Padstow & Rick Stein Overload - Part 4

Most people went home on the Friday after lunch but a few of us stayed on in pretty Padstow to make the most of the weekend. After a couple of boozy nights we all went for a walk along the beach to clear our heads and get ready for another day, we had a look around the harbour and in Rick Stein's deli and patisserie.

For lunch we went for classic cornish pasties and ice cream from Cornish creaters Roskillys, the ginger ice cream was especially tasty.

We the headed to the pub that had become our local during our stay, The Shipwrights Inn, a pretty pub right on the harbour with a pool table which we hogged for most of the weekend. Plus they served the Rattler, a cornish cider with a very amusing styled tap in the shape of a rattlesnake in sunglasses - not so classic Cornwall!

This evening was the first time we had to organise ourselves (in a relatively sober manner) for dinner and as there was 17 of us no easy task. A few people had recommended an Italian, Purcelli's overlooking the harbour so we attempted to go there but they had a no booking policy, but luckily the staff were lovely and cleared us a big long table by 8.30 so we could all eat together. The place was light and airy and had great views even though it was dark outside.

We all shared starters of olives and garlic bread (with a few people going for calamari too).

What was strange is even though I had eaten loads of fish and shellfish and though I was sick of the delights from the sea I still went for a crab linguine with chilli and lemon. It was no where near as tasty as some of the stuff I had eaten in the Rick Stein restaurant but I think I had been spoilt, it was still delicious and the crab again tasted so fresh, just what you expect being in the centre of a fishing village.

The boyfriend went for the lasagne and it was rich and full of flavour, which was a sharp contrast to all the light delicate fish dishes we had been eating but a welcome change for him.

I have to say I loved Padstow and so glad we stayed on an extra couple of nights to explore. I would really like to return and stay in one of Rick Stein's accommodation as they do all look lovely, plus the food was amazing from start to finish.