Paul Ainsworth announces new head chef at Padstow restaurant

Paul Ainsworth at No6 has announced Mason Winwood as the new head chef of its restaurant.

The Michelin-starred restaurant by Paul Ainsworth is located in a Georgian townhouse in the heart of Padstow.

About Paul 

Southampton-born Paul Ainsworth is the successful chef and restaurateur behind Paul Ainsworth at No6, Caffè Rojano, Padstow Townhouse and The Mariners - all located on the North Cornwall coast. In 2005 Paul became Head Chef at Padstow’s No6 before taking over the business with his wife Emma in 2009, earning a Michelin star in 2013.

The four course menu at the restaurant showcases Cornish produce at its best and, while more refined, what binds it to the cooking at the rest of his restaurants is Paul’s focus on making exquisite food fun. In 2011, Paul acquired Rojano’s in Padstow, a Mediterranean restaurant opened by Stanley Rojano in 1974. Now called Caffè Rojano, and inspired by the couple’s love of New York’s Italian American café culture, it serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu, also using seasonal Cornish produce.

Padstow Townhouse opened in 2015, a six-suite boutique hotel in Padstow’s Old Town, realising the couple’s dream of offering their guests somewhere to stay. In 2019, Paul and Emma acquired The Mariners Public House in Rock, across The Camel Estuary from Padstow, and reopened it following a major refurbishment.

Paul has an impressive culinary background, having worked with renowned chefs such as Gary Rhodes, Gordon Ramsay, and Marcus Wareing.

Mason has over 10 years of experience at the award-winning restaurant.

The restaurant has also received four AA Rosettes and is included in the Good Food Guide's top 50 UK restaurants.

In a post on social media, it read: “I’m thrilled to announce that Mason Winwood has taken the helm as our new head chef.

“After 10 incredible years in our kitchen, Mason’s dedication, passion and creativity has truly set him apart and we’re excited to see him lead the next chapter of No6."

Paul also celebrated his 'exceptional' team, he added: “We’re also proud to celebrate Josh Rooney, our exceptional pastry sous chef, and creative maestro and talented development chef Ciaran Burr. Their commitment and skill continue to elevate our kitchen, and we can’t wait to see them flourish, alongside Mason, in this new era.”

Multiple chefs took to social media to congratulate Mason on the well-earned promotion.

Chris McClurg said: “One of the most committed young chefs I have had the pleasure to work alongside, and watch grow into the unshakable stalwart he is. Congratulations Mase.”

Paul Dodd added: “What an inspirational journey of solid commitment, dedication and being humble along the way of mastering our trade to the highest standard! Well deserved, what a future you have ahead.”

Paul Gayler shared: “Good luck Mason, with your stabling I’m sure you can only go from strength to strength with Paul, you couldn’t have a better mentor, Congratulations!”