The Helston area’s worst kept secret was officially confirmed this week – celebrity chef Rick Stein will be opening a restaurant in Porthleven next month.

The lease was officially signed last week by Rick and business partner Jill to take over the already established Clay Quay restaurant.

Situated on the harbour-side, the restaurant will continue to offer sharing plates of local and seasonal produce, inspired by Rick’s travels.

Opening in November, the family hope the restaurant will complement the already thriving foodie scene and continue the restaurant’s success since it opened earlier in the year.

Rick said: “We aren’t planning to make too many changes; we’ll be adding a few new dishes on the menu and the odd new painting – other than that we love the current concept. It’s a great restaurant in a beautiful fishing town.”

Malcolm Bell, head of Visit Cornwall, described it as “tremendous news, not just for Porthleven, but for Cornwall.”

He said: “Rick and the team |have done an amazing job at transforming the reputation of our county’s restaurant offer over the last two decades and this has helped to create a cluster of world class establishments, placing Cornwall as the number one food-tourism destination in the UK.

“However, other destinations are after our crown so this investment will help us stay number one.”

This latest venture will join restaurants already established in Falmouth and Padstow, where Rick’s empire began.

Since Rick and Jill opened The Seafood Restaurant in 1975, the Padstow-based business has grown to include five restaurants, accommodation, retail outlets, a cookery school, and most recently has announced plans to open a restaurant in Winchester.

Trevor Osborne, who with his family owns the restaurant as well as Porthleven Harbour, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Rick and Jill to Porthleven. Porthleven’s growing reputation for good food will be further enhanced.

“For the past five years, the village has hosted a food and music festival which attracts circa 20,000 visitors to the village.

“We hope that the Stein reputation and involvement will add further to the attraction of the village as a wonderful destination with wonderful restaurants.”

Although the restaurant already has a team in place, those looking for career opportunities can get in touch through rickstein.com/careers.