Cornish Retreat Champions Home Grown Sustainability

Fresh and contemporary Merchant’s Manor in Falmouth is a key competitor in championing Cornish produce sourced from no further afield than it’s very own South-West’s farms.  The fish can’t be fresher and is caught daily from nearby waters too.

The hotel has recently appointed Cornish chef Aiden Blakely- May to run the Rastella restaurant, having left the helm at Rick Stein’s nearby Fish.  Expect for the whole organic experience and value attached to wellness to extend beyond the commitment to harvesting and sourcing sustainable produce.

Chef Aiden Blakely- May says:“We work hard combating the effect of seasonality. The Cornish harvest is all about feast or famine, with some of the crops lasting only a few weeks, so we use preservation and fermentation techniques to remove the challenges of hyper seasonality. Whether this be using koji to create miso from ancient Cornish grain or preserving Cornish citrus to enjoy the season’s best to make up for sparsity in winter. We work with local artisan producers nose to tail to create a sustainable no waste food chain.”

Beyond the care attached to featuring specially fermented produce, the 3 AA Rosette restaurant Rastella’s menu demonstrates a high-level of creativity and crafting.  Blakely-May adds: “Everything we present is inspired by nature; every day we learn something new.” He describes his food style as “pared back elegance packed with flavour.”

To complement the wholly organic philosophy, a holistic approach also features highly at the stylish spa, which has had a large chunk of investment poured into it and uses ancient techniques for massage and facial treatments.  Whilst being Falmouth’s only 3 AA Rosette restaurant, it is also its only spa hotel.

With every effort made to ensure sustainability throughout from the dining to the materials used for the decor and the dressing.   There is also a strong emphasis attached to wellness from the spa to the foliage of the lush green gardens.  The hotel and it’s 2 self-contained stay suites, also benefit from a well-equipped gym, sauna and indoor pool.

The hotel’s 39 rooms, have each been individually customised, according to a marine based theme. Located just a short stroll from the colourful harbour, there is the attraction of the maritime museum and its heritage, along with the boutiques and artisan producers that feature within close proximity.  Each of the rooms have been styled to create their own unique authenticity, with every minute detail carefully constructed to ensure a louche and cool lounge like comfort.  There are also two stylish self catering lodge like apartments that overlook the secluded garden. All of the rooms benefit from the  comfortable space opening out onto the gardens, and some have the added zen like appeal of a hot tub on their terrace.

Prices start at £158 for 2 sharing including breakfast, for a stay at Merchants Manor.

Falmouth’s Merchant Manor
1 Western Terrace,
Falmouth,
Cornwall
TR11 4QJ