Paul Ainsworth names Jamie Oliver alumni Andy Appleton head chef of Caffè Rojano

Paul Ainsworth has named Jamie Oliver alumni Andy Appleton as head chef of his Padstow restaurant Caffè Rojano.

Caffè Rojano forms part of the Ainsworth Collection and serves a relaxed, Mediterranean-inspired all-day menu.

Appleton joins the restaurant having moved to Cornwall in 2007 after working with celebrity chef Oliver at Fifteen in London.

After heading to the south-west he spent a decade at the Watergate Bay Hotel, rising to the position of head chef, before opening his own venture, Appleton’s on the Vineyard at Trevibban Mill. 

Most recently, Appleton worked as head chef of Waterside in Flushing.

Appleton said: “I’ve known Paul for a long time - we both moved down to Cornwall around a similar time - so there’s always been that connection.

“When the opportunity came up at Caffè Rojano it just seemed like the stars aligned at the right moment. I’ve always had a passion for Mediterranean-style cooking, which is exactly what the restaurant is about, so it felt like a natural fit. I’m really excited to get stuck in and develop some new dishes on the menu while working alongside such a great team.”

The chef is set to launch the restaurant’s spring menu in the coming weeks with highlights including Cornish crab with squid ink linguine and courgettes, alongside a rich black truffle and mushroom ragù.

The Ainsworth Collection also includes the Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth at No 6, Ci Ci’s bar, The Mariners pub, Padstow Townhouse and the St Enodoc hotel.