Jamie has owned the Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar, in Newlyn, with his wife Nina since 2015 – it’s now arguably considered one of Cornwall’s best known and most loved seafood spots. And they’ve recently added a sister site and a Cornish delicatessen too.
What’s your earliest food memory?
At around aged 5, binging on smoked salmon sandwiches at a family wedding until I felt sick. It didn’t put me off though and I still love smoked salmon!
What’s your favourite thing about working in Cornwall?
Every day is like being on holiday! Escaping to the beach after service, amazing produce and a great community.
What’s your favourite ingredient to work with?
Anything Cornish especially fish direct from Newlyn market. We also have amazing dairy, meat and veg here.
Aside from your own, what Cornish restaurants would you recommend?
If I’m feeling fancy I love a visit to Adam Handling’s The Ugly Butterfly, I also love Fourboys in Rock, and closer to home a drink or informal meal at our local eatery in Penzance, 45 Queen Street. Failing that you can’t go wrong with a pint from the Admiral Benbow in Penzance.
What would your last request dish be?
A made from scratch curry, including naan breads, raita and pickles.
What one piece of advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
Keep your knives sharp and your wits sharper.
Do you have any interesting/unusual Christmas food traditions from your family?
We’re not fans of Turkey in our house so our go to would be Crispy roast duck with orange and cress salad (and all the roast trimmings obviously!).
