The Cormorant Restaurant at the Cormorant Hotel is a well hidden jewel
in the Cornish countryside nestled on the hillside above (yes, it does
exactly what it says on the tin) the River Fowey.
On arrival we were greeted by the lovely proprietor, Mary Tozer, who
gave us the option of perusing the menu in the quaint little bar, the
sumptuous lounge or being taken straight to our table.
It is so nice to be offered an option these days as a pre dinner drink
is not always favourable but on this occasion we opted to sit ( in the lounge) and drink
in the view (and the G & Ts, with four different varieties of gin
to choose from).
Mary took over the business 12 months ago but was closed for a major
refurbishment for six months. This has resulted in an immaculate building
in pristine condition with a fast-growing reputation to match.
The restaurant is small and intimate, which might explain, along with
its immense popularity, why I had to book so far in advance, with elegant
dark wooden flooring and soft lighting that gives it a homely feel.
The room is stylishly decorated and the tables are bedecked with crisp
white linen, decorated with fresh flowers and elegant cutlery. The added
bonus are those stunning views which can be enjoyed from tables by the
windows and more spectacularly on the spacious outdoor dining terrace
which overlooks the river.
At first glance the menu has real gourmet feel, it is simple and uncluttered
with half a dozen or so, perfectly chosen dishes for each course.
They also offer a selection of 75 plus fine wines as well as dessert
wines, ports and Madeiras to complement their desserts and cheeses, many
available by the glass and half bottle.
We started with terrine of smoked ham and mustard, this was served with
a delicious spiced red onion marmalade that was a perfect marriage for
a wholesome, almost farmhouse style dish.
My sauteed lamb's kidneys with smoked bacon and rosemary
toast, beautifully crowned with a fried quail's egg was a melt in the
mouth sensation. I shamelessly mopped my plate clean with the freshly
baked honey and walnut roll.
Our next complimentary course, slotted in to cleanse the palette with
fresh delicate flavours, was a choice of chicken consomme with
mushroom ravioli, or pink grapefruit sorbet.
Both went down exceptionally well and set us up for a perfectly cooked
breast of duck accompanied by potato dauphinoise, shelled baby broad
beans and leeks. I ordered the
platter of local shellfish, with crevettes, prawns, mussels, winkles,
cockles, crab claws all covered in a delectable garlic butter, dill cream
sauce with lashings of apricot and onion bread to soak all those yummy
juices.
Wow! It looked absolutely spectacular and tasted just as good.
That was me definitely out of pudding action but my better half did
not let the side down by having Feuillatine (thin crispy sweet pastry)
of dark and white chocolate with coffee creme anglaise.
The Cormorant Hotel boasts a whole team of chefs, headed by Martin Adams,
who create delicious menus using fresh local produce.
Everything is home made even down to the chocolate-covered strawberries
served with your coffee.
The cooks are complemented by impeccably dressed serving staff who have
achieved just the right level of service, always there when you need
them but not all over you.
This luxury hotel and restaurant is in a wonderful, peaceful setting,
just perfect to unwind on a relaxing break, or to enjoy excellent food
cooked with care and precision by Martin and his team.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Recent excerpts from our 'Guest' Book:-
24/08/07 - Thank you for a most wonderful break. Words are not enought o describe the wonder of this place. Everything is fabulous, the view, the rooms, the warm & hospitable welcome, the serv
ice, and the fantastic food. Can't wait to come back . Cathy & Steve
26/08/07 - Superb! Garry & Sue Pearson
27/08/07 - Pure Heaven Jennie & Bob Hilson
8/09/07 - Marvellous - why haven't we come before now!Pam & Moire
21/09/07 - Lovely - we'll definitely be back. Excellent food, comfortable rooms, and what views! Shepleys
21/09/07 - You will not find a nicer hotel and restaurant anywhere! Superb.
Sue & Malcolm Allen
25/09/07 - A beautiful place. Lovely food, lovely staff. A great place. Westerbys
30/09/07 - Thank you for your special attention to make these few days perfect
Graham & Sally Jinks
06/10/07 - A wonderful break - superb hotel, delightful staff, & delicious food. We hope to return. Dick & sheila Low
16/10/07 - Wonderful mini-break, everything about the hotel excellent, especially the food Pauline & John Wright
16/10/07 - What a gorgeous place! Wish we could have stayed longer.
Simon & Trish Pearce 23/10/07 - Another wonderful stay - Perfect. Thank you Annalisa Duff
26/10/07 - Thanks very much for a great few days ~ beautiful hotel, fabulous food, & superb views. Beth & Jeff Forrester
20/ 11/ 07 A very special 5 days made all the better by wonderful accommodation, amazing food, faultless seervice, and views to die for. Thank you, Mary & staff - we hope to return Campbell & Karen Dunford , Cucklington, Somerset
01/12/07 What a wonderful break, lovely room, delicious food and great staff
Bridget & Peter Egerton, Stoke Prior
27/12/07 Fabulous Christmas. Wonderful setting made all the more special by superb staff and fantastic food. We will be back - thank you Mary and everyone
Debbie & George Frost
27/1/08 Our only disappointment was leaving to-day. Fabulous views, lovely staff, delicious food 5 * ! Rob & Zoe Judge
21/1/08 three wonderful days of great hospitality, comfort and charm, complimented by excellent food and professional service. Thank you Mary. We'll be back
Dolly and Chris Bond
10/2/08 We were superbly looked after, with everything of excellent quality and quiet charm Linda & Paul Lovell
18/02/08 It's my birthday ! and a nicer place we couldn't have wished for. Many thanks Anon
