The Standard — Review by Eating With Tod
Newquay, United Kingdom — Seafood
The Standard is a pub run by Simon the fire master specializing in Cornish crabs cooked over fire. The massive crab claws are cracked open with a provided hammer and topped with melted Cornish cheese creating a cheesy seafood fondue, while the champagne scallops are equally impressive. A memorable and delicious Cornish dining experience.
What was great: Cornish crabs cooked over fire with juicy meat, champagne scallops with cream and garlic, unique experience of cracking crab with provided hammers, melted Cornish cheese mixed with crab head
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The Standard's menu centers around Cornish crabs cooked directly over fire, a specialty that immediately impresses with its theatrical presentation and quality. The crab claws are notably large and filled with juicy meat that justifies the effort of cracking them open. The standout preparation involves the restaurant taking the crab head, ripping it off, and melting a whole Cornish cheese into it to create what can only be described as a cheesy brainy seafood fondue - a unique and indulgent twist on traditional crab preparation.
The champagne scallops are another famous offering, featuring scallops grilled with a bottle of champagne that's fizzed onto the grill along with cream and garlic. These deliver a luxurious, aromatic experience that complements the seafood focus perfectly.
The Experience
The dining experience at The Standard is interactive and memorable. Diners are provided with their own hammer to smash open the crab claws, making the meal an engaging, hands-on affair rather than passive consumption. The pub atmosphere combined with the fire-cooked preparation creates a rustic yet elevated dining environment that captures the essence of Cornish coastal dining.
Value & Pricing
Specific pricing was not detailed in the review, though the quality and theatrical nature of the dishes suggest premium pricing typical of specialist Cornish seafood establishments.
Notable Moments
The crab claws were so big they made my hands look small, and I love how he gives you your own hammer just to smash and go.
He rips off the head and then melts a whole Cornish cheese in there to get this like cheesy brainy seafood fondue.
The Verdict
The Standard is a must-visit destination for serious seafood lovers visiting Cornwall. Simon's passion for fire-cooking and his creative approach to traditional Cornish crabs and scallops makes this pub a standout experience. It's perfect for those seeking authentic, theatrical coastal dining with genuinely impressive ingredients prepared with care and creativity.