In our house, a Sunday roast is as much about scrubbing endless pots and pans after dinner as it is about the meal itself. So I was delighted when the opportunity arose to ditch the dirty dishes in favour of dining with the family at The Watch House in St Mawes.
Since taking over the business last Summer, owners Will and Caitlin have worked hard to transform a tired tea rooms into a bright and inviting two storey restaurant and much improved take away. The decor was stylishly understated whilst remaining family friendly, allowing the food and the stunning harbour side location to take centre stage.
We skipped starters eager to get on with the dish of the day, roast beef. The kids (and adults) were excited to see a large wooden sharing platter overflowing with succulent slices of tender Cornish meat, beautifully sweet roasted veg, and the most enormous Yorkshire puddings I’ve seen. Delicious gravy dripping from cow shaped gravy boats added to the theatre… not essential for a good meal I know, but one of a few thoughtful details that enhanced the dining experience for all of us.
Whilst the big kids happily tucked into the roast, the little ones opted for freshly prepared pasta and were equally happy to scoff the lot. Pudding choices on the Sunday lunch menu were limited to just two, a warm chocolate brownie or a selection of ice creams and sorbets, but that suited us fine. It was chocolate brownies all round, obviously, and again we weren’t disappointed. Even the Origin coffee was great, one of the nicest I’ve had as it happens.
So what did the kids make of it and how did they rate it compared to mom’s home cooked Sunday roast? “I loved it all, the meat, the roast potatoes, even the cabbage!” said our daughter Betty, “Am I allowed to say that it’s a little bit better than your cooking?!” she added… “Not if you want me to feed you again.” I responded.
Our eldest son, Sam, restored my confidence when he said, “It was all lovely, but I think your roast potatoes might be crispier.” I’d love to agree, but don’t worry Will, I think you win hands down with your fantastic food and the added perk that I can skip the washing up afterwards!
The Watch House offers a simple seasonal menu of excellent quality seafood, burgers, steak, pasta, vegetarian dishes and weekly specials, with main courses starting from £11. A Sunday roast is really good value at £12. Children can enjoy traditional offerings with a twist including fish ‘toes’ instead of fish fingers and some freshly made pasta dishes priced from as little as £3. If you don’t have the appetite for a full meal, it is worth noting that Will and Caitlin are also keen to lure customers in for coffee, cake and brunch. I plan to join them for a cuppa and a slice of something scrummy very soon.
For information or to book a table pop in to The Watch House, 1 The Square, St Mawes, TR2 5DJ or call 01326 270 038. Alternatively log on to www.watchhousestmawes.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @The_Watch_House