The Vine closes for the Winter Season

With the conclusion of the summer season, the barn doors to The Vine have now closed as we welcome the arrival of autumn. Built on the foundations of ‘coming together to enjoy good food’, The Vine’s purpose was to introduce a new dining experience on the south coast of Cornwall. By offering an alternative, more relaxed ethos to the area, there was a desire to ensure that Portscatho became the foodie destination to visit in this corner of the county.

An open barn style, complemented with a bespoke hand-crafted bar and a collection of mismatched dining ware is the theme we wanted to bring to life. To add pops of colour, a selection of art pieces curated by the in-house team were dotted around and the board dedicated to polaroid pictures became a popular talking point. Executive Head Chef Gavin Allan insists that “the atmosphere was designed to bring people together, to create memories associated with enjoying each other's company whilst bonding over the love of good food.” 

The family-friendly vibe played into the notion of the team wanting to invite the public into a space that had something for everyone. Whether that was the fore-mentioned polaroid picture board, perfect for those candid moments or the array of garden games at diners disposal, a great way to decide who pays the tab! “Over the course of the summer, myself and the team witnessed some extremely competitive games of cornhole. Then, if tensions weren’t already high enough, it often appeared that some people would jump into a game of swing ball in an attempt to win back some pride,” states Gavin. Despite the occasions that may have gotten a little heated, it was nothing that a round of drinks or a plate of the famous Knightor Winery Fried Chicken couldn’t resolve!  

The overall response has been really positive and Gavin highlights the fact that all suppliers, customers and the local residents have played their part in the first year of opening. “The restaurant itself has been received well, partly down to the vibe and the setting of course, but also the external people outside of the Knightor Family and there are many I could name, but here are a few. We worked with Idenna to create the branding behind The Vine and we are delighted with the help they have provided throughout the first season. Jamie Hext (Roseland Market Garden) and Jack Wing (Wings of St Mawes) have been essential in providing the very best of Cornwall with their local produce, we cannot wait to partner up with them again. Finally, we have to thank local farmer Tom Glanville for his continued assistance from the moment we started the project, right through to the final weekend.

Welcoming over three and a half thousand people to our hidden corner, nestled amongst the vines has been overwhelming at times but equally as exciting. At this stage, it is time to reflect and look forward to what is to come for The Vine. There are some big plans on the horizon, so do keep an eye out for announcements in the not so distant future.