Head Chef's Blog

Off the menu

From locally-sourced food to mastery in the kitchen, Head Chef Aiden is here to take you through his favourite recipes, top local produce picks, and life in the kitchens at Merchants Manor.

Chef's Journal

Californian Wine Night

Tuesday 24th September The Snug at Merchants Manor 7pm Sample the delights of California. Taste an iconic collection of Biodynamic and Organically farmed wines from the Bonterra Vineyard, paired with a selection of Mezze nibbles from the …

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Our Bees

Shortly after arriving in Cornwall we went to a local food festival where I met a bee keeper who specialised in Cornish Black Bees. We got into a discussion about honey, the future of bees and all things related. Ever since that first meeting I …

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Oysters

One of my fondest food memories was with my Dad and some friends on Arniston beach sinking ice cold oysters in the hot sun, I remember eating 45 of them that day age 9. A few years later we were once again in amongst the sand cliffs and aqua …

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London Calling

On a misty Cornish evening we set off for the bright lights of London via the A30 as our flight was cancelled due to the North Coast fog. Arriving after midnight we had the roads to ourselves as we made our way past Harrods, Buckingham Palace …

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A Proper Cornish Scone

Try Chef Hylton’s Cornish gem of a recipe. Spread with a thick layer strawberry jam, lashings of Clotted Cream and a pot of tea.  Guaranteed to taste even better packed as a picnic and served at the beach. Scones Makes 12 480 g …

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TOG

For a chef, knives are the tools of their craft.  They allow the imagination to run wild in curating a dish and through mastering their skill they learn how to respect their produce.  Keeping his questions sharp and on point, Chef Hylton chats …

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Lady Killigrew

In April 2016 we took a foraging walk down to Swanpool beach and returned with an abundance of sea weeds. After playing around with them in different preparations we had an excess of sea lettuce or ulva lactuca. The pastry section were preparing …

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Vinaigrette – Bramble

Last year’s blackberry season began unusually early which leads us to believe that given the recent hot spell we are likely to see the first fresh pickings in just a few weeks. Don’t be fooled into believing that blackberries are only for …

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Foraging

We have a foraging loop which takes us from the Manor on the hill down to Gyllyngvase beach, around to Swanpool and through a forest back to the restaurant. On this 1 mile loop we discover nineteen different foraged greens over the seasons.  

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Offers

Fill your senses with the spirit of Cornwall and indulge in one of our specially tailored breaks and offers. We look forward to seeing you soon.

30th November 2022

Eat, Drink, Sleep, Repeat

For those seeking a foodie get away and want to avoid a big bill on departure. Dine in style from our A La Carte menu each night, sip your way …

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30th November 2022

Winter Warmer

Whisk your loved one away for a one night mini spa break, 1 night dinner, bed and breakfast eating from the A La Carte menu and one 1 hour …

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30th November 2022

Do Not Disturb

Get away from it all and pamper yourselves properly. With a two night dinner bed and breakfast dining from the A La Carte menu with a total of …

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