Ugly Butterfly Awarded Michelin Star Ahead of February Reopening

Cornwall Restaurant Wins Michelin Star as Doors Reopen Tomorrow

A Cornish restaurant in Newquay is reopening tomorrow with a major milestone already secured, after being awarded a Michelin star just days before welcoming diners back.

Ugly Butterfly, led by chef Adam Handling MBE, received the accolade at the Michelin Guide Ceremony held in Dublin on 9th February 2026. The award marks the second Michelin star for the Adam Handling Collection, following the continued success of Frog by Adam Handling in Covent Garden, which was first awarded its star in 2022.

The recognition comes as the restaurant prepares to reopen tomorrow, Tuesday 11th February, after undergoing a major refurbishment over the winter months.

Michelin Recognition and a Fresh Chapter

The Michelin star recognises Ugly Butterfly’s focus on exceptional produce, creativity and immersive dining. Its arrival coincides with what the team describes as the next chapter for the restaurant, combining industry recognition with a reworked space and refreshed offering.

Having now established itself in Newquay, Ugly Butterfly has quickly become one of Cornwall’s most talked-about dining destinations. The recent refurbishment follows the restaurant’s original opening under extremely tight timelines during the height of last summer season, giving the team the chance to fully rebuild and elevate the site.

What’s Changed Inside

The refurbishment includes a brand new state of the art kitchen, a redesigned bar and the introduction of a dedicated Afternoon Tea Lounge. The new lounge has been designed as a light filled and refined space, inspired by the natural beauty of the Cornish coast, featuring bespoke furniture, curved wooden tables, pale stone surfaces and soft neutral textures.

The main restaurant and terrace will now offer a single tasting menu, showcasing ingredients sourced from across the South West. Alongside this, guests will be able to enjoy a distinctive afternoon tea experience, as well as a bar food menu focused on caviar and lobster, available in the bar or Tea Lounge.

A Cornish Focus

The new direction reflects the Adam Handling Collection’s aim to redefine British food through a hyper local Cornish lens. The tasting menu has been developed with a stronger emphasis on Cornish produce, while the overall experience has been shaped by the team’s time in the space and their growing connection to the local area.

Adam Handling MBE said:

“When we first opened, Ugly Butterfly was all about moving fast, but now we’ve had the chance to really shape it into the restaurant we always envisioned. The refurbishment makes it even more fitting to the Cornish coast – a place to forget your worries, escape the city and just sit back and enjoy. We’ve relaunched with a bigger focus on seafood, reflecting our views over the ocean, while our nearby pub, The Tartan Fox, will be more meat led. There’s a brand new room dedicated to Afternoon Tea, creating a calm, relaxing space and the restaurant has been refreshed with more flowers and growing plants throughout. In the summer, the outside terrace will be gorgeous – a perfect spot to enjoy the South West at its best. To receive a second Michelin star for the Collection, and the first for Ugly Butterfly, at this moment is incredibly special. It recognises the hard work of the whole team and confirms that what we’re building here in Cornwall is something truly world class.”

Opening Details

The newly Michelin starred Ugly Butterfly reopens tomorrow, 11th February, following its winter refurbishment. The restaurant will be open Tuesday to Saturday, with Mondays added during the peak July and August season.

Ugly Butterfly is located at The Headland, Fistral Beach, Headland Road, Newquay TR7 1EW.
Reservations can be made via email at reservations@uglybutterfly.co.uk or by calling 01637 839739.

More information can be found on the restaurant’s website at www.uglybutterfly.co.uk, with updates also shared on @uglybutterflybyah.