THE FOOD

Ben’s chalkboard-style menu reads like an ode to the sea. Mackerel, cod, brill, bream, scallops, crab, mussels, bass, john dory – all of these and more feature according to seasonal abundance.

Working closely with our local fishmongers ensures that the freshest fish is delivered to our door each day. It also enables us to play our part in safeguarding the sustainability of Cornwall’s precious fisheries for future generations.

The catch of the day is complimented by fresh produce sourced from small local growers, market gardens and community farms. The harvest from land and sea is combined instinctively and with a lightness of touch; Ben’s signature style allows the finest ingredients to speak for themselves.

There are vegetarian options, and dishes can be adapted for children or specific dietary requirements.

READ MORE ON BEN TUNNICLIFFE

THE CHEF

Ben has been a champion of Cornwall’s food scene since he settled here in 2001. Having held a Michelin Star at The Abbey in Penzance, he went on to oversee the launch of the food offering at The Scarlet – Cornwall’s leading luxury hotel.

Looking for a project of his own, and hankering after a humble setting in which his food could take centre stage, Ben took over The Tolcarne in 2012.

Sheltering behind the sea wall in a busy fishing port, just a stone’s throw from Newlyn’s famous fish market, the pub was the ideal vessel for showcasing the bounty of Cornish waters.

THE PUB

A lintel above the pub’s door marks the date of construction: 1717. For more than 300 years this building has welcomed miners, seafarers, artists and – most recently – food lovers.

Come along and enjoy a few pints of local ale on a Friday night, feast on our small plates menu at lunch, or in the evening sit down to three courses and a bottle of wine from our list, which has been specially selected to complement seafood.

In the winter, our wood burner will keep you cosy, as you while away a Sunday with delicious plates of satisfying seafood.

In the summer, grab a glass of something perfectly chilled and head to our sunny terrace; a light alfresco lunch of fresh fish may just be the ultimate Cornish food experience.

The pub is dog-friendly, making it the perfect pit-stop for dog owners out and about exploring West Penwith.

THE TOWN

Newlyn is a vibrant little town and well worth a visit.

Aside from the fascinating port and bustling fish market, you will also find a thriving artistic culture and food scene.

Clustered around the historic Newlyn Art Gallery, there are several small independent galleries showing a cross-section of contemporary Cornish artists. Newlyn Filmhouse – a fish warehouse transformed into a beautiful arthouse cinema – is just around the corner from the pub.

Fantastic local food stores include proper fishmongers and greengrocers, a natural wine bar, Newlyn Cheese and Charcuterie, plus the famous Jelberts Ice Cream and legendary Aunty May’s Pasty Company.

SAMPLE MENUS

August 2024

SAMPLE LUNCH

Homemade bread, salted butter £3.50/ Gordal olives £3.75 / Salt cod fritters, aioli £5
Anchovy devilled eggs £5 / Scallop roe taramasalata, crostini, cucumber chutney £6
Jersey oyster, mignonette, lemon, tabasco £4 each / ½ dozen £21

Dressed organic slight hill farm tomatoes, burrata, cinnamon basil £12
Bass, john dory and turbot goujons, herby garlic mayo, funky leaves £12
Home cured gravadlax and rillette of smoked chalk stream trout, dill and horseradish £12
Pressed ray & potato terrine, posh egg mayo, cucumber chutney £11
Mackerel salad “nicoise” £12
Mussels, white wine, parsley and cream £12
Seared scallops, smoked aubergine, lime pickle, yoghurt & dukkah £15
Crispy halloumi, avocado, pickled red onions, chilli jam, coriander £12
Silver mullet,, hispi cabbage, beetroot, smoked bacon and hazelnuts £24
Cod, monks beard, pancetta & mussel beurre blanc £22
Brill, scallop roe taramasalata, courgette, capers, anchovy and rosemary dressing £26

Hand cut fries £4.25 / Herby potatoes £4.25 / Harissa courgettes £3.75 / Dressed leaves £3.75

French chocolate tart, red wine cherries £8
Affogato, boozy raisins £7
Buttermilk pudding, raspberries, homemade granola £7
Selection of cheese: tunworth, montgomery, perl las £12
Served with crackers, homemade chutney, apple

SAMPLE EVENING

Homemade bread, salted butter £3.50 / Gordal olives £3.75 / Anchovy devilled eggs £5

Jersey oyster, mignonette, lemon and tabasco £4 each / ½ dozen £21

Home cured gravadlax and rillette of smoked chalk stream trout, dill and horseradish £12

Pressed ray and potato terrine, posh egg mayo, cucumber chutney £12

Fillet of mackerel “nicoise” £12

Seared scallops, hogs pudding, onion and orange, chive cream sauce £15

Dressed organic slight hill farm tomatoes, burrata, cinnamon basil £12

John dory, green beans, capers and courgette salad, preserved lemon and smoked shrimp hollandaise £40

Sea bass, mussel escabeche, rainbow chard, aioli £38

Pistachio praline crusted monkfish, aubergine, lime, buttermilk £38

Turbot, broad beans, pancetta, girolles £40

Curried cauliflower steak, lime pickle, labneh, dukkah, smoked aubergine, pomegranate £20

Hand cut fries £4.25 / Herby potatoes £4.25 / Harissa courgettes £3.75/ dressed leaves £3.75

Strawberry parfait, dressed strawberries, meringue £9.50

Bitter chocolate delice, red wine cherries, yoghurt sorbet £9.50

Apricot, pistachio and almond tart, homemade vanilla ice cream and custard £9.50

Selection of cheese: sharpham cremet, westcombe, colston bassett £12

Served with crackers, homemade chutney, apple

 

Please inform a member of staff of any dietary requirements or allergies.

SAMPLE SUNDAY LUNCH

Homemade bread, salted butter £3.50 / Gordal olives £3.75
Anchovy devilled eggs £5 / Scallop roe taramasalata, crostini, cucumber chutney £6
Jersey oyster, mignonette, lemon, tabasco £4 each / ½ dozen £21

Mackerel salad “nicoise”
Pressed ray and potato terrine, cucumber chutney, posh egg mayo
Home cured gravadlax and rillette of chalk stream trout, dill and horseradish
Dressed organic slight hill farm tomatoes, burrata, cinnamon basil
Seared scallops, smoked aubergine, lime pickle, pomegranate, dukkah (£5 supplement)

Roast sirloin of beef, onion gravy, yorkshire pudding
Butternut squash and nut wellington, mushroom gravy

Both served with roast potatoes, braised red cabbage, carrot and swede puree, roasted carrot and cauliflower cheese
Cod, scallop roe taramasalata, courgettes, capers, anchovy and rosemary dressing
Hake, beetroot, summer cabbage, smoked bacon and hazelnuts
Silver mullet, mussel escabeche, rouille
John dory, baby leeks, girolles, chicken butter (£14 supplement)

Hand cut fries £4.25 / Herby potatoes £4.25 / Harissa courgettes £3.75 / Dressed leaves £3.75

Eton mess
Buttermilk pudding, raspberries, granola
Bramley apple and plum crumble, homemade vanilla ice cream
Tiramisu, red wine cherries
Tunworth, montgomery, perl las (£4 supplement)
Served with crackers, homemade chutney and apple

Two courses £29 / Three courses £35