A Cornwall pub has been lauded for its "blissful" dishes of food that are "something else".
The praise was given to Paul Ainsworth's establishment, The Mariners, which was recently visited by Bite Twice Food Reviews.
The account, which has 295,000 followers on Instagram, is run by friends Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany.
While the duo usually review venues around London, they recently visited some spots around Cornwall, including Ainsworth's pub in Rock.
The Mariners overlooks the Camel Estuary and aims to offer a relaxed setting for guests to enjoy its menu.
"On the menu, you’ll find some of our favourite pub classics and seasonal specials – each with our signature touch – served alongside fine ales from our friends at Sharp’s Brewery," its website shares.
What did Bite Twice Food Reviews say about The Mariners?
Paul Delany said they were recommended to try The Mariners after asking their followers for dining suggestions near Padstow.
On their Instagram page, the pair sampled a variety of dishes, starting with oysters, which Gerry described as "juicy" and "creamy".
He went on to praise the scotch egg as "Beautifully crispy on the outside.
"The egg is perfectly cooked and still yolky."
The buttermilk chicken was also a hit.
Gerry said: "It's like cracking through a nut.
"Juicy chicken inside [with] the exterior packed with hot, spicy flavour in abundance."
Paul described it as "banging" and complimented the "lovely fresh crunchy slaw" served alongside.
The mussels were deemed "perfectly cooked", and the chips served with the battered cod earned high praise.
Gerry said: "Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, as smooth as a soul record.
"Those chips are final boss level."
On the cod itself, he said: "The flakiest, softest, fleshiest cod.
"The batter, there's quite a lot of it, but it does taste great."
Mr Delany agreed: "Those chips are something else."
He said the cod was "so light and flaky".
The Cornish shepherd's pie with slow-cooked lamb shoulder was described as "so hearty, meaty [and] stodgy" by Mr Delany.
He added: "And you add a bit of this green stuff [basil and mint salsa verde], it freshens it up, gives it a herby element.
"That's blissful, man."
Paul ended up scoring The Mariners an 8.9/10, while Gerry scored it very slightly higher at a 9/10.
Offering some concluding thoughts, Gerry said: "A multitude of people recommended this place.
"Absolutely right.
"Paul Ainsworth knows his s***."
How do people rate The Mariners?
The Mariners has earned plenty of positive reviews on Tripadvisor, scoring a 4.5/5 from 1,372 ratings.
One person shared: "We had an excellent lunch at The Mariners.
"My wife had the shepherd’s pie and described it as one of the best-tasting dishes she has ever eaten.
"I chose the fish and chips and, as someone who is particularly fussy about overcooked fish, I was very impressed.
"The fish was cooked perfectly – moist and succulent rather than dry (my takeaway last night was exactly that) – and the batter was exceptional: beautifully crisp and light."
Another posted: "We had six fresh amazing oysters to start and they were divine, we then followed with the scotch egg and the hash brown with crab , the tastes were explosive.
Recommended reading:
"I then followed with the brown butter cod and he had the curry both were exquisite.
"If you are going to Padstow, put this on your list."
A third commented: "Welcoming maitre d’, superb service and delicious food.
"A great experience at this busy, vibrant pub in Rock."
Have you tried The Mariners, and what did you think? Let us know in the comments.
Share