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GREAT BRITISH MENU WINNER, CHEF BEN PALMER’S INSIDER GUIDE TO LOOE

The Sardine Factory Chef Shares the Ultimate Guide to Looe's Best Cafes, Restaurants, Bars and Hidden Gems

The Cornish food scene has been put back on the map this year, after Chef Ben Palmer became the first ever Great British Menu winner to grow up in the County.

The award-winning chef impressed judges and surpassed some of the best in the South West with his Golden Beetroot starter, which he recreated for the BBC show’s famous Banquet in Paris.

Ben lives in his hometown of Looe with his wife and three children. He openedThe Sardine Factory Restaurant there in 2018, and received the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand just two years after launch.

The 80-cover restaurant overlooks the stunning harbour, serving local seasonal produce and sustainable fish dishes.

In 2022 Ben went onto open Yamas, a modern Greek restaurant in Looe, offering an array of traditional Greek cuisine which Ben developed through a close personal relationship with the country.

So there is nobody better placed to bring us the best places to eat and drink in Looe, from morning to night, in this delicious Insider’s Guide.

The Sardine Factory, Quay Rd, West Looe, Looe PL13 2DD

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COFFEE & BREAKFAST

DUnk

I always get a Cornish Coffee from DUnk in Looe, they own Cornish Tea and Coffee and they are spot on for an early caffeine hit. I also grab a cruffin while I am there (a croissant come muffin, which is their original recipe) and then head into work for a busy day in the kitchen

DUnk, Fore St, The Quay, Looe PL13 1AE

LUNCH

Talland Bay Hotel

I love to go to the Talland Bay Hotel, just up the hill from Looe - a really beautiful hotel with sea views. I have a lovely lobster lunch, they have a full lobster menu. It’s really peaceful and just fabulous with a glass of wine.

Talland Bay Hotel, Porthallow, Looe PL13 2JB

DINNER

The Fish Market

This is owned by Fred Alsop – his background is in local high quality fish produce and you always know you are going to have an excellent array of small plates, with fish that has just landed off a boat on the restaurant doorstep.

The Fish Market, The Quay, Looe PL13 1DX

DRINKS

Yamas

I go for drinks and cocktails upstairs at Yamas, which has a beautiful balcony overlooking the harbour – best view in Looe with a wine.

Yamas, The Quay, Looe PL13 1AH

INSIDER TIP

Sarah's Pasty Shop

You cannot leave Looe without having a Sarah’s Pasty – it’s a little shop which you’ll find if you walk through the main street of Looe towards the beach. They do handmade pasties which are absolutely amazing – they are famous, and this is the best pasty you will ever eat.

Sarah's Pasty Shop. 6 Buller St, East Looe, Looe PL13 1AS