Paul Ainsworth opens six-bedroom ‘hotel'
Michelin-starred chef Paul Ainsworth has opened a six-bedroom "home-from-home" to operate alongside his two restaurants in Padstow, Cornwall.
Padstow Townhouse is located across two 18th-century townhouses which were once occupied by the Tregea Hotel and launched at the start of the town's annual Christmas festival, last weekend.
"We got off to a fantastic start, with a record number of 50,000 visitors attending the festival, providing us with a great opportunity to show off the Townhouse," said Ainsworth, who with his wife Emma owns the Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth at Number 6 and Rojano's in the Square in Padstow.
The Ainsworths bought the property in July 2014 and in February this year set to work on undertaking a comprehensive renovation, which has included a new slate roof, underpinning of the building and the installation of hand-made casement windows.
Interior design undertaken by Emma Ainsworth and Eve Cullen-Cornes reflects the heritage of the property as opposed to its location close to the sea. "We didn't want to be predictable and name the bedrooms after local beaches, so instead we have named them after fairground sweets: rhubarb and custard, honeycomb, marshmallow, bonbon, toffee apple and popcorn.
"Each bedrooms is more like a suite, with each one containing a lounge area, and the bathrooms have his and her showers," said Ainsworth. "One of our USPs is the pantry, which is designed like a domestic kitchen, as opposed to a stainless steel professional kitchen, which guests can use. Hampers for pantry food are left in every room and there is an honesty bar offering cookies, cakes and cheese."
A BMWi3 electric car will transport guests from Padstow Townhouse, which is located in the oldest part of the town, to either of the Ainsworth's two restaurants, close to the harbour.
House manager is Charlotte Tozer, supported by Ainsworth's sister, Michelle Ainsworth.
"Padstow Townhouse is more of a home-from-home as opposed to a hotel, where Charlotte and Michele will look after guests throughout their stay," added Ainsworth.
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