Crocadon
St Mellion, United Kingdom
ā1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Chef-owner Dan Cox realised that to cook the best, he needed to first grow the best, so he spent five years establishing the 120 acre farm on which this beautifully restored barn is set. This is the epitome of āfield to forkā, with the farmĀ ā which is run on regenerative principlesĀ ā delivering much of the produce, and the rest sourced from similarly minded local suppliers. The cooking is assured and original, with dishes delivering wonderfully pure flavours.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
1. Crocadon is a fully integrated organic farm and restaurant with a "full-circle system" that feeds into its restaurant, brewery, and shop, emphasizing regenerative and biodynamic farming practices. The farm raises its own animals (pigs, chickens, sheep) and grows a variety of fruits and vegetables on-site, making it a true farm-to-table experience where diners can see the source of their meal just steps away from the restaurant.
2. The restaurant features an on-site pottery studio that produces bespoke tableware used in the dining experience, adding a unique artisanal and sustainable touch to the presentation of dishes. This initiative is part of Crocadon's broader commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship, making the dining experience deeply connected to the environment and the restaurant's ethos.
3. Crocadon holds a Michelin Green Star, an accolade recognizing its exceptional commitment to sustainability, which is evident not only in its farming and sourcing but also in the way the ethos is communicated and reflected on the plate. The dishes highlight natural, pure flavors from the farmās produce, such as a mini ātomato Tatinā tart with intense sweetness, showcasing how Michelin-star dining can be powerfully tied to nature and regenerative agriculture.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at Crocadon, the Michelin-starred restaurant in St Mellion, reflect its strong commitment to organic, regenerative farming and local sourcing. Key ingredients include:
Lamb (Sheep leg): Raised regeneratively on the farm, lamb is featured prominently, such as in the signature dish "sheep leg with golden beetroot, Basque chilli, and nasturtium," showcasing the connection between land and plate.
Golden Beetroot: A vibrant root vegetable grown on-site, used to complement meat dishes and highlight seasonal flavors.
Red Deer: Another local game ingredient reflecting the farm-to-table ethos, emphasizing hearty, sustainable protein options.
Cuttlefish: Used in creative dishes like "cuttlefish with lemongrass and foraged dittander," illustrating the restaurantās use of foraged and local seafood alongside farm produce.
Organic Wheat and Grains: Utilized in their bakery for sourdough bread, croissants, and pastries, these ingredients underline the regenerative agriculture approach and the importance of soil health for flavor.
These ingredients are significant as they embody Crocadon's philosophy of regenerative farming, sustainability, and seasonality, with dishes crafted to celebrate the natural flavors and provenance of the land and sea around St Mellion.