The Rock hotel has reopened following a 10-month renovation, introducing two restaurants, redesigned event spaces and sweeping views across the Camel Estuary.
Paul and Emma Ainsworth have reopened St Enodoc in Rock following an extensive 10-month transformation of the Cornish coastal hotel.
The first phase of the redevelopment introduces two distinct dining concepts: the fire-led Estuary Grill and the more informal Flour Garden. New spaces for weddings and private events have also been added, while a further phase will update the bedrooms and introduce a gym and beauty studio.
Open throughout the day, the Estuary Grill puts Cornish meat and seafood at the centre of the menu. Produce comes from suppliers including Philip Warren Butchers and Flying Fish, with many dishes cooked over a bespoke Asado grill.
The menu is designed for picking and sharing rather than rigid three-course dining. Cornish bluefin tuna crudo and Porthilly rock oysters sit alongside pizzettas, Cornish monkfish with potted shrimp butter sauce and substantial centrepieces including a seafood tower and whole Creedy Carver chicken with chicken-fat Hasselback potatoes.
A selection of Indian-inspired dishes has been created in collaboration with two-Michelin-starred chef Aktar Islam. These range from keema pau and masala bhutta to butter chicken, paneer qorma and a Kerala-style king prawn and monkfish Alleppey curry.
Desserts lean playfully nostalgic. Paul Ainsworth’s take on sticky toffee pudding comes with Cornish fudge madeleines, muscovado sauce and vanilla sea-salt ice cream, while rice pudding and strawberries and cream are also given a fresh spin.
For breakfast, St Ewe eggs feature in dishes including duck and soldiers and a fine-herb omelette, while “The King” pairs a Philip Warren bacon sandwich with Rodda’s salted butter and a sunny-side-up egg.
Outside in the landscaped gardens, the seasonal Flour Garden offers hand-stretched Neapolitan-style pizzas, substantial salads and homemade soft serve. Flavours include vanilla brown butter and milk chocolate, with suitably unserious toppings such as popping fudge and maraschino cherries. A dedicated spritz list completes the holiday mood.
The hotel’s interiors have been overseen by Emma Ainsworth and design director Eve Cullen-Cornes. Statement wallpaper, marble, velvet upholstery and bespoke furniture feature throughout, while oyster-shaped glass pendants nod to the growers across Porthilly Bay. An art collection curated by West Contemporary includes Mick Rock photographs of David Bowie, Blondie, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed.
Wraparound terraces make the most of the estuary views, with deckchairs, striped parasols and a boules piste dotted around the grounds. Guests can also borrow bicycles, arrange boat trips and surf lessons, or play at the neighbouring St Enodoc Golf Club.
Rooms have received an initial refresh, with further changes planned during the next stage of the redevelopment. Rates currently begin at £155 per night.
St Enodoc by Paul Ainsworth
Rock Road, Rock, Cornwall PL27 6LA
Rooms from £155 per night
st-enodoc-hotel.co.uk