Flair and hospitality
- Jamie Crocker
- Sep 15
- 5 min read
Words by Jamie Crocker
How a hotel in Cornwall competes with the best and maintains its position within the top flight.
Originally envisioned by David and Paola, along with David’s brother George and his wife Joan who purchased it in 1969, The Penventon Park has evolved into today’s complex and charismatic hotel through decades of considered evolution.
What makes Penventon Park Hotel uniquely welcoming for guests looking for a relaxing getaway in Cornwall?
Penventon Park Hotel offers a refined escape where heritage meets modern indulgence. Tucked away in secluded grounds on the edge of Redruth, this Georgian manor blends European elegance with Cornish charm, creating a relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere. Rich interiors, bold artworks and thoughtful design touches reflect over 50 years of family ownership. It’s infused with a proudly independent, anti-chain spirit that invites guests to escape the ordinary.
Signature experiences – from the sculpted copper bar celebrating Redruth’s mining legacy to homemade jams still made by Mrs. P, the original owner, offer a stay that feels both personal and extraordinary. With individually styled rooms, exceptional food and wine and a setting that balances tranquillity with accessibility, Penventon is a true Cornish retreat with soul.
How has the hotel adapted its guest experience in recent years to meet evolving traveller expectations?
Penventon Park Hotel continues to evolve with intention, blending modern expectations with timeless hospitality. The culinary team champions sustainability through seasonal menus, locally sourced ingredients, and waste-conscious kitchen practices — from Cornish honey and handmade jams to ethically sourced seafood. Thoughtful wellness touches also shape the guest experience, with spa and leisure facilities designed to support rest and restoration.
Behind the scenes, eco-conscious initiatives extend across the hotel’s operations, including reduced single-use plastics and energy-efficient systems.
What is the ethos behind the hotel’s dining programme and how are local Cornish ingredients incorporated?
Penventon’s dining ethos celebrates Cornwall’s finest local produce alongside carefully selected ingredients from further afield. Seasonal menus showcase fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, and vibrant garden produce, all thoughtfully combined to create dishes that balance creativity with respect for provenance and sustainability. The result is an extraordinary dining experience that feels both authentic and inspired.
Can you walk us through a standout menu highlight or seasonal dish that epitomises the kitchen’s creativity?
Rooted in tradition, the Plank Steak is one of Penventon’s cherished ‘heritage’ dishes – among the first to appear on the original menu. Though it disappeared for a time, it’s now proudly back by popular demand. Served as a 14oz cut on a wooden plank, accompanied by a fried hen’s egg and crisp Pont Neuf potatoes, this dish perfectly balances rustic comfort with refined execution. It’s a true celebration of enduring flavours that continues to delight guests seeking a memorable, indulgent experience.
How does the bar and drinks offering complement the overall dining experience at Penventon?
Penventon’s bar is a destination in its own right, with a carefully curated drinks menu designed to enhance every meal and moment. With over 170 wines available by the glass and bottle, the collection is a true labour of love. It’s thoughtfully sourced from across the globe, laid down years in advance to reach perfect maturity, and priced fairly to encourage guests to explore more than one bottle.
The extensive cocktail menu includes timeless favourites, seasonal creations, and a rotating ‘drink of the month’ to keep things fresh. Guests can also choose from a wide range of local Cornish and national beers and ciders, along with an impressive collection of over 50 gins, plus distinctive rums, whiskies, and vodkas from the region and beyond.
What specific amenities and services do you offer for guests travelling with dogs?
Every resident pup is treated to a thoughtful doggy welcome basket, complete with a cosy bed, food and water bowls, a towel, mess bags, and a welcome letter with useful tips for exploring Cornwall together.
Our Pooch Plates menu offers healthy, nourishing options to help them refuel after a big day out, while complimentary blankets, towels and treat jars dotted around the hotel add those extra comforts along the way.
What local attractions, walks or beaches are popular with hotel and how does Penventon help guests get the most from them?
Thanks to Penventon’s central location, guests are perfectly placed to explore some of Cornwall’s best-loved sights, from clifftop walks to hidden coves and heritage trails.
Popular nearby spots include the dramatic coastal paths at Portreath and Godrevy, the wide-open sands of Gwithian, and the mineral tramways that wind through Redruth’s mining landscape. Tehidy Woods is another guest favourite, with miles of dog-friendly, shaded trails just ten minutes from the hotel.
What leisure and wellness facilities does the hotel provide to support a restful and restorative stay?
Guests can unwind in our Leisure Club, complete with a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and gym or escape to our intimate Spa for tailored treatments that restore and revive. The elegant lounge offers a slower pace: a cosy spot to curl up with a book, sip a coffee, or simply enjoy a quiet moment between adventures. Whether it’s a pre-dinner swim, a deep tissue massage, or a peaceful pause with a book, our wellness spaces offer a restful balance to Cornwall’s wilder charms.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Penventon’s dog-friendly and food & beverage programmes? Are there any upcoming initiatives or experiences you’re excited about?
We’re always looking for thoughtful ways to enhance the guest experience, including for those bringing their dogs along. One exciting development is a dedicated dog-friendly dining space, soon to transform one of our event areas into a relaxed setting with indoor and patio seating, perfect for leisurely lunches and laid-back evenings with your canine companion.
We’re also nearing the launch of our long-envisioned Wine Tasting Rooms — a space for immersive, curated experiences led by our knowledgeable team. Guests will soon be able to explore professional wine flights and guided tastings, drawing from our collection of over 2,000 bottles.
How have guests and their four-legged companions responded to the dog-friendly focus? Any memorable stories?
Here are some recent reviews. “We had the most wonderful stay at Penventon Park Hotel. The staff were outstanding! Every staff member was 100% dedicated to their work, happy and also relaxed! We loved the luxurious Georgian decor, the stunning lounge and restaurant, the nods to Italy throughout, including the decadent Copper Bar and huge selection of Gin! The beds were perfect and the bedrooms nicely modern with lovely details like the digital radio and drinks area with loose-leaf tea. This was our first night away with our 18-week puppy, who was completely spoiled by all the staff!”
“We travelled for the NYE celebration to this dog-friendly hotel. Wow! Just wow! The staff are very friendly and cannot do enough for you (& your pooch). We booked a dog-friendly room and were met with a welcome basket (& letter) for the dog!! They provided a dog bed, blanket, towel, bowls, snacks and even a toy! Plus, believe it or not...there is a dog menu. The hotel is spotless, and we loved the quirky décor.”
“Luxurious hotel. My daughter and I stayed here for three nights with our three dogs. We were both blown away by the hotel, staff and leisure facilities. Breakfast and dinner were perfect. The dogs had a special menu and had a basket full of goodies in the room on arrival. Highly recommend to just get away from it all.”
