Newlyn is set to welcome Favorita, a new neighbourhood tapas restaurant opening on 18 September 2026. The brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Henry and Laura Russell, Favorita is inspired by their travels, their love of Mediterranean food and their passion for bringing people together around a table.
Favorita is housed in a former café which Henry and Laura have been busy renovating over the last few months. They have retained some of its informal character while drawing inspiration from the relaxed restaurants and neighbourhood spots the couple have discovered in their travels across Europe.
Henry brings more than 20 years of experience from some of London’s best-known and most respected kitchens, including heading up the passes at Moro and Morito, and working as an innovation chef at Belazu. His cooking is rooted in the food cultures of Spain and the Eastern Mediterranean, with a focus on simple, seasonal ingredients.
Laura spent more than 20 years working as a Set Decorator in film and television before moving into food with Henry. Together, they founded Nourished Minds Cookery, working with charities through food and cookery, before developing Favorita Cookery, running cookery holidays and classes across the continent and in the UK. A love of Cornwall eventually brought Henry and Laura to Newlyn, where they decided to put down roots.
The menu at Favorita is inspired by the tapas bars of southern Spain and flavours from across the Mediterranean, including Turkey and Lebanon. It will be centred around a short, seasonal collection of Mediterranean-inspired small plates, using the best local produce available – including the freshest seafood and fish from Newlyn harbour, just across the road. Expect grilled and fried fish, crispy aubergine, charred meat skewers, fresh flatbreads, and vibrant salads running through the menu. The dishes are designed for sharing, whether it’s a quick plate or a long meal with friends.
A selection of wines and sherries will accompany the food as well as cold Andalusian beer on tap music from the couple’s own record collection adds to the homely, laid-back atmosphere. Their aim is to create a welcoming space for both residents and visitors, and a place that feels part of the Newlyn community throughout the year.
Laura explains: “Favorita is the next chapter for us and brings together so much of what we love – travelling, cooking, great seasonal produce and a warm welcome. Henry missed being in the kitchen and having the freedom to cook and create, while I have been so excited to bring my creative skills into creating the space. We wanted to share the kind of place we have always loved ourselves and we hope it becomes a valued part of the community.”
Favorita has also received a financial grant through the Penzance Town Deal Enterprise Grant scheme, which supports small and medium-sized businesses across Penzance and Newlyn, helping new ventures start and existing businesses grow, while encouraging new employment and stronger local supply chains. The funding has helped Laura and Henry bring their plans for Favorita to life, creating a new independent hospitality business in Newlyn
Sarah Shaw of the Penzance Town Deal Enterprise Fund said: “We are so excited to see Favorita open its doors in Newlyn. Favorita is exactly the kind of independent small business the Enterprise Grants were designed to support, bringing a new hospitality offering to the area, making use of an existing premises and creating a welcoming place for both local people and visitors. It is wonderful to see the investment having such impact, and we wish Laura and Henry every success for their launch and beyond.”
To make a booking contact Info@Favoritanewlyn.com or call 01736 339288 and follow Favorita on Instagram.
