South West shows Britain off best in the culinary stakes....see how with Classic Cottages

March 16, 2011 - PRLog -- In the new edition of the Lonely Planet guide to Devon, Cornwall and South West England, author Oliver Berry claims that innovative cooking, organic, locally sourced and ethically produced food, put the South West well ahead of anywhere else, including London. "The South West is every foodie's dream; just caught crab accompanied with local wine in spectacular settings - what could be better?” asks Berry.

With outstanding holiday cottages in Cornwall, Dorset, Devon and Somerset - sleeping between two and 16 people - Classic Cottages understands the importance of the pleasures of the palate on holiday and how the way in which food is produced can make even the simplest things into joyful tastes – meat from animals allowed to roam orchards, eggs from very free-range chickens, and clotted cream from happy, healthy cows.

Rising stars

Paul Ainsworth earned his stripes under Gordon Ramsay at Royal Hospital Road and Marcus Wareing at Petrus and the Berkeley Hotel. In Stein-dominated Padstow, he’s established himself as a class act with Number 6 (www.number6inpadstow.co.uk). Inspired by local supplies and the seasons, he is a chef with insuperable ambition and energy. Chapel Lodge (sleeps 14), in the heart of Padstow, is an imposing, award-winning property with underfloor heating, inviting open-plan living space and a serious ‘wow’ factor. A four-night stay in March is £72 pp (£1,006 total).

Jude Kereama is half Maori (with a hint of Malay) and has brought Pacific Rim and fusion styles to Cornwall at Kota (www.kotarestaurant.co.uk) in Porthleven. Specialising in organic local fish and farm produce, Kota has rapidly become one of the most renowned restaurants in the South West and has an exciting list of over 60 wines. Seascape (sleeps six) is built in to the cliffs on the outskirts of Porthleven, giving this spacious cottage magnificent views from Penzance to the Lizard peninsula. Children love the games room with table football, arcade-style mini-basketball and electronic darts. A week’s stay in March is from £68 pp (£408 total).

Nathan Outlaw personally cooks for his guests at Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Rock, Cornwall (www.enodoc-hotel.co.uk), winning it two Michelin stars last month. Here you find the finest local and seasonal produce from small artisan producers, sustainable seafood, caught off the Cornish coast by day boats. Krowji (sleeps four) is a real beach hut! Situated on Polzeath beach, it’s a charming single-storey dwelling that was built in the 1930s and has been thoughtfully refurbished with a mix of nautical themes and an eclectic selection of fabrics. A week’s stay in March is from £88 pp (£351 total).

Time-honoured treats

Jamie Oliver, upholder of all that is organic, offers disadvantaged Cornish youngsters a chance to turn their lives around working at Fifteen Cornwall (www.fifteencornwall.co.uk). The menu is innovative, showcasing the best seasonal and local produce, and is prepared by talented professional chefs and aspiring young apprentices. Fisherman's View (sleeps six) overlooks the beach at Newquay and is ideal for anyone with children and high standards. Keep the kids busy with freshwater turtles, jellyfish, pufferfish and reef sharks at the aquarium, and a Playstation in the luxurious open-plan living room back at base. A four-night stay in March is from £52 pp (£309 total).

Michael Caines MBE, protégé of Raymond Blanc, has held on to his two Michelin stars at Gidleigh Park (www.gidleigh.com) in Devon for almost 12 years. Recently named the best restaurant in Britain in a survey conducted by the Sunday Times and Harden's restaurant guides, Gidleigh Park beat Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck into second place, while Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley was third. Trevithick Cottage (sleeps two), in the bustling Dartmoor village of Chagford, is cosy and comfortable and dates back to the early 1700s. Ideal for a couple wanting to take their dog and their wellies on holiday, enjoy some breathtaking walks and some spectacular local food. A four-night stay in March is from £111 pp (£221 total).

All prices are based on full occupancy.

For more information and to book one of Classic Cottages’ coastal and country properties across Cornwall, Dorset, Devon and Somerset call 01326 555 555 or visit www.classic.co.uk.  

To help plan your visit to the South West, with ideas of places to go and things to do, visit www.classicguide.co.uk

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16 March 2011
                 
Press: For further information and high-resolution images contact Stephanie Reed at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email s.reed@travelpr.co.uk

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