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!. General Manager and Executive Chef Sue Hammett has been heading up the team for over 30 years, her Daughter Louise and son-in-law Edward also help manage the place. Their endless 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
Sue Hammett
Executive Chef & General Manager
Sue-perwoman Sue has been heading up the team at The Pickwick for over 30 years. It's her culinary genius that's kept people travelling from far and wide to The Pickwick for so many years. As a farmer's wife, Sue creates hearty home-made favourites with exceptional talent for her famous desserts.
Edward Thorpe
Assistant General Manager
With over 14 years experience in retail management and hospitality in the golfing industry, Ed is now pouring his passion into heading up the front of house team and providing a professional and personal service at The Pickwick. His love of fine food and drink fuelling his pursuit for perfection.
Louise Thorpe
Administration Manager
Lou has a wealth of experience in hospitality with over 20 years in the business, 10 of which have been at The Pickwick, the rest with Marriott Hotels and Stein's.
Natalie Moore
Partner
With a background in media and journalism, Natalie returned to the family business 10 years ago and brings her experience of marketing and storytelling to the table. With a passion for fine food and drink, she is also 'chief taster', a role which she embraces.
Sally Oram
Front of House Manager
Sally has been welcoming guests at The Pickwick for over 6 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.
Chris Burrell
Senior Sous Chef
Chris, formerly found in the best pubs in Essex, brings a love of traditional pub food and a lot of laughter. He's been part of The Pickwick brigade for nearly 5 years and cherishes the hustle and bustle of a busy pub kitchen.
Eric Taylor
Chef
Eric is our veteran Chef with a lifetime of experience and passion for cooking. His background ranges from a host of top hotels to Stein's Deli in Padstow. His abilities are endless in the kitchen...and you have to try his home-made Marmalade!
Dean Rodda
Chef
Don't be fooled by Dean's laid-back surfer image, he's a secret kitchen ninja! With a wealth of experience, he's been a key member of the team at The Pickwick for over 10 years. As a regular winter traveller, Dean uses his experience to create interesting dishes and satisfy his love of food in The Pickwick kitchen.
James Axtell
Commis Chef
James has been part of The Pickwick team for several years in several different guises. After displaying a passion for the kitchen, James is now an apprentice Commis Chef. Learning new skills both in the Pickwick kitchen and off-site at various culinary locations as part of his training. A young chef to watch!
Viv Ornsby
Housekeeping Team
Viv, who has lived in South Africa for a large part of her life and has a secret holiday getaway in 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!