FlavOURS of Looe. An illustrated Community Cookbook

A Love Letter to the Tide

This isn’t just a cookbook—it’s a painted love letter to Looe, a town shaped by the tide for centuries.
Flavours of Looe celebrates our fishing heritage through the eyes and brushes of young people. In a world of digital snaps and generic recipes, we chose creativity: we chose CreativeLooe.

This project brings together the heart, heritage, and home-cooked secrets of Looe. From the kitchens of Looe Academy students to the professional skills of our town’s award-winning chefs, we’ve captured the soul of our seafaring roots in cherished seafaring dishes.
From Quay to Canvas

A century ago, most Looe schoolchildren had family ties to fishing. That link has faded, but the connection endures. This book reconnects us with fresh eyes.

• Inspiration: Students connected with the local fleet to learn about Looe Harbour’s seasonal catch.
• Kitchen: Recipes were tested and perfected at home, often guided by grandparents with fishing roots or favourite chefs.
• Studio: In art lessons, students painted their dishes—capturing the shimmer of fish scales, the glow of prawns, and golden pastry crusts with brushes, not cameras.

We’re bridging past and future: blending the legacy of families like Pengelly’s (five generations strong), with the artistic vision of Looe Community Academy students under the guidance of Lesa Welch, a professional lino artist, teacher and artist in residence at Looe Community Academy.
From “Catch & Cook” boat classes to painting species their great-grandparents never knew, we’re all learning to cook, eat, and celebrate the new Looe.