ABOUT
Dorian spent much of his childhood living in Spain, where he fell in love with the Mediterranean cooking and the infectious way of life associated with those countries’ cultures. Most memorable was their respect for produce, simple cooking, and sharing with family and friends. These form the real foundations of our hospitality.
The original idea for Ardor was to open a tapas restaurant which was true to Dorian’s roots, but he also wanted the freedom to offer dishes from the whole Mediterranean basin.
Small plates, Tapas, or Mezze in theory all have similarities together to create an accessible menu that can grow with your appetite. Ardor is the ideal place to enjoy a light lunch, a mid-afternoon glass of wine with pintxos or an evening meal shared with friends and family.
Ardor originates from the Latin word meaning ‘heat’ and ‘passion’; two things that go hand in hand to describe the Mediterranean way of life. We showcase the finest ingredients, sourced and produced with a responsibility to the welfare of the planet. Ingredients picked for their quality, freshness and flavours enhanced by cooking with care and simplicity.
Dorian Janmaat
Dorian spent his early years living in Ibiza and Cornwall and spent several years schooling in Spain, a period which sparked his interest in food with fond memories of visiting markets in various beautiful coastal towns. His teens were spent back in Cornwall when the family returned here to live. Studying at Cornwall College and taking his first chef roles, at 23 he gained a place as a Commis Chef at the world-renowned, 2-Michelin-starred hotel and restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.
In 2015, Dorian won the Annual Awards of Excellence, National Young Chef of the Year, a highlight of his career. Dorian went on to spend 9 years at Le Manoir, under the mentorship of Chef Patron Raymond Blanc OBE, and was promoted through the ranks, becoming Head Chef in 2016.
In 2020, Dorian returned to Cornwall as Executive Head Chef of the luxury Relais & Chateaux hotel, The Idle Rocks. During his time in St Mawes, Dorian won several accolades including Restaurant of the Year in the South-West Tourism Awards and 3AA Rosettes.
2024 saw the most exciting chapter yet as Dorian opensed the doors to his first solo-outpost, Ardor, in the heart of St Ives.