Padstow’s Prawn on the Lawn named Seafood Restaurant of the Year 2019

Two fish and chip shops have been pipped at the post by a family-owned eatery in Cornwall to claim the title of 2019 Seafood Restaurant of The Year.

Fish City in Belfast, County Antrim, and Rockfish in Brixham, Devon, were beaten to the title by Prawn on the Lawn in Padstow, which impressed judges with its visible fish counter, excellent wine list, range of available species on the menu and overall concept.

Prawn on the Lawn is owned and run by Katie and Rick Toogood and opened its doors in Padstow in May 2015. Prior to the 24-cover eatery launching, the couple ran a fully licenced fishmongers and restaurant in Islington, London.

Today, the Padstow restaurant boasts a daily changing menu, works with local suppliers and aims to be as sustainable as possible. Diners can expect to tuck into dishes including mackerel with soy, sesame, ginger and garlic, Porthilly oysters and scallops with Thai marinade and holy basil.

Speaking of the win, owner Rick Toogood said: “We are absolutely stunned and a bit emotional. It’s incredible to win this against such respected competition. The other restaurants in the top five are all brilliant restaurants.”

Andy Gray, trade marketing manager for Seafish, which runs the competition, said: “It's genuinely inspirational to be among such talented seafood ambassadors.The competition for the title of Seafood Restaurant of the Year title becomes tougher every year and Prawn on the Lawn embodies everything that a good seafood restaurant should be: a business that educates and promotes the eating of fish and shellfish in the right way, simply and ethically, whilst providing a unique experience for the customer.”

Now in its fifth year, the Seafood Restaurant of the Year competition highlights great use of seafood and knowledge of often under-used seafood species, in all types of restaurants.