The Seafood Restaurant turns 50
We’re incredibly proud to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Seafood Restaurant in 2025. As Jill puts so aptly, ‘Little did Rick and I ever imagine when we opened our doors in 1975 we would still be here 50 years later‘.
There has never been an ego attached The Seafood Restaurant, and no need for awards to reinforce what we do. Since 1975, Jill and Rick’s entrepreneurial spirit has been at the forefront of everything, supporting the business to grow organically in Padstow and beyond – now continued by their sons Charlie, Jack and Ed.
Simplicity is at our heart – always offering the best fish and shellfish, cooked by knowledgeable chefs and served with a smile.
A little of our story since the 70s
Jill and Rick bought the restaurant in 1974 as a nightclub, which didn’t last very long owing to some problems keeping law and order with a clientele of burly fishermen. After the club closed down, they decided what better way to use a building by the quay in a fishing post than a seafood restaurant – and in 1975, The Seafood Restaurant emerged with Rick in the kitchen and Jill running the show in the dining room.
Obsessed by seafood…
Long before Rick’s first cookery book in 1988 or TV appearance with Keith Floyd, fresh fish and shellfish had always been the order of the day at The Seafood Restaurant. Working with local boats when possible to bring the very best Cornish catch to the menu following Rick’s lifelong obsession with seafood. An obsession which Jack, our Chef Director, continues to lead across all our restaurants 50 years on.
and making our guests smile
Good, honest hospitality is something Jill and Rick have instilled since day one. Nothing fancy or over the top – warm welcomes, knowledge service to give guests a great experience and genuine goodbyes that encourage so many to return time and time again. Building relationships with those who’ve dined over the years has been pivotal to the success of The Seafood Restaurant.
Join the celebration
More about our people
People have been key to our family business since 1975. From our chefs and front of house teams that extend the warmest of welcomes to you, to those behind the scenes supporting the ship, and of course our suppliers. Without the fishermen and farmers, we wouldn’t be able to do what we’ve loved most for 50 years – making our guests smile with memorable dining experiences. Here are a few of longest-standing current team…
FOLLOW THE FUN ON INSTAGRAM
We’ve got lots planned over on our Instagram account this year to bring The Seafood Restaurant’s 50th celebrations to you wherever you are.
From weekly stories full of nostalgia and a countdown of classic seafood recipes with Jack, to a special anniversary competition and shout outs from some well-known faces.