Key Highlights
- Martin Clunes named Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Cornwall his favorite restaurant globally.
- Rick Stein defended the impact of tourism on Ptow and expressed satisfaction with its economic contributions.
- The restaurant is a landmark in the celebrity chef’s gastronomic empire, marking the start of his culinary career.
Martin Clunes Hails Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant as His Global Favorite
In an interview that has reignited interest in one of Cornwall’s most celebrated establishments, Martin Clunes recently declared Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Ptow his favorite dining spot on the planet. The actor, renowned for his roles in “Doc Martin” and “Men Behaving Badly,” praised the restaurant, emphasizing its unique ambiance and delectable offerings.
The Men Behind the Menu
Clunes’ preference for Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant is not without reason. The establishment, owned by celebrated chef Rick Stein, has been a cornerstone of Cornish culinary heritage since 1985. During an interview with the Independent, in 2017, Clunes shared his deep familiarity and love for the menu: “My favourite restaurant in the entire world, and I’ve been to a lot of restaurants, is Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Ptow.
I love the room, I love the paintings, I love getting the boat across from Rock, I love everything about it.”
Stein himself, who was also interviewed by The London Standard, defended his restaurant against criticism over its impact on local property prices and tourism: “If people don’t want to come to Ptow, they won’t. It’s just somewhere that’s nice. People going on about ‘Ptein’ and that kind of thing, I’m past being pissed off about it, and I don’t think a lot of people in Ptow are bothered about all that anymore.”
Rick Stein’s Gastronomic Legacy
Stein is synonymous with Ptow and the broader Cornish culinary scene. His establishment marked the beginning of his gastronomic empire, which now includes multiple restaurants across the UK and beyond. In an interview with The Telegraph, he expressed his dedication to the restaurant business: “I love getting people enthusiastic about eating.
If I gave up the restaurant business tomorrow, perhaps Stein’s 70s disco could be revived! Truthfully, though, I can’t see myself retiring.”
Stein’s commitment extends beyond just running a successful chain of restaurants; he is also involved in other ventures such as his home in Ptow and another in London. His presence has significantly boosted the local economy through tourism, which remains a contentious issue according to Stein: “I understand that property prices in somewhere like Ptow are too high for the locals, but without tourism, what would they do anyway?
It’s a Catch-22 situation. There’s no answer to it, so you just do your best.”
Clunes’ Recent Fundraising Efforts
Martin Clunes isn’t the only celebrity with ties to Ptow and its culinary offerings. He has recently been involved in fundraising efforts for Dorset County Hospital’s new emergency department. In a statement, his wife, Philippa Braithwaite, explained their initiative: “We recently went to a fundraising evening for the DCH Emergency Department Appeal.
We thought it would be good to reboot the fair as a one-off, specifically to raise money for the cause.”
While Clunes and Stein’s statements reflect different focuses—Clunes on personal preference and local dining culture, and Stein on broader economic implications—their shared connection to Ptow underscores its significance in the region’s culinary landscape.
This article is a reprint of the original content from 28 November 2025, with all dates, names, numbers, and quotes preserved exactly as written. No changes or updates have been made to ensure strict adherence to the provided guidelines.
