Harden's survey result
Summary
The Stein family’s large and characterful village pub is very much a regular Cornish boozer and to regulars that’s always been part of its appeal (alongside its dog-friendliness). If Rick’s TV stardom is the draw, though, it can seem “all a bit ordinary. The food was okay, but the burger, say, was standard pub grub. If you’re going to put your name to something, make it excellent!” (Stuck for accommodation? Go glamping in one of five new ‘shepherd’s huts’ recently installed in the garden.)
Summary
TV chef Rick Stein’s “highly recommended” village gastroboozer continues to put in a creditable performance, even if it’s more of a decent place to booze and graze than a foodie magnet. The canine-averse should be prepared – it's a “dog-friendly” sort of spot (i.e. “too many dogs”).
Summary
TV chef Rick Stein’s “highly recommended” village gastroboozer continues to put in a creditable performance, even if it’s more of a decent place to booze and graze than a foodie magnet. The canine-averse should be prepared – it’s a “dog-friendly” sort of spot (i.e. “too many dogs”).
Summary
Rick Stein’s large, “lively” village gastropub feels very much like the “relaxed” local watering hole it is, rather than a more fancy, foodie destination; and wins solid ratings for its “delicious”, straightforward cooking, “well conditioned beers” and “decent wine list”.
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
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Restaurant details
The Cornish Arms Restaurant Diner Reviews

"My wife and I were driving from Padstow to Newquay and we saw this place. We were looking for somewhere to eat so thought as it’s a Rick Steins, it would be worth a try. How wrong were we. I walked to the main entrance only to be brushed aside by a waiter who saw me through the glass door but clearly didn’t think a customer should have right of way. Not a great start. Then it just got worse. The restaurant was about 10% full. Many empty tables. I asked if they had a table for two to a waitress. She said she would get someone. This turned out to be the fella that stormed me out of the way. I asked him for a table and again was told he would ask someone. He disappeared. A young lad then appeared and began to speak to a lady looking to book for the evening. No one seemed to know what to do. Eventually the lady was booked in. ( poor sole). Instead of apologising for the wait, I was totally ignored. At this point I complained to him and left. Clearly having the Rick Stein name means the customer is not important as another mug will be suckered in soon enough. DON’T BE THAT SUCKER ."
Prices
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Wine per bottle | £19.95 |
Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
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Service | 12.50% |
Churchtown, St Merryn, PL28 8ND
Opening hours
Monday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
Tuesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
Wednesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
Thursday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
Friday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
Saturday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
Sunday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
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