Offering a menu focused on bringing people together for pintxos and sharing plates in an elegant but inviting setting, Counter Culture is set to liven up the Newquay dining scene. It’s broadly inspired by San Sebastian, but pintxos here showcase some of the best British flavours and exceptional Cornish produce. At the helm is chef-owner and ex-apprentice to Marco Pierre White, Ben Harrison. Food here is contemporary, bold and unapologetic, offering up balanced flavours that pair incredibly well with the restaurant's selection of great wines, beer and cocktails.
The Counter Culture menu kicks off with a selection of snacks, including tempura anchovies, crispy pork skin, and lemon and thyme candied hazelnuts to whet the appetite. Then, there’s a selection of pintxos plates that are ideal for sharing between tables of two, stretching from Cornish rarebit with braised oxtail to cured mackerel with charred toast and bacon butter. At the time of writing, Counter Culture also offers a deal where you can get three pintxos for just £15.
Elsewhere, larger plates include Boscastle trout served with new potatoes, caviar, sea purslane, buttermilk and buckthorn; 46-hour glazed pork belly with apple and walnut; and oxtail dumplings with swede puree, brown sauce, and horseradish. As for desserts, guests can expect the likes of forced rhubarb with custard fool, Greek yoghurt, beetroot and white chocolate, along with a dark chocolate cremeux with oats, stout Anglaise, and salted treacle.
Interiors here are cosy, comfortable and very on trend. Plus, there’s a more informal but equally atmospheric bar to sit, drink, and snack on pintxos. Here, you can also get your hands on items from the specials board, offering the chance to sample limited availability plates and revel in the team’s creativity. Just be sure to book, Counter Culture is the kind of place that can get busy very quickly.