The stars of South West hospitality aligned in Cornwall for the high-profile launch of the 33rd edition of the Trencherman’s Guide. Held at Adam Handling’s Ugly Butterfly 2.0 in its new Newquay home at The Headland Hotel, the event drew culinary heavyweights including chefs Michael Caines MBE, Elly Wentworth, and Adam Handling himself.
The mood was one of collective celebration, marking another year of exceptional dining in the region. Among the 111 restaurants earning a coveted spot in this edition, 28 new venues across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire made the cut. Every one of these new additions has successfully surpassed the stringent quality criteria necessary to be crowned a Trencherman’s restaurant, joining established names like Paul Ainsworth at No6, Lympstone Manor, and Osip.
The guide’s chair, Michael Caines MBE, emphasized the collective strength of the community at the launch on October 13th. “Trencherman’s goes from strength to strength. It’s more than just a guide: it’s a network of professionals working very hard here in the South West,” Caines said. “It’s a collective of excellence; every restaurant included fits the criteria of quality, which speaks volumes for the region.”
Since its inception in 1992, the Trencherman’s Guide has provided discerning diners with the definitive list of the most authentic, creative, and innovative dining experiences in the South West.
The guide’s editor, Abi Manning of Salt Media, noted that the latest edition is a “true celebration of the kaleidoscopic array of dining concepts” found in the food-rich area. “The launch of the guide is one of my favourite days of the year, when we gather together the South West hospitality community to catch up, connect, and celebrate the incredible quality of the region’s restaurants – as showcased in the new edition of the guide.”
The launch showcased this quality perfectly, featuring an exceptional multi-course lunch cooked by Trencherman’s chefs Adam Handling and Jamie Park of Ugly Butterfly 2.0, Elly Wentworth of Fowlescombe Farm and Millbrook Inn near Salcombe, and Ben Champkin of Catch.
The enduring reputation of the guide is perhaps its strongest endorsement. Praised by industry titans, the guide is recognized by Rick Stein CBE as “A guide with teeth,” while Paul Ainsworth calls it “a must-have guide for anyone who loves great food.” Michael Caines MBE adds that it is “The only independent, quality-controlled guide in the South West.” Find out who the new editions are to the list HERE.
Published by Salt Media, the 33rd edition of the Trencherman’s Guide is available now for £12.99 at bookshops, featured restaurants, and online.
