02 Feb 2024
London February 2024 : The Massey Partnership are delighted to announce that they are now representing Jude Kereama's Kota and Kota Kai in Porthleven, the two popular restaurants in the historic Cornish village.
Chef patron Jude Kereama is a New Zealander who has won awards for his restaurants in both London and Auckland before moving down to Cornwall. Kota, meaning 'shellfish' in Maori, (chef Jude is half Maori, half Chinese Malay) was opened in 2006 to critical acclaim and is in a 300-year-old building, right on the harbour head in Porthleven.
The menu focuses on using local and seasonal produce with an Asian twist and has led to Jude being chosen to represent the Southwest in Great British Menu. With 40 covers, and 3 bedrooms for a 'Dine and Stay' experience, Kota is a relaxed high-end dining offering, with small plate 7 and 9 course tasting menus, that stands out in the Southwest as one of the finest restaurant experiences, something that has been cemented by its many accolades.
In 2018 Kota was awarded a third AA rosette (one of only four in Cornwall) and named as 'Restaurant of the Year' in the Cornwall Life Food & Drink Awards. Jude was awarded 'Chef of the Year' in the 2019 Trencherman's Guide Awards, and most recently awarded 'Special Contribution' to the hospitality industry again by Trencherman's Guide Awards. Kota retained its Bib Gourmand for the sixth year in a row and was highly acclaimed by The Good Food Guide, as well as being included in Harden's 100 Best UK Restaurants 2022. With Head Chef Ross Sloan overseeing the pass, Kota goes from strength to strength.
In 2011 Jude opened Kota Kai, just moments from the original restaurant. Kota Kai was originally created to provide a family friendly option with integrity, somewhere that offered a laid back, welcoming atmosphere with a delicious menu that stood out from the usual family-friendly fayre. Now, 13 years later Kai is being relaunched with a full refurbishment and renovation, with a version that retains it's warm welcome but has become a little more sophisticated.
With an extensive cocktail menu by The Bearded Barman, Chris Jarrett, a wine list with many New World wines and a new bar area, Kota Kai is the ideal place for a cocktail and snack with friends, or a meal overlooking the harbour. In the summer months guests can sit outside and take in the sea views, ordering from their ground floor bar. With 90 covers, Kai is a buzzing and popular destination with unbeatable views, laidback atmosphere and delightful menu. A new Josper grill will be a new feature at Kota Kai, giving dishes cooked over the charcoal embers a smokey touch, as they are braised as a high temperature of 350 degrees , sealing the food on the outside, maintaining all the juiciness and tenderness on the inside.
Located on the South West Coast path, Kota and Kota Kai are ideal stop offs for walkers, and for guests of all ages to enjoy some Cornish hospitality and a warm welcome. Jude is a hands on and passionate chef, and alongside his late wife Jane, one of the founders of the Porthleven Food Festival (26-28 April 2024), and regularly donates his time and skill to charity events throughout the South West. His warmth and enthusiasm for Cornwall and its bounties comes across in his restaurants, and it is little wonder so many guests return so often.
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Notes for Editors
Jude Kereama was born in New Zealand where he honed his skills in the kitchen with Simon Gault, before travelling to the UK where he met his wife Jane. Searching for a restaurant in the UK, they settled in Porthleven and opened Kota in 2006, before launching Kota Kai in 2011.
Kota
Head Chef Ross Sloan
Jude earned the Trencherman's Award for 'Special Contribution' in 2020 and was named 'Chef Of The Year' in 2019. Kota is proud to be recognised by the Good Food Guide, the Michelin Guide with a prestigious Bib Gourmand Award and the AA (with three Rosettes). Kota is one of only five restaurants in Cornwall to have been awarded 3 Rosettes. Sommelier Dan Wright has put together an extensive wine collection of new and old-world wines, and wine flights are served alongside the ever changing menu of small plates.
In November 2019, Kota was named 'Restaurant of the Year' from Cornwall Life Magazine and was also ranked in Harden's Top 100 restaurants in the UK and Square Meal Top 100 in 2022.
7 and 9 course tasting menus, and a changing set menu.
Kota Kai
Head Chef – Marcus Houghton
General Manager - Jenna Sawle
Kota Kai reopens on 8th February with a refurbished look, new bar area and outdoor seating. With 90 coverage the restaurant can also provide private dining and a function room for celebrations and weddings.
The menu at Kota Kai is family friendly locally sourced dishes with an Asian twist, extensive New World wine list and cocktail menu by The Bearded Barman Chris Barrett. Kota Kai is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
Main plates are from £15.50
Press Contact
Charlotte Allen and Diana Massey
