What: A contemporary pub nestled in the picturesque countryside of north Cornwall between Newquay and Truro.
Who: The Tartan Fox is the second Cornish venture from chef restaurateur Adam Handling – his first, Ugly Butterfly, which opened in 2021 and overlooks Carbis Bay, recently ranked at number 55 on the National Restaurant Awards top 100 list. It is also the chef’s second pub alongside The Loch and Tyne in Windsor, which has a Michelin Bib Gourmand and three AA rosettes.
The food: The menu at The Tartan Fox is described as ‘sustainable British pub food, with a luxury approach’. The emphasis is on local produce and zero waste, with the menu featuring a range of small and large sharing plates that will change regularly. Example dishes include haggis scotch egg with brown sauce (£10); crab cocktail with yellow curry (£15); roast rump of lamb, peas, mint and asparagus (£24); and fish and chips with mushy peas, as well as curry and tartare sauces (£19). There are also dedicated grill and snack sections on the menu, as well as a dedicated plant-based offering that includes a glass of chilled pea soup (£8); and BBQ cauliflower steak with wild garlic and capers (£15). Desserts range from gooseberry pavlova (£10) to deep-fried Mars bar with frozen honeycomb (£10). Roasts will be served every Sunday with options including dry-aged beef Wellington with horseradish (£32); whole grilled Dover sole with sea herbs and brown butter (£42); and half roast Wicketts chicken with lemon and thyme (£24).
To drink: Alongside cocktails and local beers, The Tartan Fox also serves an extensive wine list, showcasing wines from Britain and across the globe. The selection is designed to tread a line between affordability and luxury, with prices starting at around the £40 mark for a bottle and the majority pitched at below £100.
The vibe: Once known as Carvynick House, The Tartan Fox occupies a 400-year-old Grade II listed building that sits on 30 acres of land. Split across two floors, it holds 90 covers and encompasses a bar, wine room, restaurant and two private dining rooms, as well as additional restaurant seating upstairs. The interior design focuses on earthy tones and natural materials, including stone and wood. There’s also an extensive garden area and external space called The Barn at The Tartan Fox that provides additional seating for up to 100 guests and can be hired for weddings, parties, and events.
And another thing: The name The Tartan Fox is inspired by Handling’s Scottish roots and its location in Cornish woodland, with a group of foxes called an earth, which ties into his group’s commitment to sustainability. This is also reflected in the pub’s approach to sourcing, with all produce brought in locally from around Cornwall.
Carvynick Farm, A3058, Newquay, TR8 5AF