Paul Ainsworth at No6

As the jewel in the crown of chef-restaurateur Paul Ainsworth’s small Cornish empire, No6 is a Michelin-starred dining experience that showcases modern British cooking at its best.

Ainsworth learnt his craft working with legends Gary Rhodes, Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing, before honing his signature style at this Georgian townhouse.

Intimate, romantic and delivering impeccable standards of service, No6 sets a gastronomic benchmark in the South West.

Start with an aperitif and a pintxo or two at the upstairs bar (named after Paul’s daughter CiCi) before taking a seat in the main restaurant with its views of the kitchen, or at a table in the Florence Parker private dining room. In both locations, the food takes centre stage, served via a duo of experiences. Opt for the wider culinary journey through the kitchen with the seven-course tasting menu or capture the essence of No6 in a more flexible format with the à la carte menu.

Using only the finest local produce, the showstopping dishes taste as good as they look. Land & River is a prime example. This dish of smoked eel and Golden Oscietra caviar reflects the full array of flavours and techniques that define the No6 approach.

A reimagined tournedos rossini, first created by Paul in 2018, uses Creedy Carver chicken finished with sauce brioche, while the indulgent Pie ’n’ Chips for two is layered with Cornish Moor beef and Porthilly oyster.

Trencherman’s tip

For the full Ainsworth experience, stay at Paul’s 18th-century Padstow Townhouse.