Cornish Chef’s – Paul Ainsworth

Paul Ainsworth is one of the most well known Cornish Chef’s and restaurateurs. Noted for his inventive & modern twist on traditional British food. He was born in Southampton, England, in 1979, but grew up in Cornwall. Ainsworth’s interest for cooking began at a young age. He began his professional culinary career in London, working for the legendary chef Gary Rhodes.

Paul Ainsworth then returned to Cornwall in 2004 to work at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow. After obtaining valuable experience at a number of London’s premier fine dining restaurants. He quickly ascended the ranks, eventually becoming head chef in 2009. Ainsworth received a Michelin star during his tenure at the restaurant. For his inventive and imaginative approach to local seafood dishes.

He opened his own restaurant, No. 6, in Padstow in 2011 & it rapidly became known as one of the best in the UK. It currently holds a coveted Michelin star. Rojano’s in the Square, his second restaurant in the town, it opened in 2013. This eatery offers a more casual dining experience, with a big emphasis placed on Italian food.

cornish chef's

Paul & Emma Ainsworth

Paul along with his wife Emma relaunched The Mariners pub in Rock, Cornwall, in May, 2019. This pub looks over Cornwall’s stunning Camel Estuary. The menu at The Mariners focuses on British pub classics, while championing the best of local produce.

Paul is also regular fixture now also on British television, in addition to running his restaurants. Appearing on programmes including: BBC’s Saturday Kitchen & MasterChef. “Paul Ainsworth’s Kitchen Secrets,” is a cookbook he also wrote, providing an inside peek at his culinary methods, inspiration & recipes.

He is renowned for his dedication to utilising seasonally grown ingredients. His menus frequently include classic Cornish recipes with a contemporary twist. All of Paul’s restaurants are also known for being great venues for chefs learn & hone culinary talents.