The Sardine Factory

The Sardine Factory occupies a former fish processing building on Looe’s historic quayside, where fishermen once cried “Hevva!” to signal the arrival of vast shoals of pilchards.

Today, chef-owner Ben Palmer honours the town’s fishing heritage with menus built around the day’s catch and produce from Looe’s fish market, just across the harbour.

Sustainability and seasonality influence every dish, from smoked haddock scotch egg with curried mayo, gem lettuce and citrus fennel to Cornish crab linguine with chilli, garlic, basil, tomato, parmesan and pangrattato. Looe lobster, grilled in garlic butter with lemon, is a perennial favourite, while desserts such as baked apple tarte tatin for two provide a fitting finale.

The restaurant’s waterside setting is part of the appeal, whether you’re settling in for lunch overlooking the harbour or arriving on the scenic Looe Valley Line for Sunday brunch.