Prawn on the Farm: Padstow’s summer seafood pop-up

If you’re a seafood-lover in Cornwall, Padstow restaurant Prawn on the Lawn’s summer pop-up ‘Prawn on the Farm’ needs to be added to your visit list ASAP. 🍤

The Location

Head to Trerethern Farm between now and 2nd October, just outside of the famous fishing port of Padstow, and discover the marquee of seafood dreams.

Passing chicken pens and hay bales, you’ll be greeted into the restaurant’s ‘summer alter-ego’ with pretty bunting and hessian drapes, picnic benches decorated with pots of fresh flowers, and a leafy, neon ‘selfie’ wall next to a fully stocked bar. A set-up worthy of a rustic wedding reception or bougie glamping experience.

Whether the Cornish weather is raving or misbehaving, come rain or shine, you can enjoy a slice of al-fresco style dining from the comfort of the well sheltered tent. However, visiting on a sunny day opens up the outdoor area as an option to sink back in a deck chair with a glass of something refreshing (a Tarquin’s G&T for me), and soak up epic views across rolling fields and the winding River Camel.

The Food

I had some of the best seafood I have EVER eaten from the chefs at Prawn on the Farm. The menus are hand-written on blackboards hung up around the dining area. The price point isn’t cheap, this is definitely one for a special occasion, but the quality of food was worth every penny.

Most of the dishes are side plates, and it’s recommended to order 5-6 dishes if you’re sharing between two people. You can also order the larger plates which are sharers for the table. We wanted to sample lots of different flavours and dishes, so opted for the small plates.

Everything comes out in the order it’s ready, which is a really sociable way of dining. It gives you time to enjoy each dish for what it is, and we didn’t feel too rushed. The whole experience was laidback and fun.

We ordered the Porthilly oysters, seared tuna, scallops, grey mullet, crushed spiced potatoes, and cod with harissa chickpeas. We somehow found room to share a dessert, and went for the salted caramel tart, which ended the feast nicely.

Every single mouthful smacked our tastebuds with insane flavour, and everything was cooked so well. Although it’s hard to choose a favourite, I think the scallops were the highlight for me. They were served in a Thai basil marinade, and presented in shells. Simple but so tasty.

Prawn on the Farm

Prawn on the Farm was a reaction to the pandemic and social distancing rules, and first opened back in 2020. A great example of a local business thinking outside the box.

Despite the remote location and laidback set-up, the food quality was exceptional. I can’t wait to go back again soon, or try Prawn on the Lawn, the permanent site for this amazing restaurant in Padstow town, which reopens in October.

If you’re based in London, they also have a restaurant there, near Islington in North London. Although I don’t think anything could beat the atmosphere and views of Prawn on the Farm.

Looking for great food and drink in Cornwall?

Check out more of my foodie recommendations and reviews here.

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