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Counter Culture in Newquay crowned Best Restaurant in the South West by The Good Food Guide

Counter Culture, an intimate pintxo bar and small-plates restaurant located at 4 Beach Parade in Newquay, Cornwall, has been awarded Best Restaurant in the South West of England by The Good Food Guide. The prestigious accolade follows a glowing review from the Guide’s inspectors, who praised the venue for its “playful and inventive approach to familiar ingredients” and “bold, clean flavours presented with understated elegance.”

This recognition places Counter Culture at the forefront of the South West’s thriving food scene. The Guide’s judges were particularly impressed by Chef Ben Harrison’s creative fusion of Basque-inspired cuisine with modern British sensibilities, using fresh, seasonal Cornish produce. Signature dishes include Cornish rarebit pintxos with mushroom duxelles, cured trout on sourdough with apple salsa and caviar, and ray wing served with samphire and pickled wild garlic buds.

Chef and founder Ben Harrison trained in classical kitchens and spent time under culinary legend Marco Pierre White before establishing Counter Culture. His vision is rooted in community, creativity, and delivering memorable, people-first food experiences.

“Our evolution reflects everything we love about hospitality – connecting through food, drink and atmosphere,” says Ben. “We’re inspired by what excites us and we want to keep building something that invites people in, encourages conversation and feels genuinely good to be part of.”

More than just a restaurant, Counter Culture is also known for its vibrant bar serving expertly mixed cocktails, thoughtfully selected wines, and real ales. The venue offers just 16 seats in the restaurant, 21 in the bar, and 15 outside, creating an intimate, ever-evolving dining experience.

With a focus on seasonal, local ingredients and a relaxed, social atmosphere, Counter Culture has become a standout destination for food lovers in Cornwall and beyond.