The Mariners
Overlooking the shimmering waters of the Camel Estuary, The Mariners Public House is a celebrated collaboration between Michelin-starred chef Paul Ainsworth and the local Sharp’s Brewery.
This iconic Rock institution balances the soul of a traditional Cornish local with the refined culinary standards of one of the UK’s top chefs. Spread across two floors with a spacious terrace, the inn offers a sophisticated yet incredibly warm environment where you can enjoy world-class pub food while watching the Padstow ferry criss-cross the water.
Visited 16/03/26
This was our fourth lunchtime visit to The Mariners, and it was a pleasure to introduce my sister to this iconic spot for the first time.
We particularly enjoy visiting out of season; while the summer buzz is exciting, the quieter months allow for a more relaxed experience.
We always make sure to request a window table upstairs, where you can pair Paul Ainsworth’s delicious food with an uninterrupted view across the Camel Estuary.
We ordered:
Starters
- Cornish vintage cheddar rarebit on toast with tomato & nigella seed relish, basil – £11.00 x 3
Mains
- King prawn cocktail – king prawns, sherry cured cherry tomatoes, guacamole, Marie rose sauce, dressed baby gem, pickled cucumber, lemon & lime,
grilled sourdough- £26.00 - Cornish shepherds pie – slow-cooked lamb shoulder & seaweed ragu, basil & mint salsa verde – £23.00
- The Mariners Caesar burger – fried buttermilk chicken, smoked bacon, dressed baby gem, twelve-month aged parmesan, anchovy, devilled St. Ewe egg, French fries – £20.00
Desserts
- Chocolate orange crème brûlée with a triple chocolate cookie – £8.50
- Steamed raspberry jam & brown butter sponge with proper vanilla custard – £9.00 x 2
The whole meal was absolutely delicious as always. We had the table for about 2.5 hours as it wasn’t too busy upstairs.
The first five photos in the gallery above capture our most recent visit, with the remaining images showcasing the experience from a previous trip.
Dining & Cuisine
The menu at The Mariners is a masterclass in elevated British pub classics, focusing on seasonality, provenance, and bold, comforting flavors.
- The Menu: Expect a diverse range of dishes that cater to every occasion. From the legendary “Mariners Burger” and fish and chips to refined specials like Porthilly oysters and sea bass with local greens, the quality is exceptional. They are also renowned for their hearty Sunday roasts, featuring all the traditional trimmings.
- Sharp’s Partnership: As you would expect from its brewery roots, the bar is a haven for beer lovers. You’ll find the full range of Sharp’s Brewery ales, including Doom Bar, Atlantic, and exclusive small-batch brews, perfectly kept and expertly served.
- The Atmosphere: The interior is stylish and nautical, featuring deep blues, warm woods, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The ground floor remains dog-friendly and bustling, while the first floor offers a slightly more formal dining feel with even more expansive estuary views.
- Family Friendly: The Mariners is exceptionally welcoming to families, offering a high-quality children’s menu that mirrors the kitchen’s commitment to fresh, local ingredients.
The Essentials
- Location: Slip Way, Rock, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 6LD
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM. Main food service typically 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM.
- Dog-Friendly: Well-behaved dogs are very welcome on the ground floor and the outdoor terrace, making it a perfect spot for those arriving via the coastal path.
- View on Google Maps: Slip Way, Rock PL27 6LD
Accessibility
The Mariners offers good accessibility for a multi-level building. The ground floor bar and dining area are level-access and suitable for wheelchair users. While the first floor is accessed via a staircase, the restaurant features a modern lift to ensure all guests can enjoy the elevated views and dining space. There are accessible toilet facilities on-site.
The pub is located right by the slipway, and while parking in Rock can be busy, there are public car parks within a short, relatively level distance.