The Cornwall Blog

Hot on the heels of their Falmouth Fish & Chip restaurant being hailed as one of the most exciting UK openings of 2010, Rick and Jill Stein’s Seafood Restaurant has been named as one of the Top 50 UK Restaurants. The Sunday Times launched it’s Food List last week, in conjunction with the prestigious Harden’s Restaurant guide, and named the Padstow restaurant at number 50 in it’s top 100 eateries. The list, based upon diner’s feedback to the Harden’s guide, proclaimed the Seafood to be “better than ever after the refurbishment” and is often applauded by reporters for “the best seafood anywhere”. “I am so pleased about the listing, I think that it is testament to the great work that our Head Chef, Stephane Delourme and Restaurant Manager, Ed Rafferty, and their teams have put in during the last twelve months” says Rick Stein. The Seafood Restaurant was the only Cornish restaurant to be listed in the top 100, although the Devon based restaurateur Michael Caines claimed top spot...

The Seafood Restaurant will be marking its 35th anniversary during November and December with a celebratory £28.50 3-course lunch menu. Rick and Jill Stein are marking the anniversary with a special lunch menu built around prime Cornish seafood inclusive of dishes from the original 1975 Seafood Restaurant menu such as seafood thermidor, baked crab, moules marinière and thunder and lightening dessert. The menu will run from Monday 1st November through to Friday 24th December 2010, seven days a week from 12pm until 2.30pm. Rick Stein comments: “Little did Jill and I know when we opened a small seafood bistro on the harbourside in Padstow in 1975 with red checked tablecloths and candles in Verdicchio bottles that the business would grow into six restaurants, 40 bedrooms, four shops, a cookery school and a pub. We didn’t have a masterplan. It just happened.” When the restaurant opened in 1975 it employed just five staff, with Rick leading a kitchen team of two and Jill heading up ...

One of the culinary highlights of the celebrated Port Eliot Festival is Chris Sherville’s Seafood Restaurant in the Walled Garden. Chris has returned to the Festival each year, serving up fresh crab and lobster, calamari and chips, and cones of whitebait. Such is the popularity of his dishes that on Saturday 16th October, he’ll be running a day-long course in the splendid restored Georgian kitchen at Port Eliot, focusing on seafood. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to enjoy Chris’ cuisine as they dine in the magnificent Port Eliot Round Room and they will be invited to access some of the private areas of Port Eliot House with Lady St Germans. Chris Sherville trained at the prestigious Leith’s School of Food and Wine and has lived, travelled, eaten and cooked in a variety of places around the world, from the Far East to the South West. He’ll be showing his participants how to cook some of the recipes from the Festival, and there will be an opportunity to taste, ...

Our talented chef and BBC Masterchef winner James Nathan will be hosting a seafood demonstration evening at our Seafood Bar on Events Square in Falmouth on Tuesday 28th September. This informal evening begins at 6pm where you will be greeted with a glass of wine, then relax as you watch James demonstrate two seafood dishes. He'll be talking you through what's in season, tips and techniques, as well as sharing his experiences since winning BBC One's Masterchef in 2008. Stein's Deli in Falmouth will be open until 8.30pm. There will be 10% discount throughout the evening upon presentation of your ticket. Tickets £10. Spaces are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment. For more information and bookings please call Padstow Seafood School on 01841 533466.

Kingsley Village will host Cornwall’s first home and garden design show, The Cornwall Home Show, on Saturday, 30 April and Sunday, 1 May 2011. The Cornwall Home Show will be a distinctive and vibrant exhibition, celebrating the best of Cornwall’s interior, garden and home design industry. The two day exhibition will showcase a wide variety of products, services and inspirational ideas for the home and garden. The first event of its kind, The Cornwall Home Show is exclusively for Cornish businesses and it will give visitors to the show the chance to see more than 40 of Cornwall’s best home and garden suppliers, all showcasing the very best in home design, sustainable living, furnishing and style under one roof. The exhibition, which is managed by Live Events South West, is calling for specialist suppliers of bespoke, traditional, rustic and contemporary products and services, including; home décor, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, furniture and fittings, gardens, technology, and renewabl...

Art Inspired of Southern Africa & George Adamson Wildlife Conservation Kenya. On exhibition will be some wildlife paintings, and some of the proceeds will be donated to the Wildlife Foundation as above, as they can only survive through contributions from public. The Lion Painting will be the centre of the exhibition, dedicated to a lion called Christian, whom was bought from Harrods in London in 1960s and then eventually made his way to Kenya, where George took care of him. A percentage of the proceeds of the Large Lion Painting will go to the George Adamson Wildlife Conservation Kenya. Georges's work was made famous by Film & Book "Born Free" and others. Exhibition at Shire Hall, Bodmin 1st to 30th November 2010 Mon to Sat, 10am to 5pm Free admission www.africanvista.info

Over the weekend of 25-26th September, Port Eliot will take on a distinctly Chinese theme. Following on from his successful taster classes at Port Eliot House in June, renowned artist Xiao Bai Li will be running a two-day course in Chinese brush painting. The course will give people a chance to find out more about the techniques involved and develop their skills under Xiao’s expert guidance throughout the weekend. Xiao Bai Li was born and grew up in Nanjing, The People’s Republic of China, where his schooling crossed a ten year period during the Cultural Revolution. He moved to England in 1993 and now lives and works in Plymouth. His eloquent work in both portraiture and the art of Chinese Brush Painting focuses on the subject of people. His creative process includes meeting and closely observing people in their familiar environments - conveying a picture of real life in whatever place he is working in at the time. Xiao says, “Art can transcend many barriers and I feel that by p...

600 children show their skill in the water during the British Life Saving Sport Nipper Championships, sponsored by South West Water. The event concluded a week of fun and sporting skill on the beach and in the sea for over 1,000 Surf Lifesavers. Back for the second time as part of Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week, Life Saving Sport, based on the equipment used by Lifeguards, is a showcase of the skill and fitness needed to save lives. The event is generously sponsored by South West Water who are delighted to be part of the Championships once again this year, as South West Water Customer Relations Director, Monica Read, explains; “South West Water is pleased to support Surf Life Saving communities around our beautiful coastline, by supporting the development of young Surf Lifesavers we can help to create the next generation of volunteers making our beaches safe”. It was an exciting week, starting with North Devon Surf Life Saving Clubs ruled the roost during the first part of the week with Sa...

Rick Stein will be signing copies of his books later this month at Stein’s Deli in Padstow and at his new restaurant, Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips, on Discovery Quay in Falmouth. The dates will be Friday 20th and Thursday 26th August 2010. Friday 20th August: 10.30am to 11.30am, Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips, Events Square, Falmouth 3pm to 4pm, Stein’s Deli, South Quay, Padstow Thursday 26th August: 11am to 12pm, Stein’s Deli, South Quay, Padstow Access to the queue is on a first come first served basis, please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Twelve brave Cornwall based business owners and employees will be skydiving for charity on the 25 August, 2010 in aid of the Precious Lives Appeal to help build ‘Little Harbour’ in St Austell, a hospice for life limited children. The individuals taking on the challenge are aiming to raise over £4,000 between them for the charity. The ‘LESW Charity Skydive Challenge 2010’ has been organised by local event management company Live Events South West (LESW) as a means to facilitate and encourage local businesses to kick start, or build on, their corporate social responsibility by supporting local charities. The extra support is encouraged and backed by Children’s Hospice South West. Emma Lloyd, Head of Fundraising for CHSW’s Precious Lives Appeal, says “The LESW Charity Skydive Challenge is a great idea and a brilliant way to get local businesses involved in helping our local cause whilst undertaking something exciting and challenging. We wish the courageous but caring skydivers all the b...

In North Cornwall, Bored Lizard Surf Shop based on the Bude high street, has seen its business grow year on year, and have taken steps with each passing season to change the look of the shop and stock. Owner, Laurent Calvez, a surfer from Brittany in France, recently had this to say: "We've seen a lot of new improvement with a new Weird Fish designed wall and new wooden stand from Black Salamander. Two popular surf clothing brands that we have been pleased to stock alongside our own clothing. "Thank you to everybody involved in helping the shop look so good this year. "Bored Lizard has done very well in the early part of this year, and we are looking forward to the rest of the season. We've also had a celebrity shopper: Vic Reeves (from Shooting Stars). All in all, very exiting!" So make sure you drop in next time you are in Bude to see the friendly owner and shop. You can also buy Weird Fish, Black Salamander and Bored Lizard surf clothing onl...

The final preparations are being made for the 2010 RNAS Culdrose Air Day (Wednesday 28th July). With the ‘Vulcan’ making a rare appearance, thrilling flying displays, an action packed military arena and a chance to get up close with the world of Naval Aviation, organisers hope that the public will experience ‘Fly Navy’ whatever the weather. Visitors will be able to see breathtaking displays from some of the worlds most advanced aircraft as they twist, loop and soar through the skies at terrifying speeds. Almost 70 aircraft will give flying displays full of daring manoeuvres and precision flying and further aircraft will be available for static viewing on the ground, allowing the public to get up close to the aircraft and talk to their crews. Culdrose will show off its resident aircraft, there will be helicopter role demonstrations, an appearance from the Great War Display Team and a variety of fast and noisy jets (including a Vietnam era F-86 Sabre and a joint Strike Master/Hawker Hun...

Stir Fried Salt & Pepper Squid Tickets for the Seafood Demonstration Evening at Rick Stein’s cookery school in Padstow are now on sale. The new demonstration evening, to be held at Padstow Seafood School on Thursday 8th July, aims to give guests a ‘taster’ of the dishes they might experience on a visit to Rick & Jill Stein’s renowned Seafood Restaurant. Mark Puckey, head lecturer at Padstow Seafood School, will be demonstrating a selection of dishes from Rick Stein’s Seafood, including Crab linguine with parsley and chilli, Devilled mackerel with mint and tomato salad and Salmon steaks with muscadet, watercress and dill potatoes. The evening begins at 7pm until 9pm and includes a tasting of all the dishes that Mark will be demonstrating, accompanied by a glass or two of wine. Tickets are £35 and available from Padstow Seafood School. For more information and bookings please call the school on 01841 533 466 or email seafoodschool@rickstein.com . Spaces are limited...

If you are considering a visit to North Cornwall this week, you cannot fail to notice that the County show - The Royal Cornwall - is in full swing. Based on the outskirts of Wadebridge, the show draws in the biggest businesses in Cornwall, showing their wares on stalls and in marquees. In addition, there are numerous livestock competitions, craft exhibitions, games, rides, bars and cafes. The show runs for three days, on June the 11th, 12th and 13th. However, as is often the case, the main event obscures many smaller, more interesting stories. If you prefer to avoid the show crowds and venture down a few country lanes, you will find that Cornwall will give up its secrets to the discerning traveller. The region has always been steeped in myth and legend, which has inspired much of the creativity that has always thrived here. For example, Menabilly, a fifteenth Century manor on the South Coast, just outside St.Austell, provided the inspiration for Manderley in Daphne Du Maurier...

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s RNAS Culdrose Air Day which will be held on Wednesday 28th July 2010. The event, which has become a firm favourite in the Cornish Events Calendar, enables the general public to experience the sights, sounds and smells of one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases. Every day life for Royal Navy Pilots could include hunting for enemy submarines or aircraft in state-of-the art helicopters, flying fast jets armed with air-to-air weapons, transporting troops of Royal Marines Commandos and their equipment or rescuing casualties from sunken vessels. Air Day enables budding fighter pilots and those who once dreamt of flying, to learn about this exciting ‘world of Culdrose’ and see what happens behind the security gates. The organisers of this year’s event are working hard to make it a day to remember. As fast jets, helicopters and military aircraft zoom across the skies, visitors will be able to meet Aircrew who have served on frontline Squadrons all over ...

I just want to draw your attention to a website that acts as the online presence of The Tourist Handbook. You may have seen their brochures in many hotels, B&Bs, self catering accommodation and pubs in Cornwall and Devon, providing an illustrated guide to local tourist attractions. They now have a website with an excellent database of information, ready for anyone to access, as well as opportunity for people organising events and providing accommodation to advertise. It aims specifically to provide a valuable resource for those planning holidays in Devon and Cornwall, but with its event calendar, many local residents use it in equal measure. You can also follow The Tourist Handbook on Facebook and Twitter, keeping up to date with the latest happenings. This is a good tool, complete with area maps and informative descriptions of places in Cornwall and Devon. You can search by place name and see what is available in the area that is of interest to you. Emma Julian

When you are in need of a peaceful haven and a tranquil escape, consider Brookfields Bed and Breakfast. Situated in the peaceful country side within easy access of Port Isaac, Padstow, Wadebridge and Rock they provide modern B&B accommodation with Wi-Fi internet connection and have a 4 star rating. The house itself is set in a generous acre of grounds and lawns, with panoramic views for the guest to enjoy. With grass paddocks, geese and ducks splashing around in their pond, Brookfields is a world away from hectic everyday life. There is plenty of car parking and even room for vans, boats and trailers. The rooms themselves are clean fresh and bright, furnished with quality fabrics and furniture, and are well equipped with everything you might need on a short break. The breakfast room capitalises on those amazing views, and the full range of breakfast suits any appetite. So I just thought I would bring you attention to a hidden space which has the best of both worlds, private ...

Webcam of Fowey River at Twowatersfoot The cameras currently refresh at 1 frame every 10 seconds. Farson Digital hope to be getting a sponsorship deal with a major broadband supplier sorted out shortly, in order to allow the cameras to stream live. The cameras Farson Digital use last 10 years and are made by a German company. They are used in the Arctic and have no moving parts and never freeze (-30° to +60°C ) and being German, they just work. The Environment Agency also use them in the UK. It’s a great solid state, all weather, 3 mega pixel camera that just plugs into a broadband connection and will stream live images at 25fps (pal), which is currently way too much for most of the broadband packages we are hooked up to. Farson Digital have just signed a sponsorship deal with the West Country Rivers Trust, as they are very keen to promote West Country Fishing Tourism and see this as a great vehicle to do so. The Angling Trust, Salmon & Trout Association, Fishing Associations a...

Opening tonight (Friday 19th March 2010) on Discovery Quay, Falmouth – opposite the National Maritime Museum, Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips opens its doors at 5pm. Rick Stein and his ex-wife Jill have spent over thirty-five years building up their business in Padstow, which includes four restaurants, a deli, patisserie, gift shop, cookery school and 40 guest bedrooms, as well as a pub in the nearby village of St. Merryn, but Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips in Falmouth will be their first venture away from the Padstow area. “It’s great to be finally opening in Falmouth. Outside Padstow it’s my favourite seaside town in Cornwall. “Jill and I have looked around Cornwall for a long time for a place to expand beyond Padstow. Our inspiration for The Seafood Restaurant originally came from a restaurant in Falmouth that we frequented during the 1970’s, so it seemed only natural to finally open our own restaurant here. It’s a place we both know well. “I've always been fascinated by Falmo...

I want to draw you attention to a true find. Steppes Farm is a 14th Century farmhouse offering 3 self catering barn conversions. The standard of the accommodation is high, a true home from home. With views that wrap around, a spa including sauna and hot tub and even the opportunity to go horse riding. Steppes Farm creates an idyllic getaway, I personally love the idea of being on a farm - all that country charm; geese, lambs, chicks and ponies! Set in a truly romantic situation, on the edge of Bodmin Moor and close to the dramatic, captivating North Coast, Steppes Farm is ideally situated. The accommodation comprises of three cottages, Dove, Owl and Goose all comfortably furnished with log burners for those chilly Winter evenings. There are private gardens, a barbecue area and endless walks around the 20 acres of farm land. Of course in our recent snow this turreted retreat is picture post card material! Emma Julian

There are now only two and a bit weeks left until the deadline for the Govyn Kernewek Award 2010 - don't forget to send us your ideas to be in with a chance of getting £5,000.00 to make a short film! The GOVYN KERNEWEK AWARD is a competitive annual commission of £5,000 to make a short film using Kernewek. The award is supported by Cornwall Film Festival, MAGA and awen productions cic. We are looking for a great idea for a short film that uses Kernewek (the Cornish language) wholly or substantially in an interesting way. It must be viable to make within the £5,000 budget and be completed and delivered by 30th September 2010. We accept ideas of any genre. The suggested title for GK10 is ‘Yn Termyn Eus Passyes’ (Once Upon A Time…) SUBMISSIONS Your proposal must be for a short film with a maximum duration of 20 mins. Your proposal should include a synopsis of your idea, relevant experience, and, if appropriate, details of your proposed production team. Entries are welcome from individu...

The Govyn Kernewek Award is a competitive annual commission of £5,000 to make a short film using Kernewek. The award is supported by Cornwall Film Festival, MAGA and awen productions cic. What we’re looking for is a great idea for a short film that uses Kernewek (the Cornish language) wholly or substantially in an interesting way. It must be viable to make within the £5,000 budget and be completed and delivered by 30th September 2010. We accept ideas of any genre. The suggested title for GK10 is ‘Yn Termyn Eus Passyes’ (Once Upon A Time…) SUBMISSIONS Your proposal must be for a short film with a maximum duration of 20 mins. Your proposal should include a synopsis of your idea, relevant experience, and, if appropriate, details of your proposed production team. Entries are welcome from individuals or teams where the writer, director or producer is resident in Cornwall. To submit your idea, please email a two-page proposal and two-page CV to: info@cornwallfilmfestival.co.uk with GK10 as ...