Nestled along the sun-drenched shores of one of Cornwall’s most vibrant coastal towns, there’s a new bar and restaurant in town that combines laid-back, friendly charm, good food and the fun antics of a round of mini-golf – and it just might be the hottest opening this season.
ROSA, on Tower Road in Newquay, opened to much anticipation in April. The sister company of the popular HERD, a hamburger joint that opened last year with great success, is already proving to be a success story. So successful in fact that just a few weeks after the opening, people are already queuing up to sample what’s on offer.
On a warm Saturday, at the friendly invitation of the team, a few of us dropped by to try it out for ourselves. Located in a real sun trap, where we’re told the sun stays up day and night – this is a huge bonus as the summer season approaches, but also inside is a colorful and charming restaurant if you’re looking for a little shelter ( or if you think our lack of summer lasts even longer).
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The staff tell us it’s all about combining great food and drinks with a relaxed and fun atmosphere – at reasonable prices – and if this is what they’re looking for, they’re spot on in delivering these plans. The staff are smiling everywhere and couldn’t do more for you. Combined with the soothing backdrop of the sea, it is a great destination for couples, groups of friends and even families.
The 18-hole golf course – which has been around for more than 60 years – has been redesigned, bringing a touch of old-fashioned fun to the table with plenty of twists and turns. It was a healthy activity and offered something different to a normal day out. With some being more complex than others, none of the holes were too taxing or boring, making it suitable for all ages.
The delicious new menu brings together Italian and American inspired dishes. Colorful plates of fresh pasta prepared daily, such as fettuccine alfredo from the house, alla carbonara or the ragu of the day, and thanks to the small plates concept you can try even more dishes – as it should be. Pizzetta dishes including pepperoni, mascarpone and hot honey join a hearty menu that also includes burrata, a unique baked lasagna, olives and more.
An extremely impressive beer, spirits, wine and drinks menu is accompanied by a rotating craft cocktail menu. The names escape me now, but we enjoyed both a spicy margarita and a refreshing pineapple-based cocktail from the specials of the day – both of which were as wonderful to look at as they were to drink. They really were ‘real’ cocktails.
We had a great time, which seemed to be the case for the dozens of others who filled the tables around us. I can see ROSA quickly becoming the place to be in Newquay this summer.
Tom O’Brien, co-founder and business manager of ROSA, said: “We are delighted to be reimagining this much-loved Newquay venue with a fresh new offering. ROSA is designed to bring people together, whether that’s for a fun round of mini golf on our smart new course or for good food and drink – whether that’s a post-golf bite, a date night, a big drinks party or the whole family occasions.
“We are true foodies and take ingredients, big taste and simplicity seriously. We believe the food should do the talking, so you can be sure to taste a wonderfully tasty menu that offers something new, combining global flavours, made with the finest Cornish ingredients.”