The Dickens Connection
In October 1842 Charles Dickens visited Padstow, a trip which unleashed his creativity and resulted in the penning of his acclaimed novel ‘A Christmas Carol’, (inspired by Dicken’s visits to hungry city street children). It’s believed that the character of ‘Marley’s Ghost’ was based on his good friend Dr Miles Marley, a 19th Century practioner he met in London, who is buried at St Endellion Church, near Port Isaac.
Dr Miles Marley’s son, Dr Henry Frederick Marley, practised in Padstow for 51 years and died at his home in St Issey on 27th January 1908. This photograph depicts Dr Miles Marley’s daughters crossing the bridge at Little Petherick, St Issey (pre-1904).
Intrigued after a visit to The Pickwick, local historian Barry West decided to follow up this story and uncovered clues which supported the rumours, also discovering the grave of Dr Miles Marley. This story was subsequently covered by the BBC, The Guardian, The Daily Mail and The Daily Mirror.
The Dickens connection lives on through The Pickwick Inn. Proprietors Eddie and Jenny Stanton have been welcoming guests for nearly 40 years, their daughters Natalie & Jessica are partners and the family are now welcoming the fourth generation into the business!. The Team, headed up by Executive Chef, Steve Marsh and their constant pursuit for excellence has ensured this Cornish country pub, in the middle of nowhere, continues to entice people from far and wide to turn ‘off the beaten track’, and return to The Pickwick time and time again.
Our Amazing Staff
Eddie & Jenny Stanton - Proprietors
For nearly 40 years Eddie and Jenny have put their heart and souls into making The Pickwick a ‘go-to’ destination pub. Still very much hands-on, they are the ultimate hosts. Despite spending four decades welcoming their loyal customers, they refuse to sit still and are constantly looking to evolve the offering. In the last few years creating The Pickwick’s nine luxury bedrooms and 100-seater open-kitchen restaurant, as you do, in your sixties!
The Stanton Family are now welcoming the fourth generation into the business. It all began with Geoff & Joyce Stanton alongside son Eddie and his wife Jenny, followed by their daughters Natalie & Jessica who grew up at the pub and now the latest additions, Natalie’s son Oliver and Jessica’s baby, Bo Joyce
Natalie Moore
Partner
With a background in media and journalism, Natalie returned to the family business 10 years ago after having her Son, Oliver. She brings her experience of marketing and storytelling to the table. Natalie is responsible for event planning and with a passion for fine food and drink, she is also 'chief taster'; a role which she embraces.
Stephen Marsh
Executive Chef
Steve's philosophy is 'keep things simple; Let the food speak for itself...’ Born in Canterbury in Kent, Steve grew up in the garden of England, deep in the Kent countryside. Surrounded by hop gardens and apple orchards, strawberry fields and fresh vegetables; seasonal produce quickly became a part of everyday life. It was no surprise that having been so inspired by fresh local produce from such a young age, Steve chose to become a chef and use all these amazing ingredients to their maximum potential. Steve has worked in restaurants and hotels throughout the UK, from high end London eateries to waterside hotels in Cornwall and from a Michelin starred hotel to a Gastro pub on the Isles of Scilly. And now our Exec Chef here at the Pickwick. His philosophy is straightforward - keep things simple, and let the food speak for itself. Using the finest Cornish seafood, local meat and vegetables to create delicious and exciting dishes is his aim and passion. A true foodie Himself, Steve strive’s to create the best dining experience He possibly can.
Adam Cawood
Head Chef
I've lived in Cornwall for just over 10 years now after moving down from my hometown of Rotherham in South Yorkshire. This is my second time of sharing the pass with Steve as he was the Head Chef who offered me the job which enabled me to move down here all those years ago. I have a mix of styles as I started my career in pubs around Yorkshire before moving into rosette standard restaurants. Eventually making the dream move to Cornwall and gaining 2 Rossettes myself as I stepped upto the role of head chef for the first time at my previous job at Trevalsa Court. Essentially being a Yorkshire lad I do like simple old school cooking techniques with a dash of modern flair to maximise flavours and let the wonderful ingredients we work with show what they can do. So it is good fun to be bringing my experiences and those varying styles to the Pickwick. Away from the kitchen I'm a massive darts and football fan so any chance of watching or listening to my beloved Rotherham United, or any other matches for that matter, is a bonus. On days off, waves permitting, I do love a day in the waves surfing on the North coast to relax and unwind after a busy week in the kitchen
Eric Taylor
Sous Chef
Eric has a wealth of experience from various top hotels and eateries around the country. He has worked for Rick Stein and is a master baker. It is Eric who provides delicious Cornish breakfasts to our lucky residents… you have got to try his home-made Marmalade!
Alex Scott
Sous Chef
I moved to Cornwall as a 10-year-old boy from Devon and quickly became immersed in food growing up in Padstow in my parents’ restaurants. I immediately fell in love with the hustle and bustle of kitchen life working my way up the food chain. At the age of 19 I packed up my knives and went travelling, honing and refining my skills over five years. But something always brings me back to beautiful Cornwall and on my return I settled down and had a family. I’ve worked across a diverse mix of kitchens over the years and have now been given the chance to work under Stephen Marsh at the Pickwick, which I’m really enjoying. I have many hobbies but there’s nothing like being at the beach with my children.
Lucy Ballard
Commis Chef
Cornish born & bred, I have lived in St.Issey all my life; you don't get more local than me! I'm a hard working individual, whose life revolves around my family (2 young sons, my horses, farming & my work at The Pickwick. Always a keen baker, specialising in sweet treats, I have a keen eye for detail & love making peoples tastebuds tingle! I spent time working for a local outside catering company producing wedding cakes & desserts for functions, events & weddings. Joining the team at The Pickwick last June has enabled me to further my love for all things sweet, experiment with design & create some beautiful desserts that not only look good but are delicious & hearty! My love for cooking isn't just about creating the final dish, it's the initial idea, watching it grow and playing with it, mastering it and finally seeing peoples reactions when they taste it! I love to support local & have already taught my children (age 3 & 4) to have a hands-on approach and good understanding of where our food comes from. Out of work you’ll find me mainly chasing my sheep, bringing my children up on the farm, trail hunting on my horse (my passion) & loving and enjoying life to the fullest.
Sally Oram
Front of House Manager
Sally has been welcoming guests at The Pickwick for 9 years, her passion for fantastic service is coupled with her extensive knowledge of the food and drink industry. With a particular interest in local Gins, Sally is also a master of creating her own delicious organic house cocktails and cordials.
Viv Ornsby
Housekeeping Team
Viv, who has lived in South Africa for a large part of her and enjoys visting Hawaii, is part of The Pickwick's fantastic housekeeping team, with an eye for detail and boundless energy, you'll struggle to find her without a duster in hand or a huge smile on her face!
James Axtell
Junior Chef de Partie
James has worked at the Pickwick for several years in different guises, but after showing an interest in the kitchen, James is now an apprentice Chef through the Pickwick where he is training both in the pub kitchen and also at specialist catering venues. A young Chef to watch!