The team behind acclaimed seafood pub, The Tolcarne Inn in Newlyn, will launch their second Cornish inn later this month.
Chef and restaurateur Ben Tunnicliffe, alongside his head chef Matt Smith, have taken over The Packet Inn – an old coaching inn near Prussia Cove. The pub officially opens under the new management on September 2.
Whereas the location of The Tolcarne – on the harbourside of one of the UK’s major fishing ports – naturally dictates a focus on seafood, The Packet sits between coast and countryside and so here Tunnicliffe and Smith will look to both for inspiration.
Tunnicliffe explained: “As ever we’ll be guided by seasonal cycles and our love for the finest local produce, but we’ll be working with local butchers and smallholders as well as growers and fishermen. So, as well as superb seafood, guests can expect grass-fed beef, free range poultry and outdoor-reared pork as well as colourful and creative vegetarian and vegan food.”
Referring to their decision to launch a new pub during one of the most uncertain periods in living memory, the pair are undaunted:
“The timing is challenging,” says Smith, “and there’s not many people launching new enterprises right now, but The Packet will be very accessible – both in terms of location and price – and the site lends itself well to adaptation and social distancing.
“It’s really great to be doing something positive – our staff and suppliers have received a much-needed boost as a result of this launch.”
