Award-winning Star & Garter launches new pub apartment, menus and weekend bottomless brunches

The maritime outpost of Falmouth continues to win over new fans with its spirit-of-the-sea infused charms. And on the town's quirky high street is the Star & Garter, one of the destination's oldest pubs, constantly delighting travellers and locals alike with its fresh concepts and contemporary, yet super comfortable, surrounds.  

The Star & Garter's acclaim is all down to the efforts of thirtysomethings Elliot and Becca Thompson. When Elliot and Becca reopened the doors of the legendary establishment, which has stood since 1892, their plan was to turn the dated drinking den into one of the West Country's premier gastropub destinations. They have most certainly succeeded. The Star & Garter is now loved by locals and visitors and has been lauded by fellow chefs and critics alike.

With a swathe of accolades and awards including 'Best Foodie Pub in the South West' and runner-up for Best Sunday Roast in the Observer Food Monthly Awards, and an ongoing listing in the Good Food Guide, you might think this youthful couple would allow themselves some time to rest on their laurels, alongside their French bulldog Olive.

Not so. Fresh for autumn 2018, Becca and Elliot are launching an extensive new apartment above the pub and Elliot has also taken the reins in the Star kitchen, reworking the highly popular lunch and dinner menus. The couple is also welcoming in every weekend with a quite unexpected set of Saturday brunch dishes, with the option of 'bottomless' glasses of their Signature S&G Cornish Bloody Mary, Mimosas or Proseccos.

The new Star & Garter apartment, entitled 'Starboard' will keep excellent company with its 'siblings', the Crow's Nest and the Penthouse. The third star-like accommodation option offers even more space for those looking to spread out across a weekend or weekday stay, whilst revelling in the mesmerising views across Falmouth Harbour and way beyond.

The 'Starboard' apartment is essentially a 'double whammy', with two extensive stylish bedrooms, open plan kitchen/lounge and luxury bathroom. Here, much like the other rooms, the nautical theme is thoroughly executed to reflect the maritime history of the pub. And the views across the bay are as compelling as dramas to be found on the full Netflix selection for enjoyment after the light has faded. In addition, to get the full Star & Garter experience, guests can nip downstairs after a good night's sleep for a morning coffee or even a cheeky Cornish Bloody Mary with brunch. Or they can book in for a leisurely three-course lunch in the restaurant.

Founder and owner Elliot Thompson has taken the helm in the basement which serves as the pub's ever-bustling kitchen.  Elliot's quest for perfection never ends and he remains determined to ensure the pub stays forever on top of its game, using only the best local produce to produce big, bold, flavours, inspired by countries spanning the Mediterranean.

With a nose-to-tail philosophy underpinning his ethos and a woodfired oven at the heart of the kitchen, Elliot's passion lies in a back-to-basics approach that produces sumptuous dishes with nods to the likes of France and Italy to the west and Greece and Lebanon to the east.

'Food is at its best when it's not mucked around with and when you've got produce as incredible as we have in Cornwall, it's hard to go wrong' said Elliot. 'Simplicity is at the heart of Mediterranean cooking and, done well, can lead to stunning results. We want to capture that spirit at the Star.'

The new autumn menus include seasonal options such as starters including Chicken of the woods, porcini, lardo di colonata or Mozzarella, violet artichokes & hazelnuts.  Mains that are set to feature include Roasted grey mullet, ash roast celeriac & rainbow chard or Whole roasted partridge, beets, blackberry bruschetta & quince.  And for desserts diners can choose from options such as Chocolate and stout cake & creme fraiche or Russet apple and thyme tart & clotted cream.

An extensive wine menu, with every bottle also available as a glass accompanies every meal, alongside a new seasonal cocktail list that includes Spiced Sangria, a S&G Seasonal Sour, a Smoked Old-Fashioned, a rum option entitled Plum New Depths and a special Cornish Negroni using Knightor Rose Vermouth and Tarquin's Dry Cornish Gin.

Until now, those staying in the Star & Garter apartments have been recommended nearby breakfast spots around the High Street, however, Elliot and Becca's ambition of creating the most intriguing brunch, with optional bottomless breakfast cocktails has now come to pass. 

Their interesting new Saturday brunch menu offers both the familiar such as grilled cheese sandwich or eggs and sausage, as well as more explorative options like shakshuka, a dish consisting of baked eggs in tomato with Lebanese yoghurt and flatbread. For their new Bottomless Brunches addition every Saturday, guests and diners can choose between Mimosas, Proseccos and the S&G Signature Cornish Bloody Mary, offering a unique twist on the classic drink using home infused Horseradish vodka.

Becca Thompson said: “Falmouth's never been a place to stand still, and I guess you could say that that has infected both Elliot and I! We never tire of seeing and hearing people's reactions to our location and the jaw-dropping views out across the water, whether they're coming to stay with us, eat with us, drink with us or all three at once.”

Becca continues, “It's been another incredibly busy year and we're so excited to be opening up 'Starboard' for our overnight staying guests and introducing our diners to our delicious new Saturday brunch menus, including our Lebanese morning plates and new Signature S&G Cornish Bloody Mary.”

Star & Garter apartments are from £155 per night for up to two people, brunches from £8 per dish, Bottomless Brunch options £25 per person for up to 1.5 hours on the table, Saturdays only.

www.starandgarterfalmouth.co.uk

ENDS

For more information or images please contact: Else Welde or Sarah Harrington, Excess Energy Communications on 01637 852 130 or email Else@excess-energy.co.uk or sarah@excess-energy.co.uk