Looe Restaurant’s TV Fame: A Business Boom with Local Views
Looe’s Ten Mile Kitchen: A TV Star’s Business Boom
Looe’s charming harbourfront has always been a beloved spot, but for Chef Ben Palmer, owner of The Sardine Factory, life changed dramatically after his restaurant became the fictional ‘Ten Mile Kitchen’ in the BBC’s hit series, Beyond Paradise. Following its debut in 2023 and return to screens for a third series, the show, a British spin-off of Death in Paradise, starring Kris Marshall, brought an unexpected and intense spotlight to this picturesque Cornish town. Ben, a recent Great British Menu winner, witnessed an astonishing surge in business. In the week following the broadcast of The Sardine Factory’s feature, reservations skyrocketed from a typical 45 to a staggering 245 – a remarkable 444 percent increase. While this has undoubtedly been a significant boon for his establishment and the wider local economy, the sudden influx of devoted fans flocking to the real-life TV location has sparked diverse opinions among local residents, highlighting the complex relationship between burgeoning tourism and the existing fabric of community relevance. This dual impact is a common theme as popular culture shines a light on local treasures.
Navigating Local Perspectives and Tourism’s Double Edge
The dramatic increase in visitors, while a clear and measurable boost for The Sardine Factory, has certainly elicited mixed reactions within the Looe community. Chef Ben candidly shared that some locals have expressed concerns about the rising number of people coming to town, voicing a sentiment not uncommon among residents in increasingly popular tourist destinations. However, he strongly emphasizes the vital role tourism plays, especially for the restaurant industry, stating emphatically, “we rely on it” for sustained economic viability. Many other residents, he notes, genuinely embraced the show’s presence with immense pride. “As locals, we were all really proud when we saw our beautiful kind of hometown on the telly,” Ben recounted, adding that the show made everyone realize anew just how stunning Looe truly is. This compelling showcase of Looe’s unique charm and beauty has drawn comparisons to how other iconic Cornish locations, like those you might discover if you go to Newquay, captivate visitors, bringing a renewed sense of appreciation for their immediate local surroundings and contributing positively to the overall local impact.
A Boost for Local Pride and Heritage
Ben Palmer, despite his initial lack of familiarity with Beyond Paradise before it filmed in Looe, quickly became a fan, appreciating how well the series captured the essence and undeniable charm of his hometown. He acknowledges the unique opportunity the show presents, not just for the direct benefit of his business but for the entire town’s profile. The Sardine Factory itself holds a significant place in Looe’s recent history, having been established in 2018 as part of a broader town regeneration scheme, which also included the creation of a local museum. Its name pays homage to its past life as an old sardine processing facility, deeply rooting it in Looe’s industrial and cultural heritage. The show’s ability to shine a powerful light on such local landmarks and attract visitors keen to experience “where they saw on TV” underscores the profound community relevance of such media exposure. This visibility not only injects life into the local economy but also fosters a shared sense of pride and connection among residents, reminding everyone of the inherent beauty, unique character, and enduring appeal of their Cornish home.
Source: ‘I own Beyond Paradise’s Ten Mile Kitchen – it’s not all good for business’
