Newquay restaurant - The Ugly Butterfly awarded Michelin star

The Ugly Butterfly, which relocated to Newquay’s Headland Hotel last year, has been awarded a Michelin star.

The restaurant from chef Adam handling MBE is among 20 new restaurants across the UK and Ireland to receive one-star recognition, bringing the total number of Michelin one-star restaurants in the UK to 192.

The Newquay venue now sits alongside Restaurant Gordan Ramsey High, which also received a one-star award.

The star was presented during a ceremony in Dublin, marking Adam Handling’s second Michelin star overall, following the continued success of Frog by Adam Handling which was first awarded a star in 2022. The announcement comes as Ugly Butterfly prepares to reopen on Wednesday 11 February following a major refurbishment.

Since establishing itself in Newquay, Ugly Butterfly has quickly become one of Cornwall’s most talked-about dining destinations. The Michelin recognition further cements its reputation as a must-visit restaurant on the Cornish coast.

Adam Handling MBE said:
“When we first opened, Ugly Butterfly was all about moving fast, but now we’ve had the chance to really shape it into the restaurant we always envisioned. The refurbishment makes it even more fitting to the Cornish coast – a place to forget your worries, escape the city and just sit back and enjoy.

“We’ve relaunched with a bigger focus on seafood, reflecting our views over the ocean, while our nearby pub, The Tartan Fox, will be more meat-led. There’s a brand-new room dedicated to Afternoon Tea, creating a calm, relaxing space and the restaurant has been refreshed with more flowers and growing plants throughout. In the summer, the outside terrace will be gorgeous – a perfect spot to enjoy the South West at its best.

“To receive a second Michelin star for the collection, and the first for Ugly Butterfly, at this moment is incredibly special. It recognises the hard work of the whole team and confirms that what we’re building here in Cornwall is something truly world-class.”

PRESS PLAY to hear our chat with Adam Handling, who gave his reaction to the news...