From Young Apprentice to Master Chef

We are excited to share an incredible story of dedication, passion, and culinary excellence that has been brewing at The Atlantic for years. Meet our very own Silks Bistro Head Chef, Rich, whose journey from a young apprentice to the creator behind our delectable dishes is nothing short of inspiring.

A lifelong connection with The Atlantic

Rich has been a cornerstone of The Atlantic family for an astounding number of years. Starting at the tender age of 14, Rich embarked on an extraordinary culinary adventure with us.

“I started when I was 14, I worked for Toni (Mr Cobley) at The Atlantic for the summer in the kitchen. Once the holiday period was over, Toni and I spoke, he said he had never seen a chef do anything I had done.”

“I stayed at The Atlantic through my teens, becoming Head Chef at the ripe old age of 18! At the time I was one of the youngest head chefs in Newquay.”

The journey to becoming a head chef at the age of 18 is a testament to Rich’s dedication and innate talent. And the journey didn’t stop there.

“I continued cheffing at The Atlantic throughout my college years, but briefly hung up my chef’s hat after my studies to pursue a career in hotel management.”

After some years of relentless management work, Rich found himself at a crossroads. But destiny intervened, and a conversation with Lorraine, our director, reignited the spark that had initially brought Rich to The Atlantic. Rich rejoined the family as a Duty Manager before ultimately finding his place back in the heart of the kitchen.

A Family of Food Enthusiasts

At The Atlantic, we pride ourselves on being a family-run establishment. For Rich, this isn’t just a motto – it’s a reality.

“I love the staff the most here. Being family run, we all work as one big team and that’s what it feels like – a family. I see coming in to work here as a pleasure, not a chore.”

We couldn’t agree more with Rich, and this sentiment to the familial atmosphere resonates in every dish he creates.

An essential ingredient that sets The Atlantic apart is the dedication to crafting homemade dishes. From sumptuous sauces to freshly baked breads, Rich has been unwavering in his commitment to delivering authentic flavours that tantalise the taste buds.

“I love that the food we create is all homemade and this has been the case since I started. That is rare to find nowadays. We still make everything fresh from our breads to our sauces. One of the great things about being a chef is crafting delicious flavours from scratch so I would never want to cook out of a packet.”

In an age where convenience often overshadows quality, Rich and his team stand resolute in their pursuit of culinary excellence.

Crafting Experiences, One Plate at a Time

When asked to sum up his role in three words, Rich chose:

“energising, creative, satisfying.”

These words encapsulate the essence of his culinary journey. Each dish created in our kitchen is a fusion of passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.

A Symphony of Flavours: Our Silks Bistro’s High Teas

Among the many culinary experiences at The Atlantic, Rich has a soft spot for the elegance of our afternoon teas.

“I love how grand we make them, and the layers make it look so decadent. It is an experience rather than simply food.”

We agree that there is something truly unique about sitting back and experiencing afternoon tea. High teas at Silks Bistro are more than meals – they are unforgettable experiences that delight the senses and create lasting memories.

The Heart-warming Rewards of this Culinary Work

As a chef, Rich finds the greatest satisfaction in the joy his creations bring to our guests. When diners proclaim, “This was the best meal I have ever had,” it’s a testament to Rich’s unwavering passion for food and his dedication to creating exceptional experiences.

“I have a passion for food so it is hard to put into words how touching it is that one of my meals has had that impact on someone’s day.”

In Rich, we have a culinary artist, a master of flavours, and a true embodiment of The Atlantic’s commitment to excellence. His journey from young apprentice to head chef, his dedication to crafting homemade delights, and his unyielding passion for his craft are an inspiration to us all.

Are you looking for a new and exciting opportunity in the hospitality industry?

We are currently seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to become integral parts of our team! If you’ve ever envisioned yourself thriving in a welcoming and motivating setting, surrounded by colleagues who share an unwavering commitment to crafting a friendly and inviting experience for guests, then you’ve found your perfect match with us!

Click here to browse our full list of vacancies and to apply.

Nestled on the North coast of Cornwall, Newquay is a lively town renowned for its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and exciting outdoor adventures. But Newquay is much more than simply a tourist hotspot, it holds a fascinating history dating back to the 15^th century, evolving from a tiny port town to the modern premier resort we know and love today.

If you are wishing to explore the interesting history of this town, keep reading as we take you on a walking tour around Newquay, discovering the town’s rich history of smugglers, fishing trade and music history. We will explore all the fascinating moments in history that have shaped the iconic town of Newquay, let’s get started:

Towan Harbour

Starting your walking tour of Newquay by the shores of Towan, Newquay Harbour is brimming with history, so much so, our beloved town is actually named after the original harbour.

Back in 1439, the Bishop of Exeter granted permission for a stone quay to be built in the manor of Towan Blystra. This was known to locals as the ‘new quay’ and formed the origin of the town’s name today!

In 1832, construction of the present harbour began as a vital development for the town’s fishing industry. The harbour acted as a safe haven for fishing boats, with the dock allowing for easy export of goods including China clay, iron ore and grain, and import of coal, manure, salt and limestone. The harbour was also notorious for smuggling, with illicit items smuggled into Newquay under the cover of night.

Towan Harbour is also home to the old fish cellars, used to store and process fish caught in the harbour – work which was crucial to the local economy. Today, the old fish cellars have been converted into a popular restaurant and bar, offering visitors a taste of Newquay’s history and culture.

Once you have explored all around the harbour, continue your walking tour up the hill towards The Atlantic Hotel where you will find a large, white brick building. Here you will find the next destination on your Newquay tour: Huer’s Hut.

Huer’s Hut

Situated just outside of The Atlantic Hotel, Huer’s Hut was originally built in the 14^th century as a lookout point for Newquay’s fishing industry, making it about 600 years old. The Huer (aka the lookout man) would stand watch for shoals of pilchard and alert the fisherman to their whereabouts.

When a shoal was spotted, the Huer would shout “Hevva!”, which is Cornish for “raise it”, and raise a white pole. When this signal was given, the whole village would drop whatever they were doing and launched their fleet of ships in pursuit of the pilchards.

The job of the Huer was a serious one, his sharp eyes and concentration were essential to the livelihood and welfare of the entire community, with pilchards being one of Newquay’s biggest income and food sources.

Today, the Huer’s Hut is a popular spot for stunning panoramic views across Newquay Bay and the variety of beaches that line the shore. To access the hut, find The Atlantic Hotel and follow the coastal footpath around the back until you come to the white hut.

Magical Mystery Tour at The Atlantic Hotel

The final spot on the walking tour of Newquay: The Atlantic Hotel. If you are a Beatles fan, you will be interested to know that history not only lies along the shores but also within our own walls. Back in 1967, The Atlantic Hotel played host to one of the worlds most famous bands.

Their stay was part of the iconic Magical Mystery Tour movie, based on a tour around Britain, and brought with it hysteria to the streets of Newquay as Liverpool’s most famous sons arrived to hordes of adoring fans.

Today, guests to The Atlantic Hotel can retrace the famous fours steps and iconic locations they visited including the pool that was used for the above shot, the front garden where Paul McCartney spent time engaging with fans, the Huers Hut, and the iconic back garden steps where the now-famous group shot was taken.

If you want to read more about The Beatles’ stay at our historic hotel, check out this blog giving you all the information:

The Beatles Iconic stay at The Atlantic Hotel

Why not immerse yourself in the full Beatles experience and dine in the very hotel the group ate in 50 years ago. With tempting local delicacies, afternoon tea to light-bites, we have something for everyone. Retrace the steps of the famous band and call our friendly team on 01637 872244 to book your own slice of BeatleMania.

Conclusion

Exploring Newquay’s rich history through a walking tour is a fantastic way to experience the town’s intriguing past, developing from the small seaside town into the popular holiday destination we know today. At The Atlantic, we are proud of our town’s heritage, and sincerely hope you have a wonderful time exploring its past.

Spring is here! We are waving goodbye to winter storms and welcoming in the carpets of wildflowers, longer days and warmer nights.

We believe Cornwall in Spring is a truly magical experience, it is the perfect time to explore all our beautiful county has to offer without the hustle and bustle of the summer months.

Have a read of 4 reasons we believe Spring is the perfect time to visit Cornwall.

1. Cornwall in Bloom

Cornwall is abundant with natural beauty, and Spring can be one of the best times of year to see its landscape bloom into something magical. With the Spring sun shining, vibrant bluebells begin to coat the rolling hills and the fragrance of azaleas fill the sea air with a floral hue.

The explosion of plant life makes Spring the ideal time for glorious countryside walks. Feel the warm rays of the Spring sun on your face and the sea breeze on your skin as you take in the fields of bright bloom and emerging wildlife.

2. Ideal Surfing Conditions

Although the Spring ocean may not be bathing temperature yet, the coolness is sure to give your body the rush of endorphins it has been craving.

Spring is, in fact, one of the best times of year to don a wetsuit and try your hand at the frothing waves that roll onto our shores. Spring is the perfect compromise between the powerful swells in Winter and gentle waves in the Summer. Combine these with lighter evenings and fewer crowds and you get some of the best annual surf conditions Cornwall has to offer.

At The Atlantic, we are grateful to have one of the best positions in Newquay to explore all that this surf mecca has to offer. Ideally positioned between Fistral and Great Western Beach, you can assess the surf while sipping on your morning coffee. With a sea view from every room, it is the perfect location to size up the swells before a day’s surf.

 3. A Dog Friendly Haven

Dog owners can rejoice, as most of Cornwall’s beaches welcomes your four-legged friend to frolic in the sand and cause a splash in the sea. While some beaches have dog bans throughout the Summer, Spring does not! Take a stroll along the seemingly endless expanses of sand with your furry companion, or explore one of the many countryside walks within the local area.

After a day of exploring, The Atlantic offers a sanctuary for you and your companion to wind down in. We know pets are part of the family, which is why we provide dog beds and food bowls for all our furry guests. They will even receive a special goody bag upon arrival, to help our four-legged guests settle in.

4. Beat the Crowds

Although Cornwall is a year-round holiday destination, Spring is a fantastic time to experience the dramatic coastline of Cornwall at a slower and quieter pace. If you are looking to explore secluded beaches, wander down quiet cobbled streets and grab the best sea-view spot to eat, a Spring time visit is ideal for you. 

Our March and April Package!

Join us this March and April for a Spring time offer even the locals can’t refuse! We are offering any Classic or Superior room for only £125 per night!

Book today and receive a 10% discount.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the very best of Cornwall this Spring.

Book now on 01637 872244.