Paul and Emma Ainsworth to relaunch Rojano’s in the Square as Caffè Rojano after purchasing freehold

Paul and Emma Ainsworth have announced plans to relaunch Mediterranean-inspired Rojano’s in the Square as Caffè Rojano after purchasing the freehold to the Padstow property.

Caffè Rojano will open its doors on 10 February 2020, with a new art deco design and a menu reflecting the Italian café culture of New York.

The restaurant, which will combine Mediterranean techniques with produce from Cornwall under chef-director Jack Clements, will open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Paul, who won both the Chef of the Year Award and the Independent Restaurateur of the Year Award at the 2019 Cateys, said: “After nine fantastic years of Rojano’s in the Square, Emma and I have decided to re-launch the restaurant as Caffè Rojano as well as buying the freehold. This has been a huge decision for us, but we’re confident that we can create a new family-dining experience here in Padstow. I’m incredibly excited to reveal the new interiors and menu inspired by the incredible Italian food scene in New York.”

Acorn Award winner Clements, added: “We wanted to create a place where everyone could come together and enjoy a delicious meal at anytime of the day. We’ll still have a few Rojano’s in the Square signatures on the menu; however, the other dishes will be brand new. I’m extremely proud to be a part of this exciting new chapter and can’t wait to welcome our first guests on 10 February.”

The à la carte menu will feature sourdough pizzas and homemade pasta dishes, as well as a range of seasonal small plates such as duck hearts persillade, chargrilled campaillou and devilled mayonnaise; and smoked cod’s roe, beef dripping crisps and smoked paprika.

Produce from the Cornish coastline will be seen in a fruit de la mer platter, alongside hearty bistro classics such as ox cheek ragù with St Ewe egg, tagliatelle, green soft herb dressing and pangratatto.

At the front of the new site will be a marble counter where the team will prepare fresh pasta, which will be served in the restaurant as well as available for purchase to go. An in-house deli will also serve up a range of gourmet sandwiches and a signature Cornish hot dog topped with melting fontina cheese, pickles, crispy onions and shavings of black truffle.

There will also be a new wine list curated by group sommelier, Elly Owen, and a menu of signature cocktails, designed by Paul Ainsworth at No 6’s bar manager, Liam Evans.

The Ainsworths’ Padstow empire also includes Michelin-starred flagship restaurant, the six-bedroom Padstow Townhouse, cookery school Mahé and the Mariners pub in Rock.

Paul began his career under Gary Rhodes, followed by a stint at Gordon Ramsay's flagship restaurant on Royal Hospital Road in London's Chelsea before he moved on to work under Marcus Wareing at Pétrus in Belgravia.

Picture: Chris Hewitt Photography