Latest opening: The Harbourside Refuge
What: A waterside restaurant and bar in Porthleven, Cornwall, the southernmost port on Great Britain’s mainland, that overlooks the harbour.
Who: The new venue has been taken under the wing of chef and restaurateur Michael Caines’ growing portfolio of restaurants that sit in his Michael Caines Collection. Recently appointed group executive chef Liam Finnegan, who joined the group earlier this month, will no doubt have a hand in the menu alongside Caines, while Andrew Griffiths heads the dining room as restaurant manager.
The food: Open for breakfast through dinner between Wednesday and Sunday, the menu is still something of a work in progress as restaurants begin to find their feet post lockdown. At the moment the breakfast menu features only pastries but a full breakfast offer is pending while the rest of the menu features a wide range of seafood dishes, including mackerel with gooseberry and grain mustard relish; crab, prawns and avocado salad; shellfish linguine; Goan seafood curry; and half a lobster thermidor by virtue of the restaurants close proximity to the sea. Vegans and vegetarians are not overlooked, however, with dedicated menus for both that feature dishes such as tomato and roast red pepper soup; celeriac and walnut salad; and mushroom risotto.
The vibe: Whitewashed stone walls with artwork of rugged coastlines and wooden chairs and unclothed tables give the dining room an airy, informal vibe that feels suitable for families as well as couples.
And another thing: Until recently the restaurant was part of Rick Stein’s restaurant group, but closed earlier this year.
Mount Pleasant Road, Porthleven, Cornwall
www.theharboursiderefuge.co.uk
