The Mariners

During my recent visit to The Mariners, Paul Ainsworth’s stunning restaurant in Rock, near Padstow, I was blown away by the entire experience. Set against the backdrop of a breathtaking estuary view, this place offers more than just fantastic food. The restaurant, beautifully refurbished, gives off a welcoming vibe from the moment you step in. The seating area, with its open-plan design overlooking the bay, adds to the charm, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal.

When it came to the menu, I was excited to try a few standout dishes. First, I ordered Bay mussels in a fragrant miso broth, infused with coconut, lemongrass, and Chili. I also treated myself to a grilled Cornish scallop, which was served with Cafe de Paris butter. Both dishes were incredible. The scallop, buttery and tender, came presented on a bed of seaweed with a slice of lemon, while the mussels were plump and juicy, soaking up all the delicious flavours of the broth. The combination of chilli, lemongrass, and basil really hit the mark.

But the star of the show had to be the Cornish shepherd’s pie. This wasn’t your average shepherd’s pie—it featured slow-cooked lamb shoulder with a basil and mint salsa verde, all tied together with a rich seaweed ragu. Every bite was packed with flavour, and the freshness of the mint and basil elevated the dish to a whole new level.

Yes, the price was on the higher side—my meal came to £46.50—but when you consider the quality of the food, the excellent service, and the beautiful location, it felt more than justified. The Mariners is definitely a place worth visiting if you’re in the area, and I’d encourage you to experience it yourself.

A quick word to Paul Ainsworth – absolutely brilliant. I’ve heard many good things about his other restaurants which I cannot wait to try in the future, well done.