TV Spotlight Brings Mixed Blessings to Local Looe Eatery
Looe’s Ten Mile Kitchen Experiences TV Boom
The charming Cornish town of Looe has found itself in the national spotlight, thanks to the popular BBC series ‘Beyond Paradise.’ The show’s fictional restaurant, ‘The Ten Mile Kitchen,’ is in reality Looe’s very own The Sardine Factory, owned by celebrated Chef Ben Palmer. Since its appearance in the third series, the establishment has experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity, transforming it into a must-visit destination for fans. Chef Palmer reported a staggering 444 percent increase in bookings in the week following its broadcast, jumping from 45 to 245 reservations. This sudden fame has certainly put Looe on the map for many viewers, bringing a significant boost to the local economy and highlighting the area’s picturesque beauty to a wider audience. However, this newfound attention has also ignited conversations among residents about the implications of increased tourism.
Balancing Tourism Influx with Local Sentiment
While the economic advantages of increased visitors are undeniable, Chef Palmer acknowledges a mixed reaction from the local community. “You get a lot of kickback from a lot of locals saying, we don’t want more people coming to town,” he shared, understanding the concerns about overcrowding and changes to their beloved hometown. Yet, he firmly believes in the necessity of tourism for the restaurant business, stating, “we rely on it.” This sentiment echoes a wider debate often heard in popular Cornish destinations. While the spotlight on Looe is new, other Cornish towns familiar with large visitor numbers, such as those who go to Newquay for its surfing and vibrant atmosphere, often navigate similar conversations around balancing local life with tourist demand. For Ben, it’s about finding that delicate equilibrium.
A Town’s Pride and Future Outlook
Despite some reservations, a strong sense of pride resonates throughout Looe. Many residents expressed joy at seeing their “beautiful hometown on the telly,” with Chef Palmer noting how the show truly showcases the area’s natural charm. The Sardine Factory itself, established in 2018 as part of a town regeneration initiative, holds a deep connection to Looe’s heritage, taking its name from the building’s former life as a sardine processing plant. This historical link, coupled with its modern-day fame, reinforces the community’s identity. As ‘Beyond Paradise’ continues to captivate audiences, now in its fourth season and available on BBC iPlayer, Looe embraces its moment in the sun, navigating the challenges and celebrating the opportunities that come with being the backdrop for a beloved television series.
Source: ‘I own Beyond Paradise’s Ten Mile Kitchen – it’s not all good for business’
