Beach Retreats’ guide to Padstow’s festive charm
Coming to Padstow Christmas Fayre? Where to go and what to see in and around Padstow in December
Author: MeorDesign
Chefs Recipe – Emily Scott toast turbot, clams, chorizo pigs in blankets.
Celebrate Christmas in style with Emily Scott’s luxurious roast turbot with clams and chorizo pigs in blankets. A whole turbot takes center stage atop lemony fennel and thinly sliced potatoes, while clams steamed in white wine and her cheeky chorizo pigs in blankets add bursts of flavor and festive flair — a true showstopper for the holiday table.
A New Festive Chapter for Padstow: Introducing Padstow Christmas Fayre
After a year without Padstow’s beloved Christmas Festival, the harbour town’s festive sparkle is set to return. The brand-new Padstow Christmas Fayre — a free, community-led four-day celebration of Cornish food, drink, and Christmas spirit — will bring the magic back from December 4–7. With chef demos, street food, artisan markets, and festive entertainment, it’s a joyful new chapter for one of Cornwall’s favourite winter events.
Meet the Chef – Emily Scott
Emily is a chef and best-selling author, and was the commissioned by the Cabinet Office in 2021 to curate a special dinner for Royalty and world leaders at the G7 summit, and has been recognised by Michelin since 2016.
Meet the Chef – Adrian Oliver
Adrian Oliver is a well-loved Cornish chef best known for his years at Margot’s Bistro in Padstow. Now working as a private chef and proud ambassador for Hospitality Action, Adrian brings warmth, honesty and a deep love of good food to everything he does. Nearly 30 years after arriving in Cornwall for a “summer season,” he’s still here — a testament to the community, people and place that continue to inspire his cooking.
Chefs Recipe – Figgy Pudding chutney, goats cheese and pistachio tart – Cornish Larder
The Cornish Larder specialises in creating a range of artisan chutneys, sauces, and preserves. Founded in 2018 the business is dedicated to celebrating the rich food and drink scene of Cornwall by incorporating local food and drink into their products. Flavours include Spiced Apple & St Ives Cider Chutney and Bloody Mary Ketchup with Colwith Farm Vodka.
Chefs Recipe – Ham, Egg & Chips With Spiced-Glazed Pineapple Rings – Paul Ainsworth
This is my idea of absolute food heaven. Humble, recognisable ingredients cooked beautifully. Enjoy!
Meet the Chef – Mark Hix
Mark Hix is an acclaimed British chef, restaurateur, and food writer known for championing British seasonal ingredients. With a career spanning over three decades, Hix made his name as Chef Director of Caprice Holdings before launching his own restaurants, including the iconic HIX Oyster & Chop House. A passionate advocate for sustainable sourcing and traditional techniques, he is also a regular contributor to national publications and the author of several cookbooks.
Meet the Chef – Paul Welburn
Paul was born and raised in North Yorkshire and has recently moved to Cornwall – having spent his career working with some of the best British chefs including Gary Rhodes, Richard Corrigan and Andrew Pern amongst others – to open his new restaurant Fern.
Meet the Chef – Ross Geach
Former Stein’s head chef Ross Geach is the owner and head grower at Padstow Kitchen Garden, supplying vegetables to top restaurants in Cornwall and beyond. As a seventh-generation farmer, Ross turned a hobby into a thriving business, harvesting in the morning and personally delivering to local chefs by lunchtime.