Mick Smith is the acclaimed Executive Chef and co-owner of the Porthminster Restaurant Group, overseeing its flagship beachfront café and related venues in St Ives, Cornwall. Originally from Victoria, Australia, Mick cut his teeth in Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene – drawing on a rich mix of Mediterranean and Asian influences – before relocating to Cornwall in search of sea, surf and fresh local produce.

Since arriving at what was then a modest beach café, Mick has transformed the restaurant into a celebrated destination for seafood lovers, marrying Cornish catch with global flavours and seasonal elegance.    He pioneered a coastal kitchen garden and regular foraging along the Cornish coast — early examples in the region of a hyper-local, sustainable food philosophy.

Under his direction, the group serves dishes rooted in local seafood and produce, with menus shaped by the tides and seasons. Though responsibilities have grown, Mick remains hands-on bridging his love of surfing and the sea with his passion for good food and authentic coastal dining.