Based in the countryside on the edge of Carbis Bay, Una St. Ives is a holiday resort with a laid-back luxury feel.
I’ve been lucky enough to have visited and stayed in one of their eco-lodges before, and had the best time relaxing for the weekend, as they truly have everything you need inside! I was asked back again recently for a press lunch to try out a taster menu of some of their delicious restaurant dishes, and couldn’t say no.
Last time, we enjoyed mussels and one of their woodfired pizzas for dinner, so it was great to come back and try some of the other amazing options that Una Kitchen has to offer! We sat outside on the decking area, and started off the lunch with some gin cocktails.
Cornish chef, Glenn Gatland, has won multiple AA Rosettes before, and has created some wonderful mediterranean-style dishes to try. Everything is focused around (and much of it cooked inside) the restaurant’s large woodfired oven, which is apparently a little tricker to cook with, but so worth it for the flavour! I’d never considered that restaurants use these ovens for things other than pizzas, but it makes total sense to take full advantage of it.
We kicked off the menu with Cornish scallops (my favourite!) with a sweetcorn salsa and warm homemade focaccia – a very tasty combo – which was followed by a torn mozzarella and melon salad. I love that these dishes felt contemporary and in a fine-dining style, but with a relaxed feel. The menu is really so varied, there’s something there for everyone!
Next up was the smoked pancetta wrapped monkfish with pea veloute and cavlo nero – another brilliant combination that went so well together.
And finally, the main course – beef ragout with truffle oil – easily became my favourite dish! The pulled beef was tender and delicious, and went so well with a light dusting of parmesan, and the pickled vegetables. I would highly recommend this one to try.
Sadly I had to dash off before dessert for a decadent full body massage in Una’s spa (maybe not so sadly!), but while of course I was sad not to try it, I don’t think I could fit much more in my belly before a spa treatment too haha.
As well as their high end lodges/villas, and the restaurant, Una also has its own leisure and wellbeing facilities too – including a large indoor pool and hot tub, fitness suite and spa, where you can book a range of treatments during your stay. Non-guests can also enjoy all these facilities too by booking a day pass or becoming a member, and spa treatments are available to book for non-residents too.
Una’s restaurant is open throughout the year to guests and non-guests, for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as is open for coffee and cakes all day too. It’s super spacious, plus they’re dog friendly – making it the perfect place to stop in for a relaxed brunch / lunch, or book a table for an evening away from the crowds of the nearby seaside towns!
For more info, and for details about their spa facilities, and accommodation, check out the Una St. Ives website.
*I was invited to this press lunch in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own
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