Category: Food and drink

The Best Vegan & Vegetarian Food in Cornwall

We take a dive into some of the sustainable, zero-waste and plant-based cafes and restaurants paving the way for an eco-friendlier food scene here in Cornwall.

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More and more of us are trying to live a bit more sustainably, and an increasingly popular method is through a sustainable diet, achieved by opting for plant-based alternatives over meat. With the effects of animal agriculture on climate change becoming apparent, there’s more of an incentive to cut down on personal consumption. And it’s catching – with oat milk now as common as dairy in coffee shops, challenges such as ‘Veganuary’ on the rise, and supermarket shelves full of innovative vegan products, there’s never been more opportunity to make some simple swaps towards an eco-friendlier diet.

Although famous for its excellent seafood, Cornwall’s largely rural and lush landscape means there is plenty of space for veggie produce. This is being utilised across many forward-thinking Cornish plant-based cafes, which are paving the way for more sustainable eating around the county. Since Covid, holidaying locally has also been on the rise, and this has incidentally become a great way of cutting air miles and reducing carbon footprints. So why not take your sustainable stay even further, and sample some of the great plant-based produce Cornwall has to offer?

Here’s our top picks of vegan and veggie eats by the coast.

Quick bites

Fal Falafel Van, Falmouth

Fal Falafel Van are a Falmouth based street food vendor, serving fresh, authentic and award winning Middle Eastern street food. Their menu largely celebrates all things falafel and hummus, homemade to their own unique recipes and served in pittas or salad boxes with pickles, chillies, herbs and sauces. Grab lunch here on the go during a day out in this vibrant seaside town.

Snail’s Pace Café & Bike Hire, Bodmin

For rolling moorland, secluded cycle trails and organic produce, head inland to this unique ‘off grid’ space, set in a beautiful valley at Wenfordbridge near Bodmin Moor. Combining quick vegan and veggie eats with homemade cakes and bakes, Snail’s Pace Café is your refuel station during a day amongst the dynamic landscape of Bodmin Moor. The option for bike hire also encourages you to leave the car behind and explore the many cycle paths in this area, including the iconic Camel Trail.

Be Kind the Vegan Coffee Caravan, Hayle

This down-to-earth, grab-and-go caravan is parked up in South Quay, Hayle, and serves delicious vegan cakes and coffees with one message at its core – be kind, to yourself, others, and the planet. And this is does, with its fully plant-based menu offering an eco-friendly snack option on your beach walk. Try their kebab wraps and bagels, enjoyed with a sea view.

Discover our bespoke holiday cottages in Hayle, a short drive from St Ives and Pendeen.

Eco Dining

Ugly Butterly, Carbis Bay

Adam Handling is one of the chefs pioneering the sustainable food scene here in Cornwall. His new restaurant, Ugly Butterly, is a gem of food innovation and marks a new way of dining in a county so well known for its traditional fast food. Situated on the shores of Carbis Bay, the site of the 2021 G7 summit, Ugly Butterly is a zero-waste restaurant. Any trims or offcuts from its beautiful and locally sourced dishes are transformed into delicious bar snacks and drinks, proving Adam’s ethos that as there is no such thing as an ugly butterly, there is also no such thing as food waste. Although not entirely vegan, the restaurant offers a full, separate vegan menu, including a plant-based tasting menu.

New Yard, Helston

New Yard is situated in a historic stable yard at Trelowarren in Cornwall, which has been owned by the same family for over 600 years. Its sustainable approach to dining may seem futuristic, but nods to traditional methods of self-sustaining households where everything eaten is grown at home and on site. Each night, their beautiful menu changes and is entirely composed of produce foraged from the estate, grown in their walled garden or ethically sourced from the local area. In 2021 they were awarded a Michelin Green Star, which recognizes gastronomy and sustainable practices. They do serve dishes featuring meat and dairy produce, all locally and ethically sourced, but they also run a vegetable-led menu which is entirely vegan and showcases a delicious variety of seasonal vegetables.

The Bean Inn, Carbis Bay

For a more relaxed dining experience, try Carbis Bay’s only fully vegan and vegetarian restaurant. Their ethos is simple – nourishing plant-based food, a relaxed and intimate setting, and takeaway options with plant-based compostable packaging. Not just delicious, their dishes are beautifully presented and packed with colour and flavour. Taste their globally inspired plates and leave feeling satisfied and enriched.

To sample the best vegan and vegetarian food in Cornwall, browse our locations to find a retreat in the right place for you. Be sure to keep an eye on our special offers page, too, for the latest deals. 

Explore the finest food and farm shops in Cornwall, where local produce and culinary delights await to enhance your coastal experience.

The best places to eat and drink in Bude

Made up of a rugged coastline, salty sea air and panoramic scenery, Bude is an underrated gem on the North Cornish coast. Yet beyond its sandy shores lies a colourful seaside town, harnessing its own unique culture and atmosphere with a range of highly esteemed places to grab a bite or enjoy a sundowner after a day on the beach. We have come up with a list of our top places to eat and drink in Bude, ready for you to tuck in during your stay.

Want to stay in a luxury holiday house with a view of the sea? Check out our cottages with sea views.

Temple

Temple sits in the heart of Bude and merges fine dining with a fresh, simple outlook which focusses on the idea of healing. Using local, seasonal ingredients, their food mirrors the simple joy of living harmoniously within beautiful surroundings, with the aim to heal the landscape we live in. Here you will find perfectly portioned dishes of braised fennel, BBQ’d mushrooms, daily fresh fish and porchetta with courgettes and picked shallots. For unique, nourishing cuisine, look no further than this roof terrace restaurant.

The Bank at Bude Tapas bar

Set alongside the peaceful ripples of the River Neet, The Bank is Bude’s resident tapas bar, serving an array of authentic small plates designed to be shared with friends. Tapas is inspired by interaction, conversation and sharing, and the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant mirrors this. Situated just a short walk from the main stretch of town and beaches, the serene riverside location sets the tone for an inviting evening of good company and delicious food.

The Deck

The essence of The Deck is based on the relationship between food and travel, combining the best flavours from around the world to create mouth watering dishes. Situated just minutes from Summerleaze beach, their menu is inspired by street traders in Asia, seafood from Europe and chargrilled flare from down under, and contains a selection of skewers, fresh fish and grilled goodness, all served in laid back, beachside interiors. Described by the team as ‘flip flop dining’, head straight from the beach to this eatery for dinner, seaside style.

2 Belle Vue Avenue

This small, relaxed and friendly bistro is hidden in the heart of Bude, offering a variety of mezze, antipasti and tapas dishes from its local produce and Mediterranean inspired menu. Start with butternut arancini or crispy croquettes before tucking into pan seared seabass, washed down with a glass of chilled wine.

The Olive Tree 

Enjoy alfresco dining and delicious flavours at The Olive Tree, a bistro in Bude’s town centre. With a colourful menu, plenty of vegetarian and vegan options and a preference for fresh, local produce, this is a perfect spot for a lazy lunch after a morning spent in the surf.

Starboard Bistro and Rosie’s Kitchen

Take your pick of two mouth-watering restaurants in one spectacular location. Refuel after a day of watersports at these two outlets situated beside Crooklet’s beach. Starboard Bistro, Bude’s first wood fired bistro, is your go-to for sizzling pizzas fresh from the Eucalyptus wood fired oven. Or head to Rosie’s Kitchen by the beach, for a quick ice cream or refreshing beer.

The Beach at Bude Hotel bar and Elements Restaurant

The Beach at Bude is your go to spot for sundowners the colour of the evening sky. Feel the aura of sophistication at this chic seafront cocktail bar which overlooks Summerleaze beach. Part of The Beach at Bude hotel, this spot is perfect for an evening of winding down after a day in the sun. The laid-back interiors, decadent drinks and bar nibbles all make the visit worthwhile.

The hotel is now also home to Elements Restaurant, serving up an Italian-inspired menu adorned with local seafood and sharing platters.

Fancy staying in Bude? Check out our luxury holiday lets in Bude.

Looking for other fantastic restaurants in Cornwall? Check out some of our favourite restaurants with stunning sea views.

New food, new flavours

Jude Kereama, Sham Mulji and Fiona Were are among the Cornwall-based chefs revealing some of the tempting new flavours and ingredients on menus in 2022. From St Ives Bay Mackerel to sweet Melder honey, hand-dived scallops and sustainably reared beef, take a culinary tour of the county with some of the most talented chefs working here today…

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Food pictured: Chef Fiona NZ

Chef Fiona NZ, private chef, Cornwall

Touted as one of the ’10 female chefs to watch’ by The Independent, Fiona Were is taking the Cornish private dining scene by storm. Drawing on her New Zealand roots, classic French training and Asian influences, Fiona travels throughout Cornwall offering her bespoke dining experiences – from intimate dinners à deux to exquisite group tasting menus.

“The ingredient that I’m most excited about using for 2022 is the fantastic seafood that Cornwall has to offer, in particular, hand line caught, St Ives Bay Mackerel. I just love the versatility of this beautiful fish.

“My dishes are always evolving with the seasons and mackerel is often a key feature. It pairs so well with many different flavours, from delicate to robust. I particularly enjoy accompanying this delicious, underrated, sustainably caught fish with herbs I may have foraged on one of my many ornithological forays or that I have grown myself, which add intriguing flavour notes.

“Every ingredient I use plays its own role on the plate. Sometimes less is more, but the flavours and colours are always fresh and intense. The possibilities are only limited by my imagination.”

Beach Retreats in St Ives

Jude Kereama, patron chef, Kota, Porthleven

Meaning ‘shellfish’ in Maori, Kota serves the best local produce with a signature Asian twist from a 300-year-old converted mill on the historic Porthleven harbour front. Half Maori, half Chinese Malay chef Jude Kereama is much-celebrated, having been named ‘Chef of the Year’ in 2019 and chosen to represent the South West in Great British Menu.

“We are looking forward to our new season tasting menu here at Kota, taking advantage of local produce that surrounds us in Cornwall. These include seared hand-dived scallops with xo sauce, crispy onions and venison tartare from a local venison farm which is the best I have ever used (West Country Premium Venison).

“We will serve the tartare with apple, celeriac, hazelnuts and a gochujang dressing. We are also looking forward to producing from our own farm, which we are working on at the moment.”

Find a Beach Retreat near Porthleven

Image Credit: Jude Kereama, Kota, photographer James Ram

Sham Mulji, chef/barista/owner, Situ Café (mobile)

With a menu spanning speciality coffee, masala chai and Gujarati, Ugandan and British fusion food, mobile canteen Situ Café is the brainchild of Sham Mulji – AKA the man behind the van. Visitors to Cornwall can sample Sham’s flavours at local markets, pop-ups and his ‘Eatery Evenings’ – or bring the café culture to their dining room with private catering.

“When I launched the ‘Eatery’ section of the business last summer, I wanted to find the best, local, sustainable produce to continue our aim of connecting communities. I’m particularly excited to explore more of what Homage to the Bovine (grass-fed retired dairy cow beef) have to offer this year ­– building on their sustainable beef practices by using forequarter, shin, ox-tail, marrow and even pushing boundaries by cooking up liver and trotters.

“This is in keeping with our ‘heritage food’ style and, as a farming county, it’s important we take a more sustainable, nose-to-tail approach when eating meat.”

Chef Natasha, private chef, Cornwall

St Ives local and freelance chef Natasha Osborne creates unique dining experiences across Cornwall. Working closely with her clients to plan bespoke menus, Chef Natasha is just as comfortable rustling up a relaxed outdoor wood-fired feast as a refined tasting menu – and can often be found foraging in the Cornish hedgerows for new flavours.

Explore more of our favourite restaurants with amazing sea views.

“I’m most excited about working with new local suppliers. Most recently, I’ve been daydreaming of a dish featuring Melder Honey, which is a honey that’s really local to my hometown of St Ives. It’s the best honey I’ve ever tasted and Toby the owner is so great to work with, often turning up with a truck full of bees and honey for me!

“I’m thinking of recreating a steamed sponge syrup pudding, traditionally made with golden syrup, which I will be replacing with Toby’s honey and adding some blackberries too – perhaps a blackberry custard or crème patisserie. There’s just something so good about an actual, old-school pudding.”

Beach Retreats with room to host

Angus Bell, chef/owner, Restaurant Mine, Falmouth

Nestled in a cobbled courtyard favoured by Falmouth’s arty crowd, Restaurant Mine is a cosy neighbourhood eatery offering a fresh take on classic British food. Le Gavroche-trained chef Angus Bell is the culinary mastermind behind a reassuringly concise menu of locally sourced ingredients.

“I’m very passionate about the provenance of the produce we use. Everything in the kitchen comes from Cornwall, within as small a radius as possible.

“There are some incredible growers here, and I like to preserve the best of each season for use throughout the year.

“One of our suppliers has just harvested his Cornish lemons, which we have on the menu in cocktails and a lemon curd pavlova now and have preserved in salt for future salad dressings and sauces.”

Check out our other locations and other retreats across North Cornwall.

Stay in Falmouth with Beach Retreats

Best Independent Coffee Shops in Cornwall

Nothing goes hand-in-hand with a long coastal walk more than a hot coffee. Spending more time out in nature can often inspire a craving for the organic, and this is where the standard chain coffee shops often don’t quite cut it. Luckily, Cornwall is abundant in independent coffee shops, roasteries and cafes serving up the finest home brewed and hand-picked coffee beans in the south west.

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We’ve chosen seven of the best places to sample independent coffee here in Cornwall, ensuring that your next hot drink by the sea hits the spot.

Origin Coffee- Porthleven

Origin Coffee are the go-to for organic coffee in Cornwall. An independently owned, speciality coffee roaster, Origin have three sit-in cafes where you can enjoy their produce, alongside supplying many additional cafes and restaurants across Cornwall, and selling their products online. Head to The Roastery, Porthleven, Harbour Head, Porthleven, or The Warehouse, Penryn, to sample a cup of their brewed beans in stylish interiors.

Discover our Porthleven holiday properties.

No. 1 Cubs Coffee- Watergate Bay

Unique, pure, contemporary. No. 1 Cubs take a modern approach to the traditional coffee shop in their four stylish coffee hangouts in Cornwall.  Find them in Charlestown, the historic harbour situated on the south coast, a pop-up coffee van at Watergate Bay and a winter pop up in The Beach Hut restaurant, and a new space on the outskirts of Newquay called The Hangar.

Fancy staying in Watergate Bay? Check out our luxury holiday properties in Watergate Bay, Newquay.

Grounded Coffee Co.- Newquay

For organic beans from around the globe, look no further than Grounded Coffee Co in Newquay town centre. Serving a variety of single origin coffees and freshly baked cakes just moments from Towan beach, walk here from our properties in Fistral and Porth for your daily pick-me-up before continuing the stroll across Newquay’s bays at low tide.

Want to stay in Newquay? Have a look at our luxury holiday properties in Newquay.

Yallah Coffee- St Ives

Yallah are dedicated to sustainability, reducing waste and minimising their carbon footprint. Their coffee, roasted here in Cornwall, reflects this, from production method to cup. With an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce and interesting flavours, their produce is sure to delight. You can sample their beans freshly brewed from their harbourside café and kiosk in St Ives or buy bags directly from their roastery in Argal Home Farm, Falmouth.

Thinking about staying in St Ives? Have a look at our luxury St Ives holiday properties.

Slice of Cornwall- Trewardreva Mill, Falmouth

This fashionable and contemporary-chic coffee shop and eatery is situated in Trewadreva Mill, set just outside of Constantine and a 20 minute drive from the nearby town of Falmouth. They serve up mouth-watering brunches and dark roast coffee and are soon launching their evening menu. This spot is a must visit if you are driving into Falmouth or looking to explore the surrounding area.

Check out more of what Falmouth has to offer by staying in one of our bespoke retreats in Falmouth.

Hungry Horsebox Co.- Hayle

If you are seeking a freshly brewed coffee but don’t want to leave the shoreline, look no further than the Hungry Horsebox, a converted horse trailer pitched on the sand of Gwithian beach in Hayle. The scenic spot offers delicious drinks and homemade food which can be enjoyed on the water’s edge. Stop off here on a walk from Hayle estuary and along the three mile stretch of beach.

Discover our bespoke holiday cottages in Hayle, a short drive from St Ives and Pendeen.

North Coast Wine Co.- Bude

This sophisticated coffee and wine bar in Bude’s town centre serve only hand-picked, locally sourced and independent drinks, many of which cannot be found elsewhere. If you’re looking to escape the pasty and fish-and-chips brigade and to taste something more organic, this is your go-to. Open during the day on weekdays and into the evening on Friday and Saturdays, sample their range of creamy coffees- or perhaps an espresso martini.

Fancy staying in Bude? Check out our luxury holiday lets in Bude.

Discover showstopping hot chocolates in Cornwall, where rich flavours and creative twists make for an unforgettable treat.

Autumn at EWWines

We speak to Ellis Wharton Wines, a Cornish company that selects the finest wines to accompany your beachside evenings.

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Introducing Ellis Wharton Wines

EWWines started in 2006, selling fine wines and spirits to Hotels and Restaurants all over the Southwest. Our premises at Indian Queens, just one minute off the A30, allow us to sell restaurant-quality wines to the public at competitive prices.  We offer an extensive hand-selected range of wine, spirits, beer and food, with express delivery across the UK or Click and Collect from our large shop open Monday to Saturday.

Beach Retreats carefully select the best locations for your beachside Cornish holiday. Why not allow us to take the same care and hand-select your holiday wines, delivered straight to your cottage doorstep?

Want to stay in Newquay? Have a look at our luxury holiday properties in Newquay.

Autumn wine recommendations

As the nights draw in and we adjust to the Autumnal changes around us, our taste buds also attune to the season. You may find yourself craving darker fruits and warm spiced flavours beside the warmth of a cosy wood burner. These flavours also work well with earthy Autumnal root vegetables and hearty stews, best enjoyed with great company after an active Autumnal Cornish day, whether you walked the coast path, played in the sea or strolled along the water’s edge.  Life’s all about decisions, let us guide your wine selections so you can concentrate on maximising your adventures!

Marques de Murrieta 2016 Blanco Reserva Capellania Rioja (Spain) 2016

The perfect Autumnal white.  From one of Rioja’s oldest Bodegas, produced from a single plot in Rioja Alta, this is a wine of superb balance with well-managed, French oak giving a smoky, toasty character with fresh pear, quince, camomile and dried apricots.  A truly versatile wine, favourite pairings would be with smoked fish or a sweetcorn chowder.  Works well with spiced Asian food too.

La Mascaronne Provence Rose (France) 2020

This wine proves Rose is for all seasons, not just summer! In the words of previous owner Tom Bove, “La Mascaronne has one of the finest terroirs in the Côtes de Provence appellation”.  In a short time, award winning wines were being produced and they are now served in many restaurants in Paris, London and the South of France.  In 2019 RobertParker.com said that La Mascaronne is an organic producer that “clearly merits more attention”.  Pairs well with roast rack of lamb in a redcurrant jam.  Also delicious with grilled prawns, or try with Provençal roast vegetables.

Gran Cerdo “Tempranillo” Rioja (Spain) 2020

One of our favourites at EWWines for sheer quality, quaff ability and the story behind the bottle!  Gran Cerdo Tempranillo is all about the purest expression of fruit with minimal sulphur. The winemaker, Gonzalo Gonzalo Grijalba is a legend (and not just for his name). He has proved that you can make a fantastic Rioja, following Organic & Biodynamic practices, at an affordable price.  Pairs well with most dishes- we love it with a Monkfish succotash or an autumn crown prince squash dish with toasted nuts.

Sons of Kennedy Barossa (Australia) 2018

Hailing from Eden Valley in Southeast Australia, the wine is made from nearby old vine Barossa Grenache (50%) giving concentrated red cherry, with a good helping of Barossa Shiraz (30%) to support with powerful, ripe blackberry fruit with 20% Mourvèdre which adds classic structure.  There is a firm focus on quality with the winemaking here.  Pairs well with a vegetable lasagne, goulash or a smoky rib of beef.

Box wine offer

Let us introduce for you either superb six or tasty twelve.  We select either 6 or 12 wines for you with free delivery to your holiday cottage for £150.  No nonsense, 6 or 12 outstanding wines for your holiday or delivered as a subscription service to any mainland UK address as a monthly (optional) wine box club.

Mixed cases and hampers 

Also do please browse our ever-changing mixed case and hamper deals.  A firm autumn favourite is our mixed Rioja case for £64.  1 Rose, 2 whites and three reds from around the well-known region, probably the UK’s favourite.

Click HERE for directions to the Ellis Wharton store, or browse online HERE. 

Indulge in coastal vibes with our shoreside-inspired drink recipes!

Where to Eat in Cornwall? | Detailed Guide

From tucking into crispy battered fish and chips with mushy peas and a sea view, to fine-dining on seared lobster and creamy mussels, Cornish food is made to put a smile on your face. Created from a culture of fishing, farming and foraging which is integral to the identity of the land, Cornish cuisine excels in its unique flavours and its local-is-best ethos.

We’ve hand-picked our favourite places to dine in Cornwall, selecting restaurants that celebrate fresh Cornish produce. Whether you’re seeking the taste of the ocean’s seafood, locally reared meat or foraged veggie dishes, these restaurants have something for everyone. Here’s our guide of where to eat in Cornwall.

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

The Mariners, Rock

A chef’s take on pub grub, washed down with the finest of Cornish beer. This loved-by-locals pub overlooks the Camel Estuary and serves up the likes of crispy pollock hot dogs, Porthilly oysters and market fish of the day from Cornish waters. A must go to spot when visiting Cornwall.

The Peterville Inn, St Agnes

A traditional pub set in the heart of St Agnes, the Peterville Inn is the perfect place to dine at the end of a blustery coastal walk. Their menus evolve daily in order to make the best of the local, seasonal ingredients, so you’re guaranteed to be tasting the freshest of Cornish produce.

Paul Ainsworth No 6, Padstow

The reputation of this restaurant speaks for itself. With a Michelin star and celebrity status founder chef, you can expect the very finest of modern British food, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. No 6 is situated in a Georgian townhouse in the centre of Padstow, and offers a friendly, warm and sophisticated service.

Fancy looking at other areas of the North Coast? Explore our holiday properties in Padstow, just a short drive away from Port Isaac and Polzeath.

Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, Padstow

This prestigious restaurant on the waterfront of Padstow is where Rick Stein’s culinary journey began. It has an international reputation born from its fresh seafood and shellfish dishes, which never fail to impress with their delicate layering of flavours. Dine on the sun-soaked terrace, overlooking Padstow harbour.

Porthminster Beach café – St Ives

This acclaimed beachside restaurant combines Asian and Mediterranean influences in dishes showcasing the freshest seafood, garden grown produce and foraged coastal ingredients. Recently awarded a 2 Rosette award for culinary excellence, this is a go-to destination for the finest of Cornish cuisine.

Prawn on the Lawn, Padstow

This exquisite seafood eatery changes their menus daily and even hourly depending on what the fisherman catch and land at their doorstep. Specialising in the freshest of fish and shellfish, every dish on their menu is a small slice of heaven.

Star & Garter, Falmouth

Fish directly from the boat and meat straight from the farm. The Star & Garter in Falmouth take a no-fuss approach to food, cooking up honest local produce paired brilliantly and served generously. From the fisherman’s catch of the day to mouth-watering Sunday roasts, this restaurant is your go to for a truly Cornish supper.

Kota, Porthleven

Kota means ‘shellfish’ in Maori, and head chef Jude is half Maori, half Chinese Malay. In this 300 year old building, right on Porthleven’s harbour front, you will find dishes of local produce with Jude’s signature Asian twist. From oysters, scallops, pigeon and duck, your taste buds will be delighted with his careful experimentation of flavours and textures.

We have retreats by the best beaches in Cornwall, near all the best foodie spots. Browse our locations to find your place, by the sea. Or, search by retreat here and taste the flavours of the ocean.

Looking for other fantastic restaurants in Cornwall? Check out some of our favourite restaurants with stunning sea views.

10 Restaurants for a Christmas Dinner

Christmas is all about gathering around the table to enjoy the culinary delights of the season, whether it’s a home-cooked feast or a sumptuous restaurant meal. From herby roast potatoes, succulent meats, steaming organic veg and velvety gravy, a Christmas dinner is best spent with loved ones and your choice of wine.

If you’re spending Christmas by the coast, why not take the stress out of the cooking process and tuck into dinner at a beachfront eatery? From cosy family pubs warmed by roaring log burners to classy restaurants overlooking the ocean, here are our top picks of places to eat during the Christmas period.

Find out why December is the best time to visit Cornwall and some of our favourite December retreats.

The Colonial, Tolcarne beach

A slow paced, lavishly designed restaurant and bar positioned right on the sand of Tolcarne beach in Newquay, The Colonial is the perfect dinner spot for those looking to unwind and indulge. Their menu is inspired by the colourful flavours of the Caribbean, but you can expect seafood and traditional hearty dinners during the festive season. Storm watch on the terrace with an invigorating cocktail or settle by the open fire for a full three courses and wine.

Oceanside, Fistral

Soak up the ocean-infused atmosphere at Oceanside, a bar and restaurant on the salty shores of Fistral beach. Adorned with surf-inspired artwork, Bali-style lampshades, comfortable sofas and an open fireplace, this restaurant is ideal for those looking for a laid-back approach to the festivities. Its prime location means it is walking distance from Newquay town centre and many of our Fistral properties, so enjoy a glass of wine or two before strolling back along the beach.

Wax, Watergate bay

Dine in saltwater style at Wax, a popular family friendly restaurant and bar on the shores of Watergate bay. This is a hotspot all year round for beachgoers, and they don’t disappoint during the festive season too, acting as the perfect shelter from the bracing weather. Head here after a blustery walk along the South West Cost Path from Porth beach or Mawgan Porth and warm up with a hot chocolate.

Fort Inn, Newquay

A welcoming pub and restaurant in the heart of Newquay, the Fort Inn comes complete with beautiful sea views. Designed to cater for all members of the family, from little ones to grandparents, the Fort even has its own indoor soft play area. If you are holidaying with the kids in tow, this much-loved locals spot is the place to go for a hearty Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

Old Success Inn, Sennen

This serene spot in Sennen Cove is perfect for those looking for a comforting, lazy lunch after a morning spent in the sea air. With stone walls, sea views and an open fireplace, this landmark pub invites you to dine to the sound of the waves crashing outside. Head here to enjoy the festivities, coastal style.

Travellers Rest, Trevarrian

You’ll find this village pub nestled between Mawgan Porth and Watergate bay. Dating back to the 17th century, the ‘Travis’, as it is affectionately known locally, serves the best of seasonal, local produce, set amongst swathes of rural greenery and fresh sea air.

2 Fore Street, Mousehole

If you are looking for the fine dining experience this Christmas, 2 Fore Street offers just that. Set just off Mousehole harbourfront, this intimate restaurant bistro-style restaurant serves up freshly caught crab and bubbling prosecco. Book in for a Christmas dinner and follow the moonlit cobbled streets back to your retreat.

Lewinnick Lodge, Fistral

Lewinnick is the ultimate coastal restaurant. Situated on Pentire headland, you can soak up sweeping vistas as you eat, the perfect viewing spot for striking sunsets. With a bar area, pool tables, fireplace, plush carpets and sofas, you can wind down with a glass of something bubbly before heading to the sleek and sophisticated restaurant room for a truly Cornish Christmas supper.

Cove24, Newquay

One of the town’s newest eateries, Cove24 has had visitors in awe from the first bite. The dimmed lights, leafy plants and velvet seats give indication of what is to come: perfectly balanced, delightful dishes which are crafted and served to perfection. This restaurant is situated on the buzzing high street, just moments from Newquay bay. Head here for Christmas dinner in style.

Merrymoor Inn, Mawgan Porth

Let the flavours of the ocean be your winter warmer at the Merrymoor Inn, Mawgan Porth’s seafront pub and restaurant. Enjoy locally sourced food and drinks to the beat of the ocean, relishing in the warmth of the indoors as the sea foam flies. This pub can be reached via an invigorating walk along the coast path from Porth or Watergate bay, or is just moments from our Mawgan Porth properties.

Fancy staying in Mawgan Porth? Have a look at our Mawgan Porth holiday properties.

Thinking about staying for the New Year as well? Find out the best way to celebrate and spend the New Year in Cornwall.

Fairer fishing in Cornwall

Freshly landed catch for dinner might be hard to beat when you’ve escaped to the sea and headed out for the evening. But how do we know that the seafood we’re enjoying has come from a sustainable sea?

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Fishing boats setting off in the early hours, returning in time for kitchen prep. Yellow-wellied ship’s crew battling the elements to bring in the freshly landed produce. It’s hard-won and highly valued catch, and often at its best when you’re close to the source.

Credit: Phil Lockley

But with the spotlight on how the mass fishing industry is causing devastating effects on our oceans – from plastic pollution to harming other sea life – how can we be sure that that the fish sizzling up for dinner by the beach comes from a sustainable, local source?

The chances are that if you order cod and chips in Cornwall, it’s not going to be local. “Swapping your cod for hake or pollock can be the first step to making a more sustainable choice,” explains Marine Conservation Biologist Matt Slater.

“Gradually we’re working to close the loop between those catching it and those eating it.”

Slater now runs the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide – an initiative that encourages people to make sustainable seafood choices. Its website rates the 60-plus species landed in Cornish harbours from 1 to 5 (1 being the most sustainable, 5 being the least, and everything from 1-3 being recommended).

Taking your pick from the recommended list means eating seafood with a healthy population, that’s well looked after by the local fishing industry and is caught with little impact on the environment, no dredging or accidental by-catch.

Safely caught

Slater is quick to highlight that much of Cornwall’s fishing industry is small scale and sustainable. He also emphasises the need for us all to be more adventurous and to try something different when we buy or order seafood, avoiding imported fish from less sustainable sources.

Credit: Phil Lockley

“Historically, much of Cornwall’s seafood was exported to the continent, while much of what we buy in supermarkets is imported,” explains fisheries scientist and line fisherman Al Kingston. “But gradually we’re working to close the loop between those catching it and those eating it.”

“Cornwall’s fishing industry is considered much lower impact than in many parts of the globe…home to a vibrant shore fleet of day boats, whose impact is much less than that of the commercial vessels.”

We can all help close that loop, which means getting our hands on some the freshest and highest quality seafood available, in some cases straight from the fishing community landing their catch in Cornish harbours.

Direct from the source

Joe Emmet has been fishing since he was a child, and uses sustainable potting and hand-lining methods to land brown crab, spider crab, lobster, pollock and mackerel, from his small boat moored on the North Cornish coast in Newquay.

Want to stay in Newquay? Have a look at our luxury holiday properties in Newquay.

Credit: Abby Crosby

“We’re truly passionate about sustainability, running our family business, Newquay Fish, as close to zero waste as possible, as well as trying to get people to try species that are in season and local to them,” explains Emmet. He’s just one member of the fishing community listed on the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide, alongside others from Sennen to Padstow.

While many of us have seen documentaries slating the fishing industry and persuading us to avoid seafood for the good of the planet, Kingston is quick to reiterate that “Cornwall’s fishing industry is considered much lower impact than in many parts of the globe, and for a long time it’s been home to a vibrant shore fleet of day boats, whose impact is much less than that of the commercial vessels”.

“Megrim has just been rebranded as Cornish Sole. A delicious alternative that’s becoming more popular.”

Al has spent 20 years looking at how fishing can affect protected and sensitive species, from seabirds to sharks, and witnessed a huge shift towards better fishing practices, with Cornwall leading the.

In balance with the wildlife

Take hake, since the 90s, when hake was in massive decline, a recovery effort has seen stocks return to safe levels across northern Europe. The majority of hake landed to Cornish ports is caught using gill nets, and all vessels over 12m long use pingers that scare dolphins and other cetaceans away from the nets.

Fishing boats are now helping sole and Dover sole in a similar way. So, what else should we be eating that lands in abundance on Cornish shores?

“Megrim has just been rebranded as Cornish Sole”, says Slater, “and is a delicious alternative that’s becoming more popular.” Other sustainable choices we can opt for range from rope-caught mussels farmed in St Austell Bay and the Camel Estuary (think steaming pot of moules marinière), to line-caught mackerel (perfect thrown on a beach barbecue).

Cornish sardines are landed in huge numbers by sustainable ring-net fisheries and a small fleet of only 15 boats. Mega shoals are found off our shores from July to January, attracting other marine life too, from dolphins to humpback whales.

“The Wheelhouse Crab and Oyster Bar in Falmouth thrives on the authentic seafood experience, serving up platters of shellfish with bibs and finger bowls.”

“There are many understated local species that are being used more now – namely turbot, gurnard and spider crab,” says Al Kingston. “Spider crab is delicious – it’s just a bit of a faff to eat. But people need to embrace and enjoy the process of eating seafood – not just expect it served up ready to eat in batter, with no thought to its provenance.”

The Wheelhouse Crab and Oyster Bar in Falmouth thrives on the authentic seafood experience, serving up platters of shellfish with bibs and finger bowls. Its success proving that we just need to get stuck in when it comes to crab, crawfish and oysters. It’s all part of the real-deal seafood experience.

And if you’re not prepared to get a bit messy, then seek out the eateries where they serve local seafood dressed up as easy-to-eat dishes, such as at the Verdant Seafood Bar down the road from the Wheelhouse in Falmouth, and Catch Seafood Bar & Grill in Mawgan Porth, on Cornwall’s north coast.

Wherever you eat out, just ask the right questions: how was it caught and where was it caught?

Credit: Matt Slater

So, before a trip to the supermarket or the nearest chippy for dinner, checkout the list of places to buy local Cornish seafood – from fishmongers and fisherfolk, to restaurants and wholesalers, and look out for the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide recommended logo on packaging and menus.

Find out more on cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk. 

Embark on a culinary journey with our freshest spring recipes, celebrating the vibrant flavors and seasonal delights of the season.

Private Chefs in Cornwall | Hire for Your Holiday

With the summer season well and truly underway, Cornwall’s restaurants are busier than ever. During your visit, why not escape the crowds and enjoy the delights of the county’s seasonal produce from the comfort of your own holiday retreat?  We have compiled a list of the best private chef experiences in Cornwall, with options ranging from canapes to BBQs, romantic meals for two to large family feasts, inviting you to enjoy a fine dining experience like no other.

Looking for a romantic getaway? Check out our romantic cottages. Alternatively, seeking a holiday retreat with a pool? Dive into our curated collection of holiday cottages in Cornwall with pools for the ultimate relaxation and enjoyment.

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

Duchy Chef

Renowned throughout Cornwall, Duchy Chef is celebrated for their innovative, top-tier private dining experiences. Indulge in a starter featuring scallops, artichoke, chorizo, and compressed sea purslane, followed by a main course of Cornish Sea trout, Bok choy, Thai Cornish crab broth, and rice fishcakes—each bite infused with the essence of the sea. With options ranging from three to seven-course menus, an evening with Duchy Chef promises a restaurant-quality dining affair.

duchychef.com/private-dining/

Dine with Iris

For something slightly more laid back which still encompasses the bespoke dining experience, try Dine with Iris. Her take on ‘posh picnicking’ includes a delicious seasonal grazing board, pillows and rugs, themed flowers and more, all of which is set up and packed away for you. Just pick a location of your fancy, from your favourite scenic clifftop to a cosy beach nook, and Dine with Iris will take care of the rest. You can also add on additions such as a private yoga class before you eat or live music to accompany your picnic- its truly a Cornish fairy tale scene.

dinewithiris.co.uk

Chef Natasha

Taking inspiration from world cuisine and her experience of cooking in French Ski chalets, Chef Natasha is on hand to provide you with an effortless dining experience which will allow you to sit back and enjoy the delights of your holiday retreat as you await your food. Choose from the finest tasting menus or a more relaxed wood fired BBQ dinner- whatever you fancy, Chef Natasha is sure to cook up a storm.

privatechefnatasha.uk

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Fee’s Food

This Cornish food and catering company provides top-notch local, seasonal produce through its tailored private dining service. Indulge in their classic menu featuring Cornish bouillabaisse, Thai crab salad, and Monkfish curry, or savor their distinctive summer lunch, showcasing fresh barbecued meats and seafood, complemented by salads and roast salmon. They also specialise in catering for weddings throughout Cornwall.

feesfood.co.uk/pages/menus

Discover the latest culinary gems with our guide to new foodie hotspots in Cornwall, where delicious flavours and unique dining experiences await.

Cook & Carry from your Beach Retreat

Longer days full of spring sun, perfect for outdoor evening dining with your toes in the sand, even if it’s not quite barbecue weather. Living to the beat of the ocean, a pebble’s throw from the shore, a Beach Retreats kitchen is the perfect place to whip up a gourmet feast you can take to the beach. Tempted?

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

cook and carry

Cook up one of these recipes from chefs around Cornwall and carry down to the beach for an end of the day alfresco meal beside the waves. There’s something for everyone, from a Cornish crab centrepiece to beach-ready pizza. Just remember, leave enough room in the bag for beach blankets and wine.

SMOKED CHICKEN WITH SALSA VERDE POTATOES

Canteen

Newquay Community Orchard; St Agnes
canteencornwall.com
@canteencornwall

Who said roast chicken is best enjoyed at the Sunday dinner table? With his sociable dining, seasonal ingredients and sustainable ethos, chef Ben Quinn has a firm following. Taking field to fork to a new level at his new venue in Newquay Orchard, much of the produce comes from the market garden just footsteps from the kitchen.

“Cold smoked chicken is one of my favourite dishes. On holiday you’ve got time to smoke this on the BBQ or even roast it in the oven the day before. Then tear and share it on the beach with crusty bread and salsa verde potatoes. It’s a real feast that doesn’t need to be eaten at home.” Ben Quinn

Elevate your beach BBQ game with expert tips and tricks on perfecting a beach BBQ with our guide!

Smoked Chicken

You will need a BBQ with a lid or simply roast in the oven.

Ingredients

  • Whole chicken (the best quality you can afford)
  • 100g table salt
  • 50g caster sugar
  • 3kg decent charcoal (if you’re barbecuing)
  • 150ml cider vinegar
  • 30g soft brown sugar

Cook it up

Get the chicken out of the fridge and season liberally with salt and caster sugar.
Leave at least an hour at room temperature or overnight back in the fridge, if you’re
organised.

Get the chicken out an hour before cooking and set up the barbecue in an offset
position (fire on one side so the food can go on the other side), or warm up the oven
to 180C.

Once the oven is hot, or the coals are white and hot, add the chicken (in the BBQ on
the side with no direct heat. The indirect heat will cook the chicken with the flavour of
the smoke.)

Put the lid on the BBQ and leave it alone. Or pop it in the centre of the oven and do
the same.

Salsa Verde Potatoes

Ingredients

  • 50g basil (picked)
  • 50g mint (picked)
  • 50g flat-leaved parsley (picked)
  • 20g tarragon (picked)
  • 1 tsp capers
  • 1 gherkin (diced)
  • 1 clove garlic (crushed with salt)
  • 150ml olive oil
  • 50ml cider vinegar
  • 800g new potatoes

Cook it up

Chop up the fresh herbs finely and put them in a bowl that will fit all the ingredients
including the potatoes.

Add the rest of the ingredients and stir. Taste, then add more oil, vinegar or salt until
it is popping inside your mouth.

Add the potatoes to boiling, salty water and boil for 20 minutes.

Check the potatoes with a sharp knife (in and out, and we are all good), then drain
and allow to steam and cool a little.

Add them to the salsa verde until well coated and the room smells like herbs.

Repeat after me: “I dress my potatoes when they are hot.” When you do this, it will bring joy.

MACKEREL FLATBREAD – ‘The Mac Dough’

Ansum

Roaming food from the fire – Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth and across Cornwall.
ansumfoodco.com
@ansumfood

Fancy staying in Mawgan Porth? Have a look at our Mawgan Porth holiday properties.

Photo credit: ANSUM

Ansum Food Co started out in Mawgan Porth in 2016, when Amie and John converted a French horse truck into a wood-fired kitchen. Passionate about keeping things local, since then they have been cooking on the fire all over Cornwall. Often parked up footsteps from the beach, favourite spots include Watergate Bay and Mawgan Porth.

“This dish was one of the first meals that left the hatch of our truck, and it went down an absolute storm. You can get fresh mackerel in abundance in Cornwall in spring and early summer – catch your own or visit a local fishmonger for the freshest available.” John Stamp.

Makes 4

Ingredients

4 mackerel fillets – ask your fishmonger to fillet your mackerel, unless of course you
have caught your own, in which case, find the sharpest knife and a steady hand.

Dough

Don’t be daunted by making dough. It can be fun, everyone can get involved, and it doesn’t have to be perfect.

  • 500g bread flour – we use The Cornish Mill House, St Newyln East
  • 300g warm water
  • 20g salt
  • 20g fresh yeast (5g dried yeast can be used)

Pickles

  • 1 cucumber – slice thinly/mandolin
  • 100ml cider vinegar
  • 50ml water
  • 50g sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • 2 sprigs of dill

Tartare Sauce

  • Mayonnaise (we make our own but it’s not a sin to use shop bought)
  • 1 tbsp gherkin – chopped
  • 1 tbsp capers – chopped
  • 1 shallot – finely chopped
  • 1 lemon – zest and juice
  • Flat-leaf parsley – chopped
  • 4 handfuls of rocket
  • 4 slices of lemon

Cook it up

Dough

To make the dough, combine all your ingredients in a large bowl and get kneading.
15 minutes by hand should do it.

Split the dough into four portions, make into a ball, dust with flour and leave covered
with a tea towel until doubled in size (approx. 2 hours.)

Use plenty of flour and start to shape your dough – you can use a rolling pin at this
point.

Fry each flatbread in a medium hot pan for a couple of minutes on each side (you
can let them cool and finish them on the BBQ).

Pickles

For the pickles, make your brine by combining the vinegar, water, sugar and salt.
Simmer on a low heat for five minutes.

Meanwhile slice your cucumber thinly and add to a kilner jar (or jam jar).

Pour over your pickling brine and add the dill, leaving the lid ajar until completely
cooled. This can last in the fridge for a week.

Tartare sauce

Chop up all your ingredients for your tartar sauce, stir them up and season with
salt, pepper and lemon juice.

Mac Doughs

Light a BBQ and start to heat your flatbreads – they won’t take long so keep an eye
on them.

When they are hot, pop them on a plate and add a good spoon of tartar sauce and a
handful of rocket.

Cook the mackerel skin down on a very hot BBQ, flip them if needed after a couple
of minutes.

Add your mackerel fillet on top of the rocket, throw on some pickles with a squeeze
of lemon and a pinch of salt.

Fold it up, pack it up and head to the beach to tuck in!

HENK’S BEACH BUNS

Trevisker’s Kitchen Padstow

treviskers.com
@treviskerskitchen

Photo credit: Trevisker’s Kitchen

While known for his succulent steaks, building on decades of know-how from his cattle-farming grandfather, South African-born Henk de Villiers Ferreira – based at Trevisker’s Kitchen on the outskirts of Padstow – is now very much part of the culinary landscape of Cornwall.

“My beach bun is where pizza meets the Chelsea bun! They’re simple but delicious, and the best part is, you can put whatever you like in there. Bake them up at home then share them round at the beach. Forget the cutlery, just enjoy.”

Photo credit: Trevisker’s Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 1 pizza dough (shop-bought is fine)
  • Tomato purée
  • Grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • Olive oil
  • Oregano
  • Salt & pepper

Cook it up

Roll out your pizza dough.

Smear on a layer of tomato purée.

Sprinkle with grated cheese.

Roll up your pizza dough.

Slice into rounds – these should look like little pizza swirls.

Place the rounds into an oiled up roasting tin.

Leave to prove for about 30 minutes.

Sprinkle a little cheese on top.

Season with oregano, salt and pepper.

Bake at 180C for 25 minutes.

Head to the beach.

Photo credit: Trevisker’s Kitchen

CRAB SAFFRON AND TOMATO TART WITH KOHLRABI REMOULADE

The Packet Inn, Roseudgeon, Penzance

thepacketinn.co.uk
@thepacketinnsmokehouse

Photo credit: The Packet Inn

Ben Tunnicliffe and Matt Smith are making the most of The Packet’s rural location, with meat and fresh produce from the surrounding farming country, as well as seafood from Newlyn. Local sourcing and seasonality dictates, with a tempting array of small plates that evolves on a daily basis.

“This is a tasty Cornish take on a savoury tart and a great way to enjoy local crab meat. Cut the tart into slices and store in an air-tight container, add a tub of the kohlrabi remoulade too and pop in a cool bag – you’ll have a special centrepiece for your picnic!”

For the pastry:

Ingredients

  • 12 inch fluted loose bottomed tart ring
  • 300g plain flour
  • 170g cold diced butter
  • 1 egg beaten
  • Pinch of salt

Cook it up

Pre-heat the oven to 175C.

Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs (or blitz in a food
processor). Add the salt and the egg and bring the mixture together as a dough. Rest
the dough for approx. 20 mins.

Roll out to the thickness of approx. a 50p

Line the tart case, pressing the pastry into the edges of the tart ring. Rest for 20 mins
in the fridge.

Then either dock using a fork or line with silicone and baking beans. Bake in the pre-
heated oven until golden brown and cooked, around 12-15 mins.

Remove from the oven and brush with some beaten egg, then return to the oven
until the egg has set which should take about 3 – 4 mins (this provides a barrier to
the pastry to keep it crisp).

For the tomato sauce:

Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • Sugar
  • White wine vinegar
  • 400g chopped tomatoes
  • Picked and chopped fresh thyme

Cook it up

Fry the onions and garlic in a little oil until softening and starting to colour.

Add sugar and caramelise. Deglaze with the vinegar and reduce until almost dry.

Add the tomatoes and cook until thick and intensely flavoured, then taste and season
with salt and pepper.

For the tart:

Ingredients

  • 5 tbsp tomato sauce (see above)
  • 4 oz brown crab meat
  • 6 oz white crab meat
  • ½ pt double cream
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • A good pinch of saffron
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh herb such as dill, tarragon, chervil

Cook it up

Pre-heat the oven to 140˚C.

Bring the cream to the boil with the saffron and leave covered to infuse for 20
minutes or so.

Mix the brown crab meat with the tomato sauce and adjust the seasoning if
necessary. Spread over the base of the tart.

Scatter the white crab meat over the top of the tomato and brown meat base and

scatter with fresh finely chopped herbs.

Re-boil the cream and whisk the eggs and yolk together – add the hot cream to the
egg mixture and mix thoroughly. Season to taste and pour into the tart case, then
bake at approx 140C for about 20 minutes or until the custard is set.

Kohlrabi Remoulade:

Ingredients

  • 500g kohlrabi cut into matchsticks
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 4 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp grain mustard
  • ¾ pt vegetable oil
  • ¼ pt extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped capers
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped gherkins
  • 2 finely chopped anchovies
  • Freshly chopped parsley, chervil, tarragon and chives

Cook it up

Emulsify the egg yolks with the mustard and vinegar and season.

Continue to whisk while slowly adding the oil until all the oil is incorporated and is the
consistency of mayonnaise.

Add the herbs, capers, gherkins and anchovies and mix thoroughly.

Add the kohlrabi and stir in – taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.