Michael Caines re-opens Cornish restaurants with new menus

Posted on June 21, 2022 in Front Page Highlights, Latest Openings

SPOTLIGHT ON MICHAEL CAINES’ CORNISH RESTAURANTS: THE COVE AT MAENPORTH AND THE HARBOURSIDE REFUGE IN PORTHLEVEN

Ahead of the imminent summer season, Michael Caines has now fully re-opened his Cornish restaurants – The Cove at Maenporth and The Harbourside Refuge in Porthleven – complete with new menus and team appointments.

Chef Owner Michael Caines comments, ‘Our new menus are focused on championing the very best of Cornish and South West produce through an a la carte menu offering two or three courses served at lunch and dinner, alongside a seven-course tasting menu. The change allows for us address the challenges currently faced across the industry with regards to staffing, rising food costs and the sourcing of quality produce, and will ensure that we can continue to deliver excellent local produce with warm hospitality.’

The Cove at Maenporth is a relaxed Cornish hideaway, located just a stone’s throw from Falmouth. With a glass-front open-air terrace, the restaurant offers unrivalled views across the Roseland Heritage Coast, Pendennis Castle and St Anthony Lighthouse a is a must-visit for those exploring this stretch of the Cornish coastline.

New for summer, The Cove is now being overseen by Kris Kirsimagi, who joins as restaurant manager from Bustopher Jones in Truro. Michael Caines’ Group Executive Chef Stuart Shaw has brought his wealth of experience and curated the new season menus.

Meanwhile, The Harbourside Refuge in Porthleven offers seaside fare in an idyllic setting overlooking the protected harbour. Open for lunch and dinner, the menus reflect the restaurant’s unique location in the UK’s southernmost port matched with the influence of Michael’s culinary excellence.

The team in Porthleven have recently welcomed local, Simon Wilson as restaurant manager, arriving from Clowance Luxury Self Catering in Cornwall and celebrated Jack Wilkinson being promoted to head chef in the restaurant from August 2020.

Across the wider Collection which includes Lympstone Manor, Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant and Café Patisserie Glacerie in Devon, Stuart Shaw has joined as group executive chef, working with Michael to oversee and ensure that his vision and strategy across the whole business is implemented. Stuart comes with a wealth of experience, having previously worked at two 2AA Rosette restaurants including St Michael’s Resort, Le Manor aux quat Saison and Calcot Manor in Tetbury. Stuart will also be working with newly promoted Operations Manager Cornwall, Andrew Griffiths who was the formerly the restaurant manager at The Harbourside Refuge, now looking after the running of two Cornish Properties.

Both restaurants highlight Michael’s passion for the South West, focusing on serving delicious simple dishes that champion the world-class produce and ingredients on offer in Cornwall. A few highlights from the menu at The Cove include; crispy eel beignet, caviar, confit potato and leek velouté, dill; The Cove Fish and Chips, haddock Sharpe’s Atlantic ale beer batter, minted peas, tartare sauce; and Flame grilled Cornish mackerel, celeriac remoulade, horseradish snow, beetroot.

Over at The Harbourside Refuge, guests can indulge in the likes of; Moules mariniere with fresh bread; sea bream ceviche, avocado, grapefruit, coriander; or Rump of lamb, spring onion, smoked crème fraiche, date dukka;

Those looking to explore the Southwest this summer are advised to book restaurant reservations early to avoid disappointment.