As part of Falmouth Finds, our series celebrating the independent businesses and people that make the town what it is, this week we head up the High Street to the Star & Garter, where local roots, international influences, seriously good food and inventive cocktails come together in one of Falmouth’s most intimate dining spots.
For Hazel and Gutemberg, taking on the Star & Garter in March 2026 was something of a homecoming.
Hazel was born on Trevethan Road and grew up around Falmouth’s High Street, where her father was a senior lecturer at Falmouth School of Art for decades.
After spending two decades away, she met husband Gutemberg, who was born in Brazil, grew up in California and travelled the world as a musician.
Following lockdown, the couple felt the pull back to Cornwall and the chance to rethink what they wanted from life.
“I've always been entrepreneurial and I wanted to build something in Falmouth that felt a little different,” says Hazel.
“We wanted somewhere that was high quality, but never stuffy. Somewhere that was as enjoyable to work in as it was to visit.”
Hazel had known Star & Garter owners Elliot and Becca for almost 20 years.
When they began looking for someone to bring consistency and a new identity to the front-of-house space, the four discovered they shared a similar vision for its future.
Completing the team is Kate, who Hazel describes as their “third anchor”.
Having worked around the world as a yacht chef and host, Kate brings a wealth of hospitality experience and shares Hazel and Gutemberg’s ambition to do things a little differently.
Together, the three make what Hazel calls “the perfect little team”, with Kate supporting both of them and looking after guests with genuine care and knowledge.
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Hazel is keen to acknowledge that the Star & Garter has taken several forms over recent years, so returning customers may not immediately know what to expect.
Today, it is deliberately small, cosy and intimate, with just 16 bookable seats and lively chef’s tables beside the open kitchen downstairs.
From Thursday to Saturday, the focus is on small plates, followed by Sunday roasts, with Hazel drawing inspiration from years of cooking and travelling around the world.
Her varied career even included a stint at a high-end butchery in Bristol, and that combination of experience finds its way into dishes that are classic at heart but often come with an unexpected Hazel twist.
Firm favourites include butter-roasted onglet steak with salsa verde and an ever-changing selection of handmade croquettes.
Then there are the cocktails. Gutemberg is passionate about creating drinks that are unexpected but, most importantly, delicious.
His signature Harbour Negroni takes the classic and adds burnt orange and rosemary vermouth for warm harbour aromatics.
It has become the runaway favourite, with well-travelled customers describing it as one of the best Negronis they've ever tasted.
Another favourite is Sea Embers, combining mezcal, amaro and Luxardo cherry for dark fruit, gentle bitterness and a smoky-sweet finish.
And you don't need to be eating to enjoy the cocktails, guests are very welcome to simply take a seat at the bar.
That sense of experimentation is also behind the Star & Garter's Wild Weekends, taking place on the final weekend of every month.
Each one transports the menu somewhere new, with themes ranging from Mexico and Brazil to British food, giving Hazel and Gutemberg the opportunity to play with flavours and influences from around the world.
Ultimately, the new Star & Garter is less about formality and more about creating a memorable night out: a tiny, characterful space, an open kitchen buzzing downstairs, interesting food, brilliant cocktails and a small team who genuinely want guests to have fun.
For Hazel, being able to create it in the part of Falmouth where she grew up makes it even more special.
The Star & Garter is open Thursday to Saturday from 5pm until late, with Sunday roasts from 2pm.
Keep an eye on the website and social media for Wild Weekend menus and additional winter openings.
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