Combining quirky British luxury with the chance to enjoy sumptuous Michelin-starred cuisine, this boutique hotel is the perfect coastal getaway for winter
Words: Charlotte McManus
The ideal seaside getaway for gastronomes, Padstow Townhouse is situated on the scenic shores of north Cornwall, down a quiet street in Padstow’s Old Town. Set within an 18th century townhouse, this boutique hotel is the project of top British chef Paul Ainsworth – who is something of a celebrity in the area, given that he also owns no fewer than four restaurants there, including the Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth at No.6 – and his wife Emma. What’s more, the property is both dog-friendly and family-friendly (to children of four and over).
Padstow Townhouse features six suites over three floors, each decorated with its own quirky character and named after a different sweet treat. For instance, Bon Bon comes with candy-coloured striped wallpaper and vintage sports memorabilia, whilst gilded Honeycomb offers all-out indulgence with a super-sized king bed and a deluxe gold double bath. Alongside a curved 40″ smart TV and bespoke Bloom Remedies toiletries, suites also feature a minibar, though the hotel’s honesty bar is well worth a look for sundowners if you’re hankering for G&Ts or glass of wine. Additionally, those in search of a snack will find all manner of locally sourced goodies in the Kitchen Pantry, such as cheese, scones and homemade cake. Best of all, lie-ins are actively encouraged – come morning, a breakfast hamper will be delivered to your door.
When supper time rolls around, those who want to try out one of Ainsworth’s other nearby restaurants can make use of the complimentary transfers offered in the hotel’s electric BMW. It goes without saying that the starred No.6 is a real treat, specialising in contemporary cuisine with a focus on seasonal Cornish produce – think cod with seaweed quaver and Camel Valley velouté, or mushroom pappardelle ripiene with cured truffle. Alternatively, there is the freshest of seafood at casual Caffe Rojano and intriguingly experimental tasting menus at Mahé Chef’s Table and Development Kitchen, while over the estuary in Rock, classic British fare is dished up at The Mariners Public House.
If you can tear yourself away from the hotel’s charms, there’s much to see in the surrounding area, from Padstow’s 300+ beaches to The Camel Trail, an 18-mile stretch that offers unbeatable nature watching. Duchess bicycles are available for guests to use for exploring, while Hunter wellies can be borrowed for beach walks. The staff are also at hand to arrange activities, from surfing lessons and wine tasting to chartering a boat on the Camel Estuary. All in all, the perfect beachside weekend.
From £260 per night, based on two people sharing (including breakfast). paul-ainsworth.co.uk/padstow-townhouse
