Appleton's in Fowey is a beloved local restaurant, run by Andy and Lyndsey Appleton. A completely self-taught chef, most of Andy's experience has come from time spent cooking in Italy, but he was also head chef at Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall for nine years before opening his eponymous restaurant with his wife. While at Fifteen Cornwall, Andy designed menus that served 750,000 people during the nine years he was there.
As a result, his menus are heavily influenced by Italy and the Mediterranean, not just in the dishes but also in the ethos. Appleton's is about sourcing the best seasonal ingredients at their absolute peak, then letting them speak for themselves without overcomplicating things. As a result, the menu at Appleton's combines some specialist produce from Italy but combines it with the best local ingredients available. Andy creates unique menus that bring the best of Italy and Cornwall together on a plate. Appleton's has a relaxed feel - it's an unfussy setting where the food is the star of the show.
Appleton's offers an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. Starters include lobster ravioli with lemon and monks beard, Cornish speck with pickled digs and gorgonzola and crispy polenta with pig cheek ragu. The mains are similarly elevated but comforting - flat iron steak comes with beef fat potato, ox cheek crocchette and cavolo nero, and there's a wonderful squid ink linguine with crab (Cornish of course), zucchini, chilli and anchovy pangrattato. Desserts include a chocolate panna cotta, baked cheesecake with rhubarb and an affogato.
The same Cornwall meets Italy ethos has been applied to the drinks as well. The bar stocks a variety of interesting, traditional and artisanal spirits, as well as beers and ciders from Italy, Cornwall and the rest of the world. The wine list is compact and tightly curated, featuring predominantly Italian wines.