Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling MBE has been awarded a Michelin star at the Michelin Guide Ceremony on 9th February 2026 in Dublin, marking Chef Adam Handling’s second Michelin star, following the continued success of Frog by Adam Handling in Covent Garden (which was first awarded its Michelin star in 2022). The award comes as the restaurant has been preparing to reopen today, 11 February following a major refurbishment, bringing together two defining milestones in the next chapter of the restaurant.
The Michelin accolade recognises Ugly Butterfly’s commitment to exceptional produce, creativity and immersive dining, while the refurbishment brings a reimagined use of the space with a new kitchen, bar, dedicated Afternoon Tea Lounge and an exciting new menu.
Now having truly found its feet in Newquay, Ugly Butterfly has quickly become one of Cornwall’s most talked-about dining spots, and with the addition of its Michelin star, the restaurant has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination. The refurbishment marks the next evolution of the venue, shaped by the team’s time in the space; insights into the local area, and the opportunity to fully rebuild and elevate the site after opening under extremely tight timelines at the height of the summer season last year.
The new direction of Ugly Butterfly reflects the Adam Handling Collection’s vision of redefining British food through a hyper-local Cornish lens, taking the Collection’s ethos and rooting it firmly in the Southwest. Using exceptional Cornish ingredients, the team have created a tasting menu a cut above its previous iteration, and a distinctive afternoon tea experience, with a heightened focus on produce, creativity and immersive dining. Alongside this, a bar food menu centred around caviar and lobster will be available to enjoy in the bar or Tea Lounge, allowing each part of the experience to feel luxurious.
The refurbishment includes a brand-new state-of-the-art kitchen and a newly created Afternoon Tea Lounge, designed as a light-filled, refined space that reflects the natural beauty of the Cornish coast. The redesign introduces bespoke furniture, sculptural curved tables in warm wood tones, pale stone surfaces and soft neutral textures, complemented by wall panelling that brings both visual warmth and intimacy to the room. Created to elevate one of Ugly Butterfly’s most popular experiences, the new Tea Lounge offers a more spacious setting, with a relaxed, contemporary feel.
The main restaurant and terrace will now offer a single tasting menu, showcasing exceptional ingredients from the South West’s larder, brought to life through Michelin-starred chef Adam Handling’s fresh, ingredient-led approach.
Adam Handling MBE, Chef/Owner of the Adam Handling Collection, said: “When we first opened, Ugly Butterfly was all about moving fast, but now we’ve had the chance to really shape it into the restaurant we always envisioned. The refurbishment makes it even more fitting to the Cornish coast – a place to forget your worries, escape the city and just sit back and enjoy. We’ve relaunched with a bigger focus on seafood, reflecting our views over the ocean, while our nearby pub, The Tartan Fox, will be more meat-led. There’s a brand-new room dedicated to Afternoon Tea, creating a calm, relaxing space and the restaurant has been refreshed with more flowers and growing plants throughout. In the summer, the outside terrace will be gorgeous – a perfect spot to enjoy the South West at its best. To receive a second Michelin star for the Collection, and the first for Ugly Butterfly, at this moment is incredibly special. It recognises the hard work of the whole team and confirms that what we’re building here in Cornwall is something truly world-class.”
The newly Michelin-starred Ugly Butterfly reopens today, 11 February, after its major refurbishment over the winter months. The restaurant will be open Tuesday to Saturday, and Mondays during peak season (July–August).
Make your reservation at reservations@uglybutterfly.co.uk or call 01637 839739.
Find out more at www.uglybutterfly.co.uk and follow on Instagram.
