Appleton’s Bar and Restaurant

Italian‑Cornish fusion in Fowey

Fowey has become a foodie hub in recent years, not least as a result of this creative restaurant which moved from Trevibban Mill to the centre of town just before lockdown.

Owners Andy (chef) and Lyndsey (front of house) Appleton have created an inspiring dining experience which combines modern European food with a good dose of Italian flair and lots of artisan Cornish produce.

Starters such as cured sea trout with fennel, radish, apple and sea buckthorn reference the lapping waters of the estuary just 100 metres away, while flat‑iron steak with beef‑fat potato, ox‑cheek crocchette, cavolo nero and horseradish provide an edible link to the surrounding farmland.

Drinks are as inventive as the cooking and a strong list of Italian wines from most regions of the country rubs shoulders with Italian amari, liquors, bitters and vermouths – the latter fuelling Appleton’s rep for its extensive Negroni list.

The restaurant is set over two floors, but the ground floor is the best spot to watch cocktails being crafted and the pasta machine churning out golden tagliatelle. The pasta is also available to buy – along with other interesting Italian produce – at the in‑house deli.

Trencherman’s tip: dogs are welcome, making a trip to Appleton’s a fabulous reward at the end of a long walk along the coast path.