Paul & Emma Ainsworth

Starting this next exciting chapter here in Padstow and Rock, we couldn’t be more grateful for the support from our loyal customers and friends. Every day we learn new things that we bring to the business, allowing us to keep improving what we do. Whilst I strive for excellence in the kitchen, Emma’s expert eye for the fine details has helped us provide those added little touches that our customers so often notice. Whether it’s being hands on, or working from afar, her wise words always help keep us grounded. Our team are the family behind us who have supported and believed in our vision right from the beginning. Their passion and dedication have helped us make the right decisions, leading us to where we are today. We continue to try to make No6, Caffè Rojano and The Padstow Townhouse the very best they can be. With the addition of The Mariners Public House and Mahé Cookery School and Chef’s Table, we’re incredibly excited for this next chapter in our lives. We truly hope you love spending time with our family as much as we do and can’t wait to see you soon.

The Early Years

I was born in Southampton in 1979,  where I grew up and spent my childhood years. I was born into the hospitality trade, as my Mum and Dad ran a busy local guest house. My Dad was very much the taskmaster of the family, always in the kitchen cooking or working late behind the bar. Much to the dismay of my Mum, he got me helping out and working from a young age. By the age of 12, I had four paper rounds, worked five nights at the fruit and veg merchants, collected orders for the Betterware catalogue and when I had time, I fitted in school! He instilled a hard work ethic in me, which has put me in good stead for this wonderful industry.

The Early Years

I was born in Southampton in 1979,  where I grew up and spent my childhood years. I was born into the hospitality trade, as my Mum and Dad ran a busy local guest house. My Dad was very much the taskmaster of the family, always in the kitchen cooking or working late behind the bar. Much to the dismay of my Mum, he got me helping out and working from a young age. By the age of 12, I had four paper rounds, worked five nights at the fruit and veg merchants, collected orders for the Betterware catalogue and when I had time, I fitted in school! He instilled a hard work ethic in me, which has put me in good stead for this wonderful industry.

Gary, Gordon and Marcus

Old habits die hard and during my time studying catering and hospitality at Southampton City College, I also spent a great deal of time in the kitchen away from the watchful eyes of my tutors. During my time training, I worked in the The Star Hotel in Southampton and Careys Manor in the New Forest, which really helped me develop my skills outside of the classroom. Due to an opportunity given to me by my tutor, the amazing Martin Nash, I was invited to interview with Gary Rhodes. From 1998, I was lucky enough to spend two years with him at his restaurant ‘Rhodes in the Square’. This was followed by three years working with Gordon Ramsay at Royal Hospital Road. In 2003, I moved to the original Pétrus site to work for Chef Marcus Wareing. After three years and when Pétrus moved from St James Street, I then went to work with Marcus at the new Berkeley Hotel.

The Padstow Years

After eight years living in London and really learning my craft, I was given the opportunity, along with four friends, to work as the Head Chef for a restaurant called No.6 in the Cornish town of Padstow. I instantly fell in love with Cornwall and Padstow itself, making this an exciting new challenge. I was quickly presented with the realisation of what it is to run a business, learning continuously along the way. After three years, my wife Emma and I took over the business, launching Paul Ainsworth at No6. Working together we formed a dedicated team around us, who’ve become our extended family.

Take a look at our menu
The Padstow Years

After eight years living in London and really learning my craft, I was given the opportunity, along with four friends, to work as the Head Chef for a restaurant called No.6 in the Cornish town of Padstow. I instantly fell in love with Cornwall and Padstow itself, making this an exciting new challenge. I was quickly presented with the realisation of what it is to run a business, learning continuously along the way. After three years, my wife Emma and I took over the business, launching Paul Ainsworth at No6. Working together we formed a dedicated team around us, who’ve become our extended family.

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Caffè Rojano was born

2010 saw our next big adventure. Beginning life in 1905, our eighteenth century building was first home to Tonkin Bootmakers, local craftsmen who created hand-sewn boots for Padstow’s fishermen. Rojano’s was born in 1974, thanks to local businessman Stanley Rojano. A larger than life character, Stan put his own traditional dishes on the menu, sharing his family favourites with locals – who just couldn’t get enough of his hearty Italian and Spanish cooking. Although the restaurant may be a little quieter without him these days, we’re proud to continue Stan’s legacy in our family-run environment. In early 2020 we had the opportunity to reinvest in this beautiful restaurant, with Emma’s keen eye for design once more really making its mark. We’re so proud of Caffè Rojano, it really is the sort of place that we just love to go to. We hope to see you there.

 

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Great British Menu

In 2011 I appeared on the BBC2 TV series The Great British Menu. Competing against some of the nation’s top chefs, I was delighted to win the regional heats representing the South West. Making it to the nail biting final, my dessert ‘A Taste of the Fairground’ was chosen by the judges to be served to 100 guests at a lavish feast, taking place at Leadenhall Market in London. The Fisherman’s Mission in Penzance and The RNLI in Padstow were invited to attend as guests of honour, which made this one of my proudest moments in my career to date.

Great British Menu

In 2011 I appeared on the BBC2 TV series The Great British Menu. Competing against some of the nation’s top chefs, I was delighted to win the regional heats representing the South West. Making it to the nail biting final, my dessert ‘A Taste of the Fairground’ was chosen by the judges to be served to 100 guests at a lavish feast, taking place at Leadenhall Market in London. The Fisherman’s Mission in Penzance and The RNLI in Padstow were invited to attend as guests of honour, which made this one of my proudest moments in my career to date.

The Padstow Townhouse

It had always been a real dream for Emma and I to offer somewhere for our customers to stay in Padstow. We are delighted that we are able to offer our beautiful bedrooms at the Padstow Townhouse, allowing our guests to extend their experience with us that little bit longer. The Townhouse also comes with a fascinating history, it was once a very traditional house divided between the family and the help. As we peeled back the layers, we discovered the markings of a second stair case and many fire places. Today you can still see a trace of where there was once another kitchen to the right of the building. The house that was once a home was also a very popular hotel – the best in Padstow we have been told! When we took over the property in June 2014 it was in great need of tender loving care. Once we were granted listed building consent and planning, it took us 16 months to turn this 18th century building into six beautiful suites, each uniquely styled. Emma and our good friend and interior designer Eve Cullen-Cornes worked incredibly hard together designing each room individually for our guests enjoyment.    

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The Mariners Public House

When the chance arose in early 2019 to take over the lease at The Mariners, Emma and I knew straight away that it was an opportunity too good to miss. The pub has been a Rock institution since the 1990’s and we were so thrilled to become a part of its great history, and to continue working with one of the world’s best breweries, Sharps. Emma and Eve reunited to spearhead a full refurbishment over three months, giving a new lease of life to this Cornish jewel and keeping it a destination for the local community and holidaymakers alike.

Take at look at our menu
The Mariners Public House

When the chance arose in early 2019 to take over the lease at The Mariners, Emma and I knew straight away that it was an opportunity too good to miss. The pub has been a Rock institution since the 1990’s and we were so thrilled to become a part of its great history, and to continue working with one of the world’s best breweries, Sharps. Emma and Eve reunited to spearhead a full refurbishment over three months, giving a new lease of life to this Cornish jewel and keeping it a destination for the local community and holidaymakers alike.

Take at look at our menu