A celebrity chef has been awarded a Michelin star for his restaurant in Newquay.

Adam Handling MBE received the prestigious accolade for the Ugly Butterfly in Headland Road, which only opened in July of last year.

He was awarded the Michelin star at the Michelin Guide ceremony held in Dublin on Tuesday, February 9.

The culinary accolade follows Frog by Adam Handling in Covent Garden being awarded a Michelin star in 2022.

The Michelin award follows the Ugly Butterfly undergoing a major refurbishment, which brings a reimagined use of the space with a new kitchen, bar, dedicated Afternoon Tea Lounge and new menu.

Adam said: “When we first opened, Ugly Butterfly was all about moving fast, but now we’ve had the chance to really shape it into the restaurant we always envisioned.

“The refurbishment makes it even more fitting to the Cornish coast – a place to forget your worries, escape the city and just sit back and enjoy.

“We’ve relaunched with a bigger focus on seafood, reflecting our views over the ocean, while our nearby pub, The Tartan Fox, will be more meat-led.

“There’s a brand-new room dedicated to afternoon tea, creating a calm, relaxing space and the restaurant has been refreshed with more flowers and growing plants throughout.

“In the summer, the outside terrace will be gorgeous – a perfect spot to enjoy the South West at its best.

“To receive a second Michelin star for the Collection, and the first for Ugly Butterfly, at this moment is incredibly special. It recognises the hard work of the whole team and confirms that what we’re building here in Cornwall is something truly world-class.”

The new direction of Ugly Butterfly reflects the Adam Handling Collection’s vision of redefining British food through a hyper-local Cornish lens, taking the Collection’s ethos and rooting it firmly in the Southwest.

A spokesperson for the Ugly Butterfly said: “Using exceptional Cornish ingredients, the team have created a tasting menu a cut above its previous iteration, and a distinctive afternoon tea experience, with a heightened focus on produce, creativity and immersive dining.

“Alongside this, a bar food menu centred around caviar and lobster will be available to enjoy in the bar or Tea Lounge, allowing each part of the experience to feel luxurious.”

The refurbishment includes a brand-new state-of-the-art kitchen and a newly created Afternoon Tea Lounge, designed as a light-filled, refined space that reflects the natural beauty of the Cornish coast.

The redesign introduces bespoke furniture, sculptural curved tables in warm wood tones, pale stone surfaces and soft neutral textures, complemented by wall panelling that brings both visual warmth and intimacy to the room.

Created to elevate one of Ugly Butterfly’s most popular experiences, the new Tea Lounge offers a more spacious setting, with a relaxed, contemporary feel.

The main restaurant and terrace will now offer a single tasting menu, showcasing exceptional ingredients from the South West’s larder, brought to life through Michelin-starred chef Adam Handling’s fresh, ingredient-led approach.