The Best Restaurant in The West Country, England

Background Illustration for Restaurants

The last several years have seen a food renaissance in England's West Country. In the top restaurants the accent is firmly on local and seasonal products. Seafood is the number one choice along the coasts, from Atlantic pollock to Helford River oysters, and it's available in places from haute restaurants to harborside fish shacks. Celebrity chefs have marked their pitch all over the region, including Michael Caines in Exeter and Dartmoor, the Tanner brothers in Plymouth, Rick Stein in Padstow and Falmouth, Mitch Tonks in Dartmouth, and Jamie Oliver in Newquay. Better-known establishments are often completely booked on Friday or Saturday, so reserve well in advance.

Admiral Benbow

$$

One of Cornwall's most famous inns, the 17th-century Admiral Benbow was once an illegal smugglers' drinking den—look for the figure of a smuggler on the roof, and (if it's not too busy) ask to see the tunnel used for contraband. In the family-friendly dining room, crammed with seafaring memorabilia, you can enjoy pizzas, seafood, steaks, and vegetarian dishes, and the bar offers a good selection of West Country ales and, appropriately, rums from around the world. Figureheads, model ships, and even a brass cannon also fill the main bar and the Lady Hamilton lounge. 

British Pet Friendly Family $$ Lunch Dinner Quick Bite
46 Chapel St., Penzance, TR18 4AF, England
01736-363448
www.thebenbow.com
Known For
  • Great historic character
  • Cozy and relaxed vibes
  • Family-friendly atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. No lunch Tues. No dinner Sun.

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