New Mediterranean-inspired tapas restaurant Favorita in Newlyn

Favorita, the latest venture from husband-and-wife team Henry and Laura Russell, officially began welcoming diners last night (Friday, September 18). 

The restaurant is the result of months of renovation and is located in a former café just steps from Newlyn Harbour.

Henry brings more than 20 years of experience cooking in London, including heading up the passes at Moro and Morito, and working as an innovation chef at Belazu.

His cooking is rooted in the food cultures of Spain and the Eastern Mediterranean, with a focus on simple, seasonal ingredients.

Meanwhile, Laura spent more than 20 years working as a set decorator in film and television before moving into food with Henry.

Husband-and-wife duo Henry and Laura Russell are behind the new restaurant (Image: Favorita)

Together they founded Nourished Minds Cookery, working with charities through food and cookery, before developing Favorita Cookery, running cookery holidays and classes across the continent and in the UK.

A love of Cornwall eventually brought the pair to Newlyn, where they decided to put down roots.

Laura said: "Favorita is the next chapter for us and brings together so much of what we love – travelling, cooking, great seasonal produce and a warm welcome.

"Henry missed being in the kitchen and having the freedom to cook and create, while I have been so excited to bring my creative skills into creating the space."

Drawing inspiration from the couple’s travels, the menu will feature a changing selection of small plates rooted in the food cultures of southern Spain and the Eastern Mediterranean, including Turkey and Lebanon.

Dishes will celebrate the use of simple, seasonal ingredients, with a focus on fresh seafood from Newlyn Harbour.

The menu will include grilled and fried fish, meat skewers, flatbreads, salads, and other shareable plates designed for casual, communal dining.

The restaurant aims to be a relaxed, welcoming space for both locals and visitors, blending an informal atmosphere with flavours from across the Mediterranean.

The menu is inspired by the tapas bars of southern Spain and flavours from across the Mediterranean (Image: Favorita)

Wine, sherry, and Andalusian beer will complement the food, while music from the couple’s personal record collection will contribute to the laid-back vibe.

Favorita has received financial backing from the Penzance Town Deal Enterprise Grant scheme, which supports small and medium-sized businesses in the area.

Sarah Shaw of the Penzance Town Deal Enterprise Fund said: "We are so excited to see Favorita open its doors in Newlyn.

There will be music from the couple’s own record collection (Image: Favorita)

"Favorita is exactly the kind of independent small business the Enterprise Grants were designed to support, bringing a new hospitality offering to the area, making use of an existing premises and creating a welcoming place for both local people and visitors.

"It is wonderful to see the investment having such impact, and we wish Laura and Henry every success for their launch and beyond."

For the Russells, the restaurant represents both a professional and personal dream.

Laura said: "We wanted to share the kind of place we have always loved ourselves and we hope it becomes a valued part of the community."