Bodmin’s Flory Restaurant scoops sixth Taste of the West gold

Some restaurants chase a good year. Flory has now had six in a row.

Six golds and counting

Flory Restaurant in Bodmin has picked up a 2026 Taste of the West Gold Award, its sixth consecutive year at the top level of the prestigious regional competition. The win lands as the restaurant heads into its seventh year, having been opened in 2019 by husband-and-wife team Ray and Flory Veerman.

The restaurant takes its name from chef Flory, whose Mediterranean influences and love of seasonal, traditionally cooked food sit alongside a strong appreciation for what Cornwall itself has to offer. Everything is made from scratch, with the emphasis kept firmly on freshness, simplicity and flavour.

What the judges said

Taste of the West’s judges have made a habit of praising Flory’s locally sourced produce, cooking, presentation and service. Past comments have called the restaurant a “real hidden gem” and an “absolute gem”, pointing to its inventive food, Cornish character and welcoming surroundings. This year’s judging panel returned to the same themes, again highlighting the cooking, presentation, local sourcing and customer service.

Ray Veerman said the recognition from within the trade means a great deal:

“We are pleased to have been recognised again as one of the best restaurants in the South West by our industry peers, and it is hugely humbling. We use as much of the amazing seasonal produce, from Cornish land and seas, that’s available to us and our hardworking team strive to ensure our guests enjoy the best food, drink and service possible.”

A double celebration

The Taste of the West gold arrives alongside a second honour. Flory has also just been awarded a 2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, given to businesses that consistently earn strong reviews from travellers on the platform, and this is the fourth year running that Flory has made the list.

Lunch, dinner and the odd themed night

Flory is open Monday to Saturday, serving lunch and dinner alongside tapas, cocktails and a substantial wine list. Through the year the restaurant also runs themed culinary nights built around Spanish, Cornish and French menus, and hosts private gatherings and events, Christmas included.

The two awards add to a growing shelf of accolades for the restaurant, built, six years running, on the same formula: good produce, cooked simply, and served well. More details are on Flory Restaurant’s website.

📷Ray and Flory Veerman with Flory Restaurant's sixth consecutive Taste of the West Gold Award. Credit: Flory Restaurant