A solstice lunch at Argoe.

Sunday 21st June.

Andrew’s catch. Big crabs and other shellfish. Tutto wines.

Andrew Stevens works Benediction FH623, a 19 foot boat, out of Newlyn harbour. He is a skilled fisherman and a good friend. This photo of him was taken in Asturias, a northern Spanish harbour far from where most tourists go.

Ambling about in the morning light, we talked with skippers and crew, Andrew’s easy way with people quickly making us new friends. As they spoke in two unfamiliar languages, they found a third in common - fish. Sharing stories we learned that many were targeting a delicacy we often don’t deem worth catching here. Spider crab. The Spanish appreciation for it struck us both; valuable and prized, and the centre of the table at special occasions. As it should be.

Andrew keeps us well stocked with these spectacular creatures during the months they are abundant in the waters just minutes from the restaurant. Because he, like his Spanish counterparts, knows how good they are. As a nod to the Spanish kitchens that inspire us, and a tribute to Andrew’s efforts, you’ll find them on our menu daily.

But it’s not often we get the chance to take the biggest ones to the table - 3k monsters perfect for a long shared lunch. So this day will be solely dedicated to them, with additional bites inspired by coastal Spain. Light, fresh and shellfish focussed, with cuttlefish, octopus and hake before the main event.

A wine list from Tutto alongside will make this one a feast not to be missed. Having met Alex last summer at a beautiful St Eia lunch featuring bottles from their cellar, and more recently tasted again in London with Damiano, it will be a pleasure to finally pour Tutto’s wines on the Argoe terrace.

Come and share the longest day of the year at the table with us, and enjoy the best of our local shellfish, at the best time of year to be eating them. Cornish produce, Spanish approach, an ode to the season and to a fishermen’s catch.