Paul Ainsworth is owner-chef of the eponymous Paul Ainsworth at No.6 in Padstow, which was awarded a Michelin Star in 2013 and has retained it every year since.
Paul also owns Italian brasserie Rojano’s in the Square and the Padstow Townhouse, which he runs along with his wife, Emma.
After lunch at Paul Ainsworth at No.6, we had a chat with the man himself about what he’s up to for Christmas:
You’ve just enjoyed another successful Padstow Christmas Festival. How long have you been involved?
I’ve been involved since the beginning – that’s 11 years now! It’s a five day event (from Thursday – Monday) which showcases artisan producers of food, beer, wine and crafts.
Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw and I do cooking demos in a marquee on the quayside – and we also get visiting chefs like Angela Hartnett and Paul Foster. The festival attracts around 55k visitors each year so it's hugely important to the town of Padstow. For me it signifies the start of Christmas.
Is No. 6 open on Christmas Day?
No – our last service is on 23rd of December.
So do you have Christmas at home?
Yes, Christmas Day for me starts with a walk along the beach with the dog. Then it's home for rib of beef and roasted turbot. My whole family will be there, including my Mum. My daughter Aricie is two and half so this will be the first time she will really experience Christmas, which is exciting.
How do you celebrate with your team?
We have a Christmas party at Rojano’s in the Square on 19th December for all our staff.
We will have roast turkey and sirloin of beef and I think we'll be catering for 81 in all – with the managers doing all of the cooking and the service.
What are you asking Father Christmas for this year?
To be honest, having all my family around me is enough – but if I was able to ask for anything it would have to be a cream Ferrari F12 Tour de France.
And have you been good?
I think so.... although I’m not sure my wife would necessarily agree!
