The Cornish Arms: Rick Stein’s Award-Winning Gastropub in Padstow

The Cornish Arms in St Merryn, just outside Padstow, is a classic village pub owned by Rick Stein’s group and recognised as one of Britain’s top gastropubs. This guide draws on verified reviews and editorial sources to explain what the pub offers, who runs it, and how it fits into Cornwall’s dining scene.

Last checked: 2026-07-09

Name: The Cornish Arms · Location: St Merryn, Padstow, Cornwall · Owner: Rick Stein Group · Award: Top 50 Gastropub · Brewery Partnership: St Austell Brewery · Food Style: Simple, classic pub menu

Does Rick Stein own The Cornish Arms?

Yes – the St Merryn location is part of the Rick Stein Group. A travel review on The Gastronome states the pub belongs to Stein’s “empire,” though Stein himself is a celebrity chef and restaurateur rather than a day-to-day operator. The pub serves St Austell Brewery ales, a partnership noted on TripAdvisor and Google Travel.

Who is Rick Stein?

Rick Stein is a well-known British chef, restaurateur, and television personality whose portfolio includes several seafood restaurants in Padstow and beyond. His group’s ownership of The Cornish Arms brings a degree of brand recognition and quality consistency.

What other pubs does Rick Stein own?

Stein’s group operates a handful of other venues, including The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow and Stein’s Fish & Chips. The Cornish Arms is his only gastropub near Padstow.

The bottom line: Rick Stein’s ownership is well documented, but the pub’s day-to-day character comes from its simple menu and local ales rather than chef-driven flair.

The Cornish Arms menu

The menu at The Cornish Arms St Merryn is straightforward British pub fare. According to The Gastronome, dishes include fish and chips, burgers, ham, egg and chips, and steak and ale pie. TripAdvisor snippets mention “real beef burgers, mussels and chips, scampi in the basket” as core options.

Are there vegetarian options?

The Gastronome’s review does not detail vegetarian choices, but pub classics typically include a veggie burger or a mushroom pie. We did not find a current menu online.

What is the price range?

No prices for the St Merryn venue appeared in the sources we reviewed. A nearby Cornish Arms in Carbis Bay lists scampi, chips, and peas at £19 (TripAdvisor snippet), but that may not reflect St Merryn’s pricing.

The trade-off: Expect straightforward, unpretentious food. If you’re after inventive gastronomy, this may not satisfy; if you want reliable pub classics in a Rick Stein setting, it fits.

Cornish Arms Sunday roast

Sunday roasts are a common feature at many Cornish pubs, but we did not find specific confirmation for the St Merryn location. The Carbis Bay Cornish Arms explicitly offers a Sunday roast, and the Tavistock venue may also serve one. For St Merryn, the available review snippets do not mention Sunday lunch. It is reasonable to expect a roast on Sundays given the pub’s style, but we cannot confirm menu details or hours without an official source.

What to watch: If a Sunday roast is your priority, check directly with the St Merryn pub or consider the Carbis Bay alternative where it is confirmed.

The beer was excellent, service friendly and the restaurant was packed inside and out.

— The Gastronome, reporting a visit on 16 June 2025

Pros and cons of The Cornish Arms St Merryn

Based on multiple TripAdvisor reviews and the Gastronome account, here’s a balanced view:

• Pros: Friendly and attentive staff; relaxed village pub atmosphere; real ales from St Austell Brewery; dog-friendly; summer wood-fired pizza in the beer garden (per The Gastronome).
• Cons: Some reviewers call the food “average at best”; can get very busy on summer evenings; limited vegetarian options in the reported menu; no independent price verification available.

Best for segments

• Couples: A quiet pub dinner after a day in Padstow – the dog-friendly policy and beer garden add charm.
• Families: Simple menu items like scampi and chips appeal to children; the bustling environment is family-friendly.
• Food lovers: Those seeking classic pub fare, not high-end gastronomy. The Rick Stein association provides a talking point.
• Solo diners: The pub atmosphere and bar seating make it comfortable for a meal alone.

Pricing band

We cannot quote exact prices for the St Merryn Cornish Arms. The Carbis Bay sister venue’s £19 scampi plate offers a rough comparison. Expect moderate pub pricing, typical of the Padstow area.

Location and getting there

The Cornish Arms is at Churchtown, St Merryn, Padstow PL28 8ND. It is a short drive from Padstow town centre, with limited on-street parking. The nearest train station is Bodmin Parkway, about 30 minutes by car. The pub is also reachable via the Cornwall bus network (route 55/56 from Padstow).

Alternatives in the area

Other venues share the same name but differ significantly:

• The Cornish Arms, Tavistock: A Bib Gourmand-winning inn with a 9.6/10 Expedia guest score and accommodation (Expedia).
• The Cornish Arms, Carbis Bay: A traditional local pub with a 4.0/5 TripAdvisor rating, winter log fire, and Sunday roasts (TripAdvisor).

Each caters to a different need: Tavistock for an overnight stay, Carbis Bay for a classic pub experience, and St Merryn for the Rick Stein connection.

Related reading: Harbour Hotel Padstow: Ownership, Pool & Spa Review

Visitors keen to learn more about the man behind the menu can read Rick Steins biography for a detailed account of his culinary journey.

Frequently asked questions

Sources cited

• TripAdvisor – The Cornish Arms, St Merryn
• The Gastronome – The Cornish Arms, Padstow
• Google Travel – The Cornish Arms, Padstow
• TripAdvisor – The Cornish Arms, Carbis Bay
• MICHELIN Guide – The Cornish Arms, Tavistock
• The Good Food Guide – The Cornish Arms, Tavistock
• Expedia – The Cornish Arms, Tavistock
• Hotels.com – The Cornish Arms, Tavistock
• Booking.com – The Cornish Arms, Tavistock