmer, crowned champion in the 2024 Great British Menu. Palmer discussed with the Daily Express how his restaurant, The Sardine Factory, became a pilgrimage site for fans and the community's mixed reactions to its newfound fame. Beyond Paradise stars Sally Bretton and Kris Humphrey (Image: BBC ) Following The Sardine Factory's feature in Beyond Paradise's third season, reservations skyrocketed by 444%, spiking from 45 to an astounding 245 bookings within a week. Article continues below Despite the boost to business, some local residents have expressed discontent over the influx of visitors flocking to their town. Ben confided: "You know you get a lot of kickback from a lot of locals saying, we don't want more people coming to town, but you know what it's so important to bring tourism to the restaurant business, we rely on it," reports the Express. Ben disclosed that despite some negative reactions, many locals have welcomed the attention, saying: "As locals, we were all really proud when we saw our beautiful kind of hometown on the telly, it was really kind of cool, and everybody was kind of asking, 'where is this beautiful place?'" Beyond Paradise's Ten Mile Kitchen takes place in The Sardine Factory (Image: BBC ) He added: "You know, we're incredibly lucky. It kind of gives you a sense of feeling like we're really proud that this is our hometown, and it just showcases it, making you realise how beautiful it is as well." Admiring his locality, Ben remarked: "It's a lovely place, but then when you come to see it, you think, 'my God, it is actually,' we're very lucky. "It's a very beautiful place, and then everybody wants to come and visit where they saw on TV, which was really cool." Article continues below Regarding the popularity of Beyond Paradise, Ben acknowledged his surprise, confessing: "I never kind of really watched it, and then obviously I thought, you know, it's in my own town and stuff, you might catch a glimpse of someone you know. I started to watch it and, you know what? It's pretty good." Ben opened his restaurant back in 2018 as a part of reinvigorating the town, which also included opening a museum. The Sardine Factory gets its name from its previous incarnation as an old sardine processing plant. Beyond Paradise in available on BBC iPlayer
