Michael Caines buys Cornish beach-side restaurant

Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines has acquired a beach-side restaurant near Falmouth in Cornwall.

The Cove at Maenporth will reopen under Caines' ownership in March following its annual closure during which time a light refurbishment will be undertaken with the main focus on the kitchen.

It will join Caine's collection of businesses in Devon including the 21-bedroom Lympstone Manor, near Exmouth, consultancy at Kentisbury Grange the Coach House and a casual dining restaurant due to open in Exmouth in the summer.

The Cove at Maenporth has been owned and operated by Arty Williams and Annette Rickard for the past 17 years.

Williams and Rickard said: "Many great friends have been made through the Cove & many happy occasions celebrated. We would like to express our sincerest thanks to all of our customers and friends throughout the years, for their support and for creating a catalogue of amazing memories that we will take forward with us.

"Our particular thanks goes to our incredible team – we've had such a great time working with you all. We are now scheduling a little time to ourselves, both in our home town of Falmouth and overseas. We offer our very best wishes to Michael Caines, the Cove and all associated endeavours at this exceptionally exciting time."

Caines intends the restaurant to focus on local and seasonal produce with a brasserie style à la carte menu and a tasting menu featuring some of his signature dishes.

He said: "I am delighted to be able to take on the restaurant and work with the dedicated team to continue to champion the best of Cornish produce in this informal and beautiful setting. We wish Arty and Annette all the best for the future and thank them for entrusting this fantastic property to us".

In addition to his hotel and restaurants, Caines is also a partner and ambassador to the Williams Formula 1 racing team creating signature menus during the Grand Prix season.