A NEWQUAY restaurant has been served up a prestigious award for its quality cuisine.

Counter Culture in Beach Parade has been awarded best restaurant in the South West of England by The Good Food Guide.

The accolade follows a glowing review by the guide’s inspectors, who praised its “playful and inventive approach to familiar ingredients” and “bold, clean flavours presented with understated elegance.”

The honour places the intimate pintxo bar and small‑plates restaurant at the pinnacle of the region’s dining scene.

The judges were drawn to chef Ben Harrison’s unique fusion of Basque‑inspired cuisine with modern British sensibilities using seasonal Cornish produce.

Standout dishes such as Cornish rarebit pintxos with mushroom duxelles, cured trout on sourdough with apple salsa and caviar, and ray wing with samphire and pickled wild garlic buds exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to refined, fresh flavours.

Founder and owner Ben Harrison is a passionate advocate for food as a connector.

His approach is rooted in community, creativity and wholehearted hospitality.

He honed his craft through classical training in professional kitchens, including formative time working under culinary legend Marco Pierre White, before stepping beyond the traditional restaurant model to create more immersive, people-first food experiences.

Mr Harrison said: “This award means the world.

“It’s for the growers, makers, diners, drinkers and most of all our wild, brilliant team who make the magic happen week in, week out.

“Our evolution reflects everything we love about hospitality - connecting through food, drink and atmosphere.

“We’re inspired by what excites us and we want to keep building something that invites people in, encourages conversation and feels genuinely good to be part of.

“Counter Culture champions creativity and locality, offering delicious, ingredient-led dishes in a warm, community-focused setting. The menu shifts with the seasons, always celebrating Cornwall’s natural bounty.”