Porthleven could become Portstein (or Rickleven) according to social media, with rumours that a celebrity chef has his sights on a harbour side premises.

Opinion is divided over the potential benefits if seafood specialist Rick Stein, who already has restaurants in Padstow and Falmouth, opens a new business in the port.

The 67 year old is said to be in talks over a potential site, with rumours that he will take over an existing restaurant.

Commenting on Facebook, Dave Evans said: “Rick first... Chelsea tractors second. Praa sands the new Rock?” and Teresa Cotter added: “He does lovely food, but he needs to leave Cornwall alone.”

Others were more positive. Jase Coulthard said: “Rick has brought in millions to the county, if that represents everything wrong with Cornwall bring back the pick axe and candle. Perhaps he has seen the success of the Food and Music Festival.”

Some commenters focused on the price of meals from Stein's businesses: Jon Janner Leah said “need a mortgage now to eat there I would imagine” and Pam Phillips added she was charged twice as much at Falmouth as she would be in the midlands for “very average” fish and chips.

Some people questioned whether the restaurant was needed, as Sarah Homes said: “It's fine in its place, but Porthleven doesn't need one - loads of fabulous small independent places to eat there already. Let's not make every harbour town offering the same - diversity rules.”

Joan Gaynor added: “Porthleven has two perfectly good fish and chip shops.”

Roland Lowery, owner of Porthleven fish and chip shop Roland's Happy Plaice, said it would be a benefit as it would bring a higher profile to the town.

He said: “It's good to have a bit more higher profile to Porthleven, by having a celebrity chef in the area.

“It will help because if somebody comes to Porthleven for a week they will visit us, we're a very different kind of business.

“Others may say it will be competition but if somebody's here for a week they'll share it out.”