Sponsored by: PKF Francis Clark
Grand finalists: Paul Ainsworth, Paul Ainsworth at No 6; Kit Chapman, The Castle at Taunton; Geetie Singh-Watson, The Bull Inn.
The line-up of finalists for the Trencherman’s Award 2023 for Special Contribution read like a Who’s Who of the South West food scene. But, following thousands of votes, it was Nathan Outlaw who Trencherman’s readers voted to be honoured with the gong, which thanks foodie pioneers who have contributed something above and beyond to the dining culture in this food-rich corner of the UK.
Nathan said: ‘It’s a great honour to be given an award like this, especially when it’s been voted for by the public – people who have eaten at the restaurants over the last 20 years.
‘I’ve been in Cornwall and the South West for well over 25 years, and Trencherman’s has always been at the forefront as a guide you want to get into as a chef, partly for the recognition but also because it’s a guide a lot of customers follow, and they actually come to your restaurant.
‘I don’t think there are many dining guides in the UK, or even the world, that have 30 years under their belt, and it really just shows how amazing the South West is. From hotels to guesthouses, bars to pubs, restaurants – it’s all there, and you see it getting better and better. Long may it continue.’
The Trencherman’s Awards in three words: ‘Unique, original, South West. Oh … that’s four words!’
Nathan has been cooking in the South West for over 25 years, astonishing diners with his culinary innovation and showcasing the spectacular produce the region has to offer. He opened his first restaurant in Cornwall, The Black Pig, 20 years ago. Today, two restaurants in picturesque Port Isaac bear his name.
Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen is one of the smallest restaurants in the South West but, boy, does it punch above its weight. Pared‑back cooking puts all the focus on ingredients; hero dishes include Port Isaac lobster scampi with chilli jam and garlic mayonnaise, cured brill with red peppers, coconut and chilli, and whole dover sole with lemon and capers.
At Outlaw’s New Road, Nathan offers a seafood tasting menu, which pioneers innovative ways of preparing and cooking the exceptional Cornish catch. To mark his 20 years in Cornwall, he has launched an à la carte lunch menu honouring his favourite dishes from the past two decades. And you can now stay over at Outlaw’s Guest House and Outlaw’s Coastal Retreats, a stone’s throw from the two restaurants.
Want to discover more fabulous places to eat across the South West? Pick up a copy of the 31st edition of the Trencherman’s Guide here.
The Trencherman’s Awards evening was supported by:
Churchill China, Dole, Frobishers, Hallgarten and Novum Wines, Matthew Stevens, Gibbins Quality Meats, The ECO Laundry, PKF Francis Clark, Salt Media, Sharp’s Brewery, SW660.
Jo Rees loosens her corset and revels in drama and dinner at one of the South West’s most historic country house hotels
Michael Caines’ country house hotel has been wowing reviewers and diners since its launch. Jo Rees visited to ‘experience the exceptional’.
The thought of splashing £200 plus on dinner for two might make you wince, but every penny is well accounted for in the uber luxe Lucknam Park experience.
We’ve been sunning ourselves at the Sea Side this month, checking out St Moritz Hotel’s revamped easy-going eatery
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