Chef Adam Handling MBE is thrilled to announce the grand opening of his brand-new pub, The Tartan Fox, in Cornwall on 4th June 2024.
Located in the picturesque countryside between Newquay and Truro, The Tartan Fox is Chef Adam Handling's second establishment in Cornwall, complementing his renowned restaurant and bar, Ugly Butterfly, located in nearby St. Ives. This new pub venture follows the success of his award-winning establishment, The Loch & the Tyne, which opened its doors in Old Windsor in 2021.
In keeping with Adam Handling Group’s ethos, The Tartan Fox embodies Adam’s visionary approach to zero-waste, modern British food, underpinned by the philosophy of ‘Sustainable, local luxury’. Much like Ugly Butterfly, the pub will exclusively feature locally sourced ingredients from Cornwall and its surrounding regions. Adam plans to cultivate homegrown ingredients from the pub’s vast garden space in the next growing season, to include vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
The name 'The Tartan Fox' is inspired by Adam’s Scottish roots and the location of the pub, which is nestled in the middle of a Cornish forest and, much like a fox’s home, is a den to escape in the countryside. A group of foxes is called an earth, which ties into his Group’s commitment to sustainability. This is going to be reflected in the pub’s interiors which will focus on earthy tones and natural materials including stone and wood. Adam is determined to celebrate the history of the 400-year-old Grade II listed building, which sits on 30 acres of land.
At The Tartan Fox, guests can anticipate a culinary experience akin to its sister pub, The Loch & the Tyne, renowned for its Michelin Bib Gourmand and 3 AA rosettes. However, Adam Handling's latest venture will feature a menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients sourced from Cornwall and its surroundings. Diners will have a diverse array of options, spanning from casual snacks and traditional pub favorites to Adam Handling's signature dishes, subtly infused with Scottish influences.
Alongside a selection of sustainable cocktails and local beers, there will be an extensive wine list, showcasing wines from across the globe, as well as highlighting British excellence, covering the breadth of affordability to luxury.
Once known as Carvynick House, situated in the picturesque region of north-Cornwall, the building has a history steeped in elegance and charm. Originating from the 17th century, this grand residence embodies the architectural style of its time, with features that reflect a blend of tradition and sophistication. Built by the Tanner family, it was said to be the marital home of Anthony Tanner and Grace Carthew, and this is what the “T” over “AC” is believed to represent before the year of construction stamp, which remains clearly carved over the entrance to the pub to this very day. Transitioning into a pub marked a new stage in Carvynick House’s history and Adam is looking forward to The Tartan Fox being the next chapter for the building.
The Tartan Fox will seat 90 covers across two floors, which will include the bar, wine room, restaurant and two private dining rooms, as well as additional restaurant seating upstairs. Adam is investing in refurbishing the pub ahead of its summer opening, with significant further investment scheduled within the first year. The Tartan Fox is being designed as a stunning, quintessentially British countryside pub, which will utilise the building’s existing exposed brickwork and stone walls and combine them with sintered stone and wood, roaring fireplaces, wall-mounted lanterns and cosy snug areas.
The pub also has an extensive garden area nestled in the Cornish woods. Featuring an abundance of outdoor seating space, Adam is also installing firepits to ensure year-round use, with enchanting sunset views.
The Barn at The Tartan Fox offers a picturesque outdoor space ideal for extra guest seating and is available for hire for weddings, parties, and events accommodating over 100 guests.
Chef Owner Adam Handling MBE says, “I’ve always loved Cornwall so, when this opportunity came up, it was one I just couldn’t refuse. The pub is completely stunning, steeped in history, set in the Cornish countryside with so much land. Cornwall is one of the most beautiful places in Britain and it produces some incredible ingredients. It’s amazing to have the chance to combine the history of this stunning building with sustainable British food, made from local Cornish ingredients. You might not know you’re in an Adam Handling restaurant when you walk in but you’ll know it by the time you walk out.
Cornwall is such a popular holiday destination, as well as a home to so many wonderful locals and it’s an absolute dream to be able to have two venues here. We’re expanding the Adam Handling experience for Cornish residents and for anyone further afield, you can fly into Newquay, visit us at The Tartan Fox in the countryside and then head over to Ugly Butterfly down by the coast. It’s the best of both worlds.”
The Tartan Fox, Carvynick Farm, A3058, Newquay, TR8 5AF
