The Chef’s Table at Old Quay House: Chef Richard Massey’s Culinary Journey

If you think that British cuisine is dull and uninspired, allow us to disabuse you of that notion. Travelling through Cornwall, you can prepare to be astonished by how many amazing fine dining establishments you will come across on your way, including many Michelin starred properties. The beauty of this region’s culinary tradition lies in the abundance of fresh seafood and fresh, locally sourced, delicious produce, and many local restaurants make the absolute most of this bounty, providing the freshest, most flavourful dishes you can imagine. 

What you may not know, if you are unfamiliar with Fowey, is that one amazing dining establishment in Cornwall is the restaurant at The Old Quay House Hotel. Here, we will talk with Old Quay House head chef Richard Massey, about his culinary journey, the things that inspire him, and how he is using his culinary expertise to create a gourmet cuisine showcase, right in the heart of Cornwall.

Meet Our Head Chef

The Old Quay House head chef, Richard Massey, got his start in Scotland. Beginning as a kitchen porter in a seafood restaurant in Appin, a small village in the West Highlands, he worked to hone his culinary skills over time. For our chef, expertise came from working his way up in several different restaurants, and having exclusive culinary experiences like working in some of the best Michelin starred establishments Scotland has to offer. 

The culmination of his Scottish tenure was working in the Isle of Skye, where he successfully earned 3AA rosettes status for his cooking. In 2016, he uprooted himself, moving from one end of the United Kingdom to the other, relocating to Cornwall and settling in Fowey. We are so glad that he made his way to our coastal port town and took on the position as Head Chef at The Old Quay House Hotel.

Richard Massey Head Chef The Old Quay House Hotel Restaurant in Cornwall
Chef Richard Massey - The Old Quay House Hotel & Restaurant

Culinary Q&A session

We had some questions for Chef Massey, which he graciously answered for us. Our hope is that this answers many of your questions, too, and lets you see behind the scenes a bit, into what makes his work so incredible. Q: What is the philosophy behind your menu?  A: In order to provide our guests with the very best experience, we endeavour to use only the finest local and seasonal ingredients, enhancing their flavour with simple yet effective cooking techniques. Our menu is created using the highest quality seafood, West Country meat, Cornish cheeses, and fresh, seasonal, locally sourced produce. Q: What inspires the signature dishes at Old Quay House?  A: Because of our commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, our menus change with the seasons, as each season brings its unique array of fresh ingredients. Q: What are some of the Chef’s special recipes?  A: One favourite dish is wild garlic gnocchi with mushroom and spring onion, because it is made with wild garlic foraged locally. Another is the Cornish crab with burnt apple, a stunning white crabmeat dish intertwined with lime and coriander, offset by a burnt apple puree, for a combination of flavours that is truly sublime. I will close out the list by mentioning our Cornish strawberries with basil, in which the floral notes of the basil balance the sweetness of the strawberries. Completed with a strawberry sorbet, this dish is superb! Q: What is special about The Old Quay House’s restaurant?  A: Aside from the creative contemporary cuisine, the location is spectacular. Our restaurant boasts one of the few waterside terraces in Fowey, with beautiful views of the Fowey Estuary, so that guests can relax outside, eating St Austell Bay mussels as they watch the world go by.

Experience All that The Old Quay House Has to Offer

Come visit us in Fowey, and taste for yourself what makes Chef Massey’s work so special! When you are planning a holiday in Cornwall, The Old Quay House Hotel is the perfect place for an unforgettable stay and an amazing fine dining experience. Nestled in the heart of Fowey, this riverside boutique hotel offers not only 13 luxurious bedrooms, but also one of the top restaurants in town. 

With fine dining that includes delectable menus for breakfast, lunch, afternoon high tea, and dinner, dining here is a cannot-miss experience, in a gorgeous setting where you can watch life on the estuary unfold from your vantage point on the terrace. The Old Quay House is the perfect spot for exploring the quaint, bustling, seaside town of Fowey, enjoying its cafes, boutiques, and galleries, all set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Deeply connected to the area’s history, The Old Quay House features bedrooms not only exquisitely appointed and equipped with every amenity, but also meticulously crafted to tell a unique story, in keeping with that rich tradition. Once a refuge for sailors, our Victorian building is a place where you will find friendly staff ready to make your stay comfortable and memorable. 

While we cannot accommodate children under the age of 8, we welcome well-behaved, friendly dogs (dependant on availability). For more information about our accommodation, our special offers, or our spectacular restaurant, call +44 0172 683 3302, email [email protected], or contact us through our website.

Bath
Cornwall
Lake District

Join Our Exclusive Newsletter

Stay updated with the latest news and special offers directly in your inbox.

The Old Quay House Hotel will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. 
You are agreeing to receive special offers and promotions from The Old Quay House Hotel as well as Providence Hotels. You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at [email protected]. We will treat your information with respect. For more information about our privacy practices please visit our website. By clicking Subscribe, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.