Cornwall: The St Enodoc Hotel

Location

Surrounded by manicured gardens far from the maddening crowds, this boutique family-run operation overlooks both the picturesque town of Rock and the rugged, azure waters of the Atlantic and Camel Estuary. Gordon Ramsey’s newest Cornish property sits just outside the hotel and the beaches at Rock, Daymer and Polzeath are a hop away for when you fancy dips in the sea and romantic coastal walks. After the A39, you’ll meander through quintessentially Cornish lanes into the lovely shop and cafe-filled village of Rock. For those arriving via train, Bodmin Parkway is a 40-minute taxi drive away. When you’re ready to venture further afield, a five to ten minute scenic ferry ride takes you across from Rock to the foodie haven of Padstow (AKA ‘Padstein’ after the influence of Rick Stein’s restaurants and cafes). The historic lanes of Port Isaac are an 18-minute drive away.

First Impressions

The property has been operating as a hotel since the 1920’s and it’s one of the most glamorous stays you can have in north Cornwall with its elegant and unmistakably Edwardian, white-rendered façade, sweeping gables and expansive windows (now updated with eco-friendly materials after extensive renovations) all blending seamlessly into the rugged coastal backdrop. Well-heeled guests tend to view the place as a veritable home from home with many visitors during our stay now returning year after year after having spent cherished idyllic childhood summers here previously. In fact, the house very much has a sense of community and family home feel about it – albeit one which promises you a restorative break away from it all (with a front desk team who roll off guest names as standard). At the helm are Lucy and James Strachan, a young, charismatic and hard-working husband and wife team, who run a friendly and skilled service and know the local area inside out as deeply rooted members of the community themselves. One notable example is during the 2020 lockdown when instead of furloughing all staff, The St Enodoc kept chefs and kitchen staff on to assist with cooking and delivering hot, freshly cooked meals to local care home residents. Little touches like this matter everywhere mind you; you’ll be inspired by the artworks featured in calming gallery-like public areas and corridors, almost all commissioned and sourced from local artists with prices underneath so you can purchase anything that piques your interest directly from the front desk.

Gardens

The front lawn is where you’ll sit back and unwind while taking in the tranquil flora, fauna and maritime heritage of the area with a fresh glass of Pimms or a bespoke cocktail during games of croquet and boules. Filled with wildflowers, lavender, fuschia and hydrangea beds and meandering stone paths, it’s obvious a lot of tenderness and love is spent on maintaining the grounds. In summer you’d be hard pressed to find a lovelier way to spend an afternoon than sipping on James’ own recipe ‘After Eight Mint Mojitos’ (created using freshly picked after eight mint leaves from The St Enodoc’s herb garden) by the pool before getting dressed for G&Ts on the terrace overlooking the gardens, the ocean (and sneaking looks down into Gordon’s pad). Surrounded by loungers, if it wasn’t for the occasional gust from the Atlantic, it would be easy to forget you’re in Britain and not some charming hotspot on the French Riviera. When you’re ready for gentle hikes, a discreet countryside path at the rear of the hotel offers guests the chance to walk through fields of Cornish heather and daisies and over stiles.

Suite Dreams 

Bedrooms overlook the hotel’s manicured gardens and provide picture- postcard views right across the Camel Estuary to Padstow. All 15 rooms in the house and the self-contained three-bedroom cottage (perfect for family or friend stays) ooze comfort. Our interconnected suite features two bedrooms kitted out in colourful interiors and fancy throws and cushions in rich navy and mustard fabrics, bold modern art and oil paintings on walls, woollen rugs, cosy armchairs and vintage-style sofas to enjoy the vistas outside windows. Super king beds are a major pull and come luxuriously topped with crisp linens, toasty-warm duvets and extra plump pillows and with the gentle sounds of the surf in the distance, guarantee the best sleep ever. Guests are also generously gifted environmentally-free beach bags next to considerate kitchenettes which feature hobs, coffee machines and fridges with fresh milk. Bathrooms are large and come with roomy bathtubs for wallowing in after days spent on the beach. They’re well stocked with Land & Water Spa goodies which are discreetly replaced by housekeeping after you’ve left the room for dinner during evening turndown service too – the level of no-corners-cut luxury is refreshing (as are thick bathrobes, towels and complimentary slippers).

Eat

First things first, you’ll want to go over the rather good drinks and list. The Library is the place for expertly mixed cocktails designed by James using the hotel’s own gardens as inspiration. The constantly updated cocktail menu is James’ own passion project and includes beloved favourites such as classic old-fashioneds and martinis as well as original offerings like the delicate Aval Seaberry which incorporates Seaberry vodka, apple juice, triple sec, bitters and cinnamon, The St Enodoc Negroni which comes with garden herb infusions and an edgy but thoroughly moreish chilli margarita.

Dining at The St Enodoc is a theatrical experience for breakfasts, lunches and sunset dinners especially inside The Brasserie where you’ll find fine Cornish fare done brilliantly with interiors blending rustic charm and earthy tones with nautical touches and high ceilings and ceiling-to-floor windows opening out onto a terrace overlooking the ocean. Seasonal menus with locally sourced produce (much of it from the family not-for-profit farm ‘Made Well’ in Hatherleigh, Devon) take a ‘something for everyone’ approach with the freshest seafood, beef, venison and lamb cooked with modern twists on offer. Chef Guy Owens – who cut his

teeth at many Michelin starred restaurants and under Michael Caines at Gidleigh Park – heads up the food here and serves up a broad range of styles using classic Michelin-starred techniques based on local Cornish ingredients. Promising starters include Porthilly Oysters served with Ponzu and apple shallot vinegar and lemon and whipped duck livers with rhubarb, burnt onion and served brioche. For mains stellar attractions of butterflied Gurnard in Singapore sauce with charred green onions (caught just hours before and which flakes at the touch of the fork) and the slow cooked beef shin tagliatelle or braised pork cheek are a must-try. And vegetarian or not, (there is a dedicated vegetarian menu btw) you’ll be ordering a second portion of the drool-worthy spicy and flavoursome roast Vadouvan spiced cauliflower which is worth the visit alone.

Desserts include a faultless vanilla panna cotta with prunes and Argmanac and frangipane and plum tart served with crème fraiche. Everything is so tasty, generously portioned and beautifully presented our bet is you’ll make the most of being able to nip upstairs to bed straight after eating and book most your dinners here while in Cornwall.

For honeymooners, the hotel’s fine dining establishment, Karrek offers style, romance and sophistication with an exquisite nightly tasting menu paired and washed down perfectly with a selection of wines. Breakfast is a vast affair of freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, cereal, homemade granola, fresh fruits, buttery pastries and local deli meats and cheeses. Hot options include omelettes and eggs cooked to perfection and full Cornish breakfasts.

Getting Married

Standing out as a quintessential wedding venue for weddings, brides and grooms at The St Enodoc Hotel can opt for quaint and intimate civil ceremonies for upto 10 guests in the library, stylish receptions in Karrek for up to 50 seated guests or go all out on a exclusive hire basis with the 60-seater Brasserie as the backdrop for a gorgeous wedding breakfast. Food and drink menus can be personalised to reflect your tastes and budgets and the team work closely with local suppliers for flowers, cakes, decor and photography.

What You’ll Love

– Staff are friendly, accommodating and super knowledge about the local area too.

– Guided walks with St Enodoc-filled picnic backpacks are a must especially with local guide Barry Pengelly from Cornwall Discovery Tours.

– All hotel residents receive passes to The Point health club which features a gym, a 16-bike spinning studio, an 18m indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, a traditional wooden sauna, a eucalyptus infused steam room, and outdoor tennis courts.

– A mere swing away, Couples who love to golf can enjoy the nearby iconic course at St Enodoc Golf Club which offers undulating terrain, breathtaking sea views and fun challenges in equal measure.

How To Book

Visit The St Enodoc Hotel, St Enodoc Hotel, Rock, Cornwall, PL27 6LA. Prices from £180.00 per night per room including breakfast. To book, visit www.enodoc-hotel.co.uk or email info@enodoc-hotel.co.uk or call 00 44 1208 863394.