Celebrity chef Rick Stein has been accused of “colonising” Cornwall after opening 13 different businesses over the last 50 years. Locals have claimed their town, Padstow, now feels “like a cult” after the 78-year-old opened his first dining business in the town in 1975

However, over the past decades, he has increased his portfolio with multiple restaurants, cafes, delis, cookery schools, and other business interests. His famed grip on the North Cornwall town even resulted in the area being nicknamed “Padstein,” with gift and bookshops full of his merchandise. The town has 2,500 residents, but that number typically doubles in the summer as second-home owners and tourists flock there. Locals have now claimed that Rick’s influence has been both a blessing and a curse. Although it has boosted the tourist trade, it has also hiked prices, stifling local businesses.

Local resident Phil was also stunned by its commercialisation and added: "Padstow is a brand. It's cool. Timberland have a store here, and even sell Padstow-themed T-shirts, which is crazy when you think the town only has 2,500 residents.”

He also addressed Rick’s influence on the area and described it as “dominated” by him “to an almost medieval level”.

The famous chef first moved to Padstow in the early 1970s, and he and his ex-wife Jill Stein opened The Seafood Restaurant in 1975.

Today, he owns and manages 13 businesses there, including multiple restaurants, a bistro, a deli, a café, a patisserie, a gift shop, and a cookery school, as well as a hotel and cottages to rent.

Despite many being priced out, some locals who remained said the town would be "nothing" without the chef’s influence.

Ruth Campbell, local business owner of The Harbour Inn in Padstow, said that Rick's influence on the town has been overwhelmingly positive throughout the years.

She said: "I went to his fish and chip shop yesterday for lunch and it was fabulous. That comes from a business owner in the town. My question to everyone would be, where would Padstow be without Rick Stein?"

Padstow Town Council also previously moved to ban the sale of new-build homes to second-home owners amid reports that old fishermen's cottages once valued at £25,000 are now renovated into £500k holiday homes.

One resident said many locals had been “priced out” by the popularity and added: "Unless you are rich or a second home owner, there's no chance of staying.

"Rick Stein has had a lot to do with that. He's put the town on the map, and that brings a lot of positives, but behind that, the traditional town people grew up with has gone.”

Visit Cornwall said in its promotional material: "Made famous by Rick Stein over the last 30 years or so, there's much more to Padstow than just great places to eat.

"It's still a working harbour, it's surrounded by glorious beaches, and offers a base to explore the Camel estuary."

It also described the stunning location as a “must-visit foodie destination, thanks in large part to Rick Stein."

Rick Stein has been approached for comment.

His long list of businesses in Padstow includes The Seafood Restaurant, Rick Stein's Cafe, Rick Stein's Cookery School, Stein's Fish & Chips, The Cornish Arms, St Petroc's Bistro and Stein's coffee shop, alongside Stein's Seafood Bar & Fishmongers, Rick Stein's St Edmunds House, The Cornish Arms, Stein's Gift Shop, Stein's at Trevone Farm and Stein's Deli.