Celebrated Cornish chef Paul Ainsworth and his wife Emma have acquired the luxurious St Enodoc Hotel in Rock. This boutique hotel boasts a prime location overlooking the breathtaking Camel Estuary and features 21 rooms, a restaurant, and ‘beauty rooms’.
As the only hotel in Rock, The St Enodoc offers an idyllic retreat within walking distance of stunning beaches, including Daymer Bay, reports Cornwall Live. Paul expressed his excitement about the purchase, saying: “Emma and I have long admired The St Enodoc and are absolutely delighted to become its new owners and custodians. This landmark hotel is set in a stunning location right on our doorstep.”
The Ainsworths are eager to integrate The St Enodoc into their collection, focusing on a smooth transition for the existing staff while extending a warm welcome to guests old and new. Paul said: “We are excited to welcome this wonderful hotel to The Ainsworth Collection and further build on its legacy.
“We have no immediate plans to change the style of the hotel – our priority is ensuring a seamless employment transition for the St Enodoc team while welcoming them to the Ainsworth Collection family, to get to know our new business, and to create a warm welcome for guests.”
The couple is looking forward to embarking on this new venture and writing the next chapter in The St Enodoc’s story. Paul, a Southampton-born chef, is renowned for his Michelin-starred restaurant Paul Ainsworth at No6, as well as other successful establishments along the North Cornwall coast, including Caff Rojano, Padstow Townhouse, Ci Ci’s Bar, and The Mariners.
Paul and Emma Ainsworth have acquired The St Enodoc Hotel in Rock, Cornwall
(Image: Paul Ainsworth/PR supplied)
Earlier this year, one of Ainsworth’s establishments in Cornwall, The Mariners located in Rock, was recognised as one of the UK’s finest, securing a spot in the top three on Estrella Damm’s list of best gastropubs.
In July 2024, Paul unveiled his first cookbook, titled ‘For the Love of Food’. He is a familiar face on television, regularly appearing on shows such as Saturday Kitchen, Sunday Brunch and James Martin’s Saturday Morning, among other broadcasts.