The Mariners
A Cornish Oasis Overlooking the Camel Estuary
Nestled along the picturesque shores of the Camel Estuary in Rock, Cornwall lies a Cornish oasis that beckons locals and visitors alike on a wonderful culinary adventure. The Mariners Pub and Restaurant is owned and operated by the renowned chef Paul Ainsworth and his wonderful wife Emma. The Mariners stands as a beacon of excellence in British cuisine, offering a delightful fusion of fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients in a breath-taking setting that is a thing of dreams.
From the moment you step through its doors, The Mariners exudes a sense of warmth and hospitality, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the charms of coastal living. The rustic yet elegant décor, with its nautical touches and panoramic views of the estuary, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
One cannot help but be captivated by the mesmerizing vistas that stretch out before you as you dine. The tranquil waters of the Camel Estuary shimmer under the gentle Cornish sun, while sailboats glide lazily across the horizon. Whether you're seated indoors or out on the wonderful terrace, every table offers a front-row seat to nature's splendour—a testament to the unparalleled beauty of Cornwall's coastline.
But it is not just the views that steal the show at The Mariners; it is the culinary prowess of Chef Paul Ainsworth and his team that truly elevates the dining experience to new heights. With a focus on showcasing the bounty of the sea and the best of British produce, the menu at The Mariners is a celebration of flavour and craftsmanship
Start your gastronomic journey with an array of enticing appetizers, from delicate crab cakes served with tangy aioli to succulent Cornish oysters freshly shucked and served on a bed of ice.
We opted for the wonderful half pint of salt and pepper squid with prawn cocktail sauce, the squid is actually presented in a ½ pint pewter tankard which is a neat play on presentation, but also keeps you rooted to this being an amazing culinary destination, but also a local pub in the heart of a Corish fishing village. We also selected the Cornish cheddar rarebit which was a great display of again local produce being the centre of attention.
For mains, diners can indulge in the catch of the day, expertly prepared and served with seasonal accompaniments that highlight the natural flavours of the fish. Alternatively, they opt for a hearty British classic like fish and chips, featuring sustainably sourced cod enveloped in a crisp, golden batter or go for a wonderful steak platter designed for two to really enhance the romantic dining experience.
On this occasion, the pan-seared monkfish with shrimp and mussels sounded amazing and I can confirm it was just as tasty as it sounded, in fact, it's probably the best fish dish I have ever been served - it really was that good!
Coupled with a side of The Mariners' triple-cooked chips, topped with parmesan and served with an outstanding truffle mayonnaise made this a magical experience of joy and happiness.
While the steak for 2 sounded a fantastic option The Mariners went above and beyond to make this a meal for one person with a selected sirloin, served with onion rings, a wonderful Caesar salad, and again the fantastic triple-cooked chips - If you love steak I can promise that, you won't be disappointed!
Vegetarians and meat lovers alike will find plenty to tempt their palates at The Mariners. From vibrant salads bursting with local produce to tender cuts of Cornish beef cooked to perfection, there's something to satisfy every craving.
Be sure to save room for dessert as these are just as good as any star main meal, having chosen The Mariners trifle and two scoops of chocolate ice cream rendered this amazing meal complete. The trifle was presented in a wonderful cut crystal wineglass and was a very generous portion indeed, while the ice cream simply oozed sophistication after a glorious meal.
Complementing the exquisite fare is an extensive wine list showcasing the finest vintages from both local vineyards and renowned winemaking regions around the world. Whether you prefer a crisp white to pair with your seafood or a full-bodied red to accompany your steak, the knowledgeable staff at The Mariners will guide you to the perfect selection.
What I think truly sets The Mariners apart, however, is its commitment to sustainability and supporting local suppliers. Paul Ainsworth and his team take great pride in championing the Cornish food scene, forging close relationships with fishermen, farmers, and artisans to ensure that only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients find their way onto the menu and it shows.
In addition to its culinary delights, The Mariners also plays host to a vibrant social scene, with live music performances and special events held regularly. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely lunch with family, savouring a romantic dinner for two, or gathering with friends for drinks at the bar.
The Mariners offers a welcoming ambience that makes every visit feel like a special occasion.
Something that I want to note is that this is a pub and restaurant for foodies, but it is also a local destination and during the winter months The Mariners run a select menu of 3 courses for just £26.
Now that is a complete steal for the quality of service and skill that goes into each dish, in fact, it’s a statement to Emma and Paul Ainsworth’s commitment to the local community, offering such a menu allows many to sample food like they might have never had before and not just for the few and I think they need to be applauded for such dedication to their community.
The Mariners Pub and Restaurant in Rock, Cornwall, is a Cornish oasis that simply showcases the best British cuisine against a stunning backdrop of the Camel Estuary. With its impeccable service, breath-taking views, and mouth-watering fare, it is no wonder that this beloved establishment has earned a reputation as one of the region's premier dining destinations.
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply seeking an unforgettable dining experience, I would highly recommend a visit to The Mariners to delight the senses and leave you longing to return again and again, and I can certainly say we shall be returning!
www.paul-ainsworth.co.uk/the-mariners/about/
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