Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall claims respected European award

Ciao amici!

One of the best restaurants, and my favourite to visit during my holidays in Cornwall, has claimed a top European award in Brussels this week.

Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall, located just 20 minutes from Perran View Holiday Park, won the Inclusive Growth: Creating Jobs for the Young Generation category at the RegioStars 2014 – beating 4 other finalists to the respected award.

The RegioStars awards are run by the European Commission and identify good practices in regional development as well as highlighting innovative projects that could inspire other regions.

The restaurant, which pulls me in with its rustic Italian dishes, helps transform disadvantaged youngsters into professional chefs. It is run by the Cornwall Food Foundation charity and has created opportunities for over 140 apprentices since it was opened 8 years ago.

On winning the award, Jamie Oliver said: “This is amazing news – that we have won this European award for creating jobs for young people!”

“We create opportunities for young people by giving them confidence, love and care – with over 90% of the graduates from Fifteen Cornwall still in work and over 80% still working as chefs. This award is such a big deal for us and without the European investment, Fifteen Cornwall would never have happened.”

The Watergate Bay restaurant is as popular with visitors on Cornwall breaks as it is with the locals. Make a last minute reservation and you're guaranteed to leave feeling full and content, knowing your visit has helped fund the foundation's apprentice programme.