Adam Handling is set to open a new chapter for his celebrated Cornish restaurant, Ugly Butterfly, this summer.
Moving from its original home in St Ives, Ugly Butterfly 2.0 will open on 9th July at the iconic The Headland Hotel in Newquay, overlooking the shores of Fistral Beach.
This exciting move marks the beginning of a new partnership between two leading names in British hospitality - the Adam Handling Collection and the five-star, family-owned Headland Hotel. With a shared commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, and relaxed luxury, the collaboration is poised to make a major impact on Cornwall’s food scene.
The news comes just a day after Adam announced the closure of the former Ugly Butterfly at Carbis Bay.
Read more: Adam Handling announces restaurant closure
A Fresh Take on Sustainable Luxury
Ugly Butterfly 2.0 brings back Adam’s vision of British fine dining with minimal waste, but with an evolved format. The main restaurant will feature a ‘4x4’ flexible menu, offering four dishes in each course, giving guests the chance to craft their own dining experience using the best of the South West’s ingredients.
Highlights include:
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Cornish tuna, preserved truffles, elderflower
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A refined version of Adam’s signature ‘lobster, wagyu’, using small, sweet St Ives lobsters
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Lamb with tandoori cauliflower and wasabi leaf
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Fresh Cornish apple tart, served tableside
Guests can also enjoy bon bons from the Adam Handling Chocolate Shop, despite their non-Cornish origins.
Laid-Back Luxury by the Sea
The terrace menu leans into Cornwall’s seaside spirit, with lobster rolls, crab sandwiches in homemade milk buns, and a nostalgic fish & chips with Champagne offering. Desserts like knickerbocker glory and fruit-packed trifles use ingredients from Mitchell Fruit Garden.
The restaurant will also serve a modern Cornish afternoon tea, split into four creative courses: snacks, savouries, sweets, and scones, with standout bites like pea tart with caviar and hog’s pudding sausage rolls. Guests can pair it with bubbles - from local Polgoon to Krug Champagne, Adam’s favourite.
A Personal Commitment to Cornwall
Adam said: "As one door closes, another one opens – and this Ugly Butterfly 2.0 is a more fitting home for our most sustainable brand... We’ll be going for a Michelin star, and what better place than the iconic Headland Hotel?”
He plans to base himself in Cornwall for much of the year, helping bring the new restaurant to life. The space will seat 50 guests indoors, with additional capacity for 20 on the terrace and 30 in the bar.
A Shared Vision with The Headland
The Headland Hotel, known for its warm and inclusive five-star service, echoes Adam’s values on sustainability and community. With 86 hotel rooms, 39 self-catering cottages, an award-winning spa, and panoramic views, it offers the perfect backdrop for Ugly Butterfly 2.0.
Veryan Palmer, executive director at The Headland, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling. Our shared values make this a natural partnership, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”
Written by Abi Kinsella
