The Mariners is far from your average local, and you’ll be hard pushed to find a restaurant in the area with a better view. Located on the water's edge in the Cornish town of Rock, diners are spoilt with spectacular coastal scenery, from uninterrupted views of Padstow's rolling hills, to the bay where the chefs source their oysters (which just so happen to be some of the largest we’ve ever seen).
Although the exterior is far from traditional, the menu here reads like a staunchly British gastropub, taking inspiration from local Cornish ingredients and serving them in a comforting style. The kitchen team have managed to find the perfect balance between pared back, unfussy dining whilst still keeping immaculate presentation at the forefront.
The meal starts strong with a Cornish Tamworth and sage scotch egg, combining juicy sausage meat with a fudgy yolk and impeccable seasoning, then served with punchy piccalilli. It sets the tone for an impressive meal ahead. Equally hearty dishes include Cornish cheddar rarebit, taramasalata on sourdough and fishcakes with curried mayo. The highlight, though, is the ‘Hunters snag’, which sees Cornish sausages glazed in marmalade and Pommery mustard - a delightfully sticky take on the classic canape.
Mains follow a classic pub grub theme, including a triumphant iteration of fish and chips. Triple cooked chips nail the ratio between crisp exterior and fluffy centre, while perfectly-cooked cod was soft, flaky and encased in a light batter. To top it off, house made tartare sauce, mushy peas and curry sauce only raise this faultless dish to new heights.
We finished the meal on a high with a seasonal trifle, while sipping on a glass of Camel Valley sparkling wine that’s produced just a short drive away. Without a doubt, a trip to The Mariners is a must for some proper Cornish bliss.