The husband and wife duo took over the 130-cover pub in Rock after their friend and fellow chef Nathan Outlaw announced in January that he was departing the pub after five years of trading.
The lease remains in partnership with Sharp’s Brewery, who will continue to lead on the beer offering at The Mariners.
Paul’s all-day menu will offer his own spin on pub favourites and include battered Cornish haddock with triple cooked chips; Cornish thornback ray wing with potted shrimp butter; and aged beef dripping pudding with a Porthilly oyster and red wine gravy.
The menu will also feature a ‘500 yards that way’ section that gives prominence to locally sourced ingredients, and a ‘& Custard’ dessert section that nods to Paul’s nostalgic childhood memories of custard-based puddings and features profiteroles with vanilla custard and dark chocolate sauce; a ‘3 Apples’ pie; and The Mariners’ trifle with hundreds & thousands.
Emma has overseen the pub’s redesign, which includes new bars built on both floors and the introduction of oak panelling.
“The Mariners has been an institution since the 90’s and I’m so thrilled to be a part of its great history,” says Paul.
“I plan on keeping this Cornish jewel a destination for the local community and holidaymakers alike and look forward to welcoming guests.”
In January Paul and Emma announced plans to launch a cookery school and chef’s table in Padstow, which is due to open in June.
The couple also run Paul Ainsworth at No.6, Rojano’s in the Square and Padstow Townhouse, which are all located in the Cornish town.