Chef Adam Handling to close Ugly Butterfly in Cornwall

Chef Adam Handling has confirmed he will close his Ugly Butterfly restaurant and bar at the Carbis Bay Estate in Cornwall later this month.

The Caterer was told Carbis Bay Estate has enacted a break clause in the lease, which is leading to the restaurant’s closure. 

Ugly Butterfly has been based at the estate since summer 2021, serving a selection of Cornish produce, and achieved a listing in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland. It will close on 28 June.

Handling, who is chef/owner of the restaurant, said: “There is nothing but positivity here because when one door closes, another one opens.  And what’s behind this next door for Ugly Butterfly and our entire team, only time will tell.”

In a post on Instagram, he added: "Our landlord has enacted the break clause after an amazing chapter and I couldn’t be prouder of everything the team have achieved. I have nothing but positivity here because when one door closes, another one opens. And, for us, the story is just beginning. A massive thank you to everyone who has visited us over the past four years. Your support has meant the world to myself and the team and we can’t wait to bring you with us on the next part of our journey."

Stephen Baker, owner of Carbis Bay Estate, commented: “It has been a great addition for our guests to have Adam and his team on the estate. Ugly Butterfly has brought a new dimension with its approach to sustainability and zero food waste, creating unique dishes. 

“The estate, with the Ugly Butterfly restaurant and bar situated directly above the sands of Blue Flag Carbis Bay Beach on breathtaking St Ives Bay, has a steadfast commitment to duty of care towards its environment and we welcomed Ugly Butterfly to further enhance our offering and complement our vision. We wish Adam and his team all the very best in their next chapter.”

Handling added that the Ugly Butterfly team would have some good news to share soon.

The Dundee-born chef started his culinary career aged 16, when he joined Gleneagles in Auchterarder as an apprentice chef.

He now owns and operates the Michelin-starred Frog by Adam Handling in Covent Garden, Eve Bar in Covent Garden, the Loch & the Tyne gastropub in Windsor (which holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand), and the Tartan Fox gastropub in Newquay, also in Cornwall, which was launched in June 2024.