The owners of one of Helston's most popular restaurants have vowed to 'bring it back to what people know and love' after returning to the helm.
Barry and Naomi Clark have returned to the Wheal Dream restaurant for a third time after Cornish Food Hub ceased trading on Monday (February 5) after 15 months.
“This is the third time lucky for us,” Naomi said. “We handed it over at the end of 2022 to spend more time with our family and relax a bit more.
"Slightly ironic given that we will be as busy as ever!
“But now we have taken it back, we want it to be the Wheal Dream that people know and love once again.”
Last year Barry opened his first fish and chip shop, Catch, in Porthleven, with the help of his ‘right-hand man’ Ryan ‘Borris' Jennings, 28, who has worked alongside Barry at Wheal Dream since he was 15 years old.
However, now that Wheal Dream has returned to Barry and Naomi, extensive refurbishment work is being carried out. Barry explained that Catch will continue to trade, with plans to ‘merge’ the two businesses, with the new Wheal Dream brand complementing Catch.
Barry also added: "We want to thank Fergus Muller from Ann's Pasties for all the continued support and for his help designing the new Wheal Dream branding.
"We have worked alongside Ferg for many years in all aspects of our catering businesses.
Barry explained: “We will bring a bit of Catch into the Wheal Dream, by offering local's favourite fish, chips, curry sauce and mushy peas, as well as our signature dish ‘Barry’s Fried Chicken’ (BFC) and of course the popular Sunday carvery much loved by everyone.
“It will be great to work with the Dales (Butchers) again, who we have worked with for over 20 years, as well as other local suppliers.”
Ryan, aka ‘Borris’, who has been praised by customers in the past for his entertaining nature added: “It’s going to be a challenge having Catch and Wheal Dream, but a good one.
“We all get a buzz from catering, through meeting customers to creating meals.
“We’re just excited to get back into the swing of things and greet our loyal customers at Wheal Dream and Catch.”
Intending to open the restaurant in around five weeks, Barry and Naomi are looking forward to working alongside members of their family including son Jake, 18, who will be training to be a chef, 16-year-old daughter Amelia, who will be waitressing, and Barry’s brother Neil Clark, who owns the adjoining Wheal Dream Holiday and Leisure business.
As well as this, the Clarks will continue their outside catering company Flavour with Barry’s brother Jim Spratt and his wife Gemma. Flavour is still available for any event.
With refurbishment works taking place inside and outside of the restaurant, Barry and Naomi have been touched by the support from the public, and former 'Dream team' members.
“It has been amazing to see the support from everyone over the past few days including Josh, Andy, and Marcin to name a few for their help over the last few days," they added.
Barry and Naomi hope this level of support will continue when Wheal Dream opens its doors once again, with Naomi saying: "Keep an eye on Wheal Dream Facebook for further updates."
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