Argoe

The second of our long table events this year will celebrate the king of the sea. In June Newlyn sees an abundance of pristine quality turbot landed by the gill netting fleet, so now is the perfect time for a menu celebrating elegantly simple Basque classics. Many regions of the world have a tradition of grilling whole fish over fire, but arguably few are more influential than the Northern Spanish coast and port towns like Getaria, where a culinary style has evolved in the winding streets overlooking the harbour, in parallel with the exploits of its fishing community. Restaurants like Elkano pioneered the cooking of whole turbots and hake kokotxas in preparations that started as pure expressions of the coastal regions' produce and their fishermen's catch. And our town isn't without its connection to that heritage - the trammel nets most commonly used to target and catch the finest quality turbot were invented here in the 1880s by Newlyner Henry Kitchen. His home on Boase Street, Vine Cottage, is less than a five minute walk from our restaurant. Just one of many local residents who have contributed over the years to the vast influence Newlyn has had on those making a living from the sea, and the wider food cultures and cuisines that formed around them. The full menu will feature hake 'kokotxas' with fresh peas, Andrew's spider crabs, baked in the San Sebastian style, whole turbots, and a custard pastry tart - 'pantxineta. Communal dining and sharing plates will mean we can select and grill the perfect size fish, between 1.5 and two kilos, to be served whole at the table, alongside braised Tolosa beans. Basque cidra, spritzy txakoli, and a pet nat Rioja from Modest Merchant will be amongst the bottles featured on the wine list, and we'll have a special selection open to pour on the night. Four courses for £48 / Sittings at 6pm & 8.30pm inside and on the terrace. The £10 per person deposit will be charged at the time of your booking which will be deducted from your final bill after the meal. Due to the set menu format, on this occasion we will not be able to cater for vegetarians or vegans. Please come and see us on any other day for our lovely selection of veg dishes.