A Michelin-starred celebrity chef is taking over The Cove at Maenporth.

Michael Caines has acquired the beachside restaurant and will be launching his new venture in March following a light refurbishment.

The Cove has been owned and operated by Arty Williams and Annette Rickard for the past 17 years.

The pair will be "scheduling a little time to [themselves]."

Arty and Annette released a statement saying: “Many great friends have been made through The Cove & many happy occasions celebrated.

"We would like to express our sincerest thanks to all of our customers & friends throughout the years, for their support & for creating a catalogue of amazing memories that we will take forward with us.

"Our particular thanks goes to our incredible team – we’ve had such a great time working with you all.

"We are now scheduling a little time to ourselves, both in our home town of Falmouth & overseas.

"We offer our very best wishes to Michael Caines, The Cove & all associated endeavours at this exceptionally exciting time.”

Two of Michael Caines' restaurants, at the Lympstone Manor and Gidleigh Park hotels, have won Michelin stars under his leadership. 

He also holds an MBE. 

Michael said: "I am delighted to be able to take on the restaurant and work with the dedicated team to continue to champion the best of Cornish produce in this informal and beautiful setting. We wish Arty and Annette all the best for the future and thank them for entrusting this fantastic property to us."

Staff at The Cove will be sent to the chef's Lympstone Manor Hotel restaurant to retrain in anticipation for the launch of the new menu, which will feature both a brasserie style à la carte options and a tasting menu with some of Michael’s signature gourmet dishes.