Rick Stein Restaurants to offer 1975 menu prices for 50th anniversary 

Rick Stein Restaurants is rolling its prices back to 1975 to celebrate 50 years since the opening of the Seafood Restaurant in Padstow.

From 6-9 February selected restaurants will offer seafood dishes at 1970s prices at lunchtimes.

Sample dishes on the Rolled Back & Retro Menu include shellfish soup for 50p, grilled lobster for £2.80, seafood thermidor for £2.20 and Cornish bouillabaisse for £2.60.

Desserts will include treacle tart for 35p and apple pancakes with Calvados sauce for 40p.

Some 25 tables of two across participating restaurants will be set aside for community nominations, allowing people to recognise those deserving of the special lunch.

However, wine, cocktails and drinks will still be served at 2025 prices.

Rick Stein in Women’s Realm magazine in 1985

The restaurants taking part include the Seafood Restaurant in Padstow and the group’s sites in Winchester, Marlborough, Sandbanks and London’s Barnes.

Rick and Jill Stein opened the Seafood Restaurant in 1975 and 50 years later the family business now includes 10 restaurants, a pub, a cookery school, 40 guest rooms, self-catering properties and four shops. 

Rick and Jill remain involved and their sons, Jack, Charlie and Ed, have leading roles in the company.

Rick said: “Reflecting on the past 50 years, we’re so grateful to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey from our loyal customers, talented team and wonderful suppliers. We look forward to all the celebrations this year!”

Jill said: “Little did Rick and I imagine when we opened our doors in 1975 that we would still be here 50 years later, celebrating half a century of the iconic Seafood Restaurant. We hope to welcome you to join us in celebrating our Golden Year.”

The roll-back follows the success of a similar celebration at St John, which marked its 30th anniversary last year by offering its 1994 menu at the original prices.

Reservations go live on 24 January at 10am and bookings can only be made through a page on the group’s website.