The Idle Rocks

Opened in 2013 by Karen Richards and her husband David (a former chairman of Aston Martin), The Idle Rocks is a destination hotel and restaurant perched on the waterside of the beautiful village of St Mawes. Here, it is impossible to get any closer to the water and this offers the perfect place to watch the comings and goings of the harbour and life at sea.

Led by Executive Head Chef Dorian Janmaat, the menu champions dishes that are simply prepared, cooked and served using local ingredients which have been foraged whenever they can be.

Homely yet sophisticated, Dorian uses classic French cooking techniques and is influenced by the Far East. Over the years they have carefully developed relationships with local suppliers, fishermen and farmers. It’s a true celebration of Cornwall and offers an unforgettable culinary journey, with a strong emphasis on seasonal flavours, keeping true to our sustainability ethos.

During the summer months, they serve lunch and dinner daily in the lounge, bar and terrace which overlooks the sea. Even on the wettest day is it a great place to simply be as the views are so pleasant they are all-absorbing and the interiors of Idle Rocks are comfortable and stylish. 

Expect stand-out dishes such as butterflied mackerel with yuzu and cucumber relish, slow braised pork shoulder with kimchi slaw, pak choi and miso, and caramelised white chocolate, and banana delice with passionfruit, lime and popcorn.