Category: Food and drink

7 Must Do’s in Falmouth

website header falmouth

Spend your family holiday on the beach this summer and enjoy the laid-back coastal lifestyle in Falmouth.

Known for its creative buzz, contemporary art galleries, maritime heritage and fantastic array of places to eat and drink, Falmouth in south Cornwall offers a wide range of activities suitable for all. To help you get planning, we’ve handpicked 7 must do’s, a stone’s throw from our Falmouth self-catering holiday homes.

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

Walk the South West Coast Path

Walk onto any beach in Falmouth and you’ll spot part of the South West Coast Path to your left or right. Marvel at the pretty sea pink flowers. Amble past Pendennis Castle. Stop for a picnic at Gyllyngvase beach. Catch the sun on the rocks as it begins to set. You’re sure to find something different and exciting each turn you take.

Find your closest route.

Go rockpooling

In just a 12 minute walk from our luxury self-catering apartments, guests will find themselves at Castle beach, Falmouth’s go to spot for rockpooling. At low tide you’ll be pleasantly surprised with hundreds of rockpools just waiting to be explored. Keep your eyes peeled for the natural display of fascinating and tough creatures, including the Cornish Sucker fish, Worm Pipefish and the Common Shore Crab.

See our full guide to rockpooling and where to go.

See Falmouth from the ocean

Departing three times a day, between Truro and Falmouth, Fal River’s Enterprise Boats give you the chance to see Cornwall from a different perspective. This unique sea route will take you past iconic maritime locations, historic houses and landmarks, as well as taking you up close to the array of ocean-going vessels laid up at anchor on the upper reaches of the Fal River. Get your cameras ready while you sail past Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

See a Fal River time table.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

Offering lots of giggles as you attempt to get on the board (and stay on it), Stand Up Paddle Boarding is quickly becoming one of the go to watersports for those holidaying and living in Cornwall. Whether you want to rent a board and explore the coast yourself, or hire an instructor that will teach you how to ‘ride the waves’ this sport offers plenty of fun for all abilities.

If you don’t want to try it alone, then check out Falmouth Surf School, where up to six of you give it a go…on one board!

Enjoy Sunday lunch at Star & Garter

Star & Garter take Sunday lunch very seriously and we love it! Whether it’s moorland aged rump of beef, a luscious leg of lamb or some proper roast pork with the best crackling you can imagine. All their meat is supplied by renowned Cornish butcher Phillip Warren and served with crispy duck fat roasties, monster Yorkies, silky gravy and a selection of local, seasonal veg. So, go in and while away the afternoon in front of the fire, enjoy the view over the bay and, well, tuck in.

Roast is served 12-3pm and 6pm – 9pm.

Explore more of our 10 favourite restaurants with amazing sea views.

Sunday Roast at Star & Garter, Falmouth

Get lost in Trebah Gardens

Cornwall’s not only known for its stunning beaches, its magical gardens are home to a wealth of exciting, rare and beautiful plants and trees just waiting to be explored. Visit Trebah Gardens is a sub-tropical paradise with its very own private beach, four miles of footpath and vibrant tunnels of colour. The gardens are open daily from 10am and can be reached in a 15 minute car ride from our Falmouth holiday homes.

Check out more of what Cornwall has to offer and explore our holiday lets in The Lizard Peninsula, West Cornwall.

Trebah Gardens

Book your stay in Falmouth with Beach Retreats.

24 hours in Port Isaac with the Nathan Outlaw experience

port isaac village

Delectable food, historic harbour, Doc Martin and a home from home in the centre of it all…

So when you only have 24 hours in Port Isaac where do you begin? With the tide in, boats bobbing and the sun shining, we headed straight to the picture-perfect working harbour.

Boasting clear waters on a sunny day, narrow winding streets and white-washed fisherman’s houses, we took the coast path up the side of the cliffs, towards the iconic ITV’s Doc Martin house (perfect place for a selfie with the Doc).

Visiting with a large family? Discover our large holiday homes perfect for big families or friend groups.

Experiencing Outlaw’s

After a quick tipple at the Golden Lion, we headed back up the hill towards our Beach Retreat holiday home ‘Lobber’, where we were more than ready for our seafood-tasting menu at the fantastic Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, conveniently perched directly opposite.

Recently voted the UK’s Best Restaurant by the 2017 Good Food Guide, Nathan Outlaw is renowned for his tasty sea-to-plate dishes with an extra twist.

The First Course

To kick things off we started with the wine flight (don’t mind if we do). The fabulous wine connoisseur gave us his expert knowledge on where and how each wine was made and a little history behind the families that maintained the vineyards.

Here he pours two glasses of the Sparkling Koshu 2014 from Japan.

Ensuring the wine complimented the food, our first course was the Cured Monkfish, Tomato and Sea Purslane and it certainly hit the spot.

Nathan’s simple and honest approach to seafood cookery mixed with the careful thought given to every tail and scale that enters his kitchen, really does provide a memorable dining experience.

Second Course

My favourite course, number 2 was the Gurnard and Porthilly Sauce, a dish that you will never want to end. Crabs are caught locally at Porthilly and then made into a delicious bisque like sauce. This sauce has everyone talking on TripAdvisor.

Accompanied by a glass of Capellania Blanco Reserva 2012, Marques de Murrieta, Rioja, Spain.

Main Course

Onto the mains and we certainly don’t doubt Nathan Outlaw’s ‘King of Fish’ title. The Cornish Turbot, with a side of tenderstem and roast onion sauce with potato.

Dessert

If you love your sweet food then this is the course for you! Strawberries and sugared shortbread biscuit in a delicous jelly with elderflower ice. Pour the ice onto the strawberries and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how much extra taste it adds.

Last course…

Cornish Jack Cheese (who doesn’t love cheese), Beetroot and Walnut Tart! As if things couldn’t get any better. The perfect end to a perfect meal. This course was wonderfully combined with a glass of Banyuls Reserva NV, Domaine La Tour Vieille,Roussillon from France.

Intrigued about how all this amazing food was prepped, we headed into the kitchen to get a little sneak peek as the chefs work.

Nathan Outlaw currently holds four Michelin stars across his empire of exquisite seafood restaurants.

There’s our dessert again, we couldn’t possibly eat anymore…

What do you do after a big meal when on the coast? Get outside and walk off your dinner with some of the most beautiful and rugged Cornish views. When leaving Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, head down the hill in the opposite direction towards Port Isaac’s sister port, Port Gaverne.

Enjoy a drink at the Port Gaverne Hotel and Restaurant before heading back up the hill. Sit on the bench half way up the hill and take in the inspiring views.

Much to our surprise, we found ourselves in the middle of the Port Isaac Carnival on our way back to Lobber.

It’s pleasant to see how much the locals come together and welcome visitors from near and far to join in with their celebrations.

Book your self-catering stay in Port Isaac with Beach Retreats.

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.

Learn more about Padstow in our blog all about how to enjoy a week in Padstow, and explore what it has to offer.

Amazing events for your 2018 Cornwall diary

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fantastic events to choose from in Cornwall throughout 2018.

We’ve hand-picked our favourites to add to your calendars. How many will you visit?

Discover unbeatable savings and unforgettable experiences with Beach Retreats’ exclusive special offers.

Porthleven Food Festival

Porthleven 20 – 22 April

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2018, this is a festival we highly recommend for your foodie diary. Bringing around 30,000 people together in and around the stunning harbour in Porthleven, the event brings national and international chefs into the theatre, food stalls, street food, music day and night and entertainment for all. What are you waiting for? See you there…

Discover our Porthleven holiday properties.

St Ives Food & Drink Festival

St Ives 11 – 13 May

Get yourselves down to Porthminster beach in St Ives for another foodie treat. Attracting over 12,000 visitors each year, this festival brings you plenty of Cornish food stalls, Celebrity Chef Demos, pop up BBQs, music and more. Whilst you are in St Ives, we recommend a coastal walk along its white sand beaches.

The Great Estate

Redruth 1 – 3 June

A new event for 2017 and now returning for its second year, The Great Estate is a festival for all the family. Expect major international headline acts, a mix of comedy, theatre, music and the arts, all within the beautiful grounds of Scorrier Estate. Look out for their vintage fairground, woodland silent disco, secret gin garden, burlesque sessions, classical corner and the Swamp Circus. Buy tickets.

Royal Cornwall Show

Wadebridge 7 – 9 June

On its 223rd year and one of Cornwall’s biggest events, the Royal Cornwall Show hosts an exciting schedule of events exhibits, competitions, shopping, family activities and more. As an agricultural show, visitors can expect plenty of animal shows including the popular annual dog show, as well as a fascinating glimpse into rural life. Apart from the livestock judging, there is the famous flower tent, show jumping and a fast and furious inter-hunt relay.

Rock Oyster Festival

Rock 6 – 7 July

Located right on the famous Camel trail, making it one of the few festivals that can be easily accessed on foot or by bike, the Rock Oyster Festival is a haven for seafood lovers. This midsummer celebration of food, music and art, invites visitors to eat their way through thousands of Cornish oysters, as well as listen to live music, watch circus acts and enjoy children’s entertainment, alternative performing arts and a shopping bazaar. What more could you ask for?

Lusty Glaze Sundowner Sessions

Newquay, Various dates

Awarded the No.1 spot by The Times for ‘Most picturesque live music venue in the UK’ Lusty Glaze hosts various live acts throughout the summer months with in an incredible setting. Imagine a beer in hand, sand beneath your toes and a stunning sunset whilst watching your favourite band? Lusty Glaze welcomes Morcheeba 22nd July, a British band from the 90s, with other acts to be announced shortly.

Port Eliot Festival

St German 26 – 29 July

Port Eliot is a festival unlike any other. Whether you’re swimming in the estuary, picnicking under a 300-year-old tree, rocking out at the Park Stage, canoeing on the river, catching an intimate gig in the church, watching a cooking demo in the Big Kitchen or dancing in the Boogie Round. Make sure you save some time to look around Port Eliot House, a Grade I listed house over 1,000 years old. Will you walk up all 11 stair cases?

Boardmasters Surf & Music Festival

Newquay & Watergate Bay 8 – 13 August

The famous Boardmasters Festival is back offering a fantastic music and surf festival over two locations. Head to Fistral beach in Newquay for the main surfing and skate competitions, along with food stalls and music, or head to Watergate Bay where this year’s top acts include Craig David, The Chemical Brothers and Annie Mac.

Following the success of 2017, The Financial Times said Boardmasters is “fast becoming one of the UK’s most enticing summer music festivals”, while NME described the festival as “a perfect weekend mix of sun, surf and music in Cornwall.” See the full line-up and purchase tickets on the Boardmasters website.

British Stand Up Paddle Boarding National Championships

Watergate Bay 13 – 14 October

Celebrating its 6th year, the British Stand up Boarding Association National Championships returns to the bay. Over the course of two days there will be three main competitions, Men’s Open, Women’s Open, & Junior Under 16s. Wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate from The Beach Hut and enjoy the action. Stand by for a fiery autumn sunset.

Padstow Christmas Festival

Padstow 6 – 9 December

See this Cornish fishing village come alive with celebrity chefs, culinary delights and festive fun. The free-to-attend spectacle has grown into one of the largest food festivals in Cornwall, with 45,000 visitors expected across the four days. This year sees 65 separate cookery demonstrations, workshops and masterclasses happening across two stages, with culinary names from Rick Stien, Paul Ainsworth, Nathan Outlaw and James Martin confirmed to attend.

But it’s not all about the food.

The popular Christmas market will also be open from midday Thursday with stalls featuring arts, crafts, food and drink producers from across the south west. Padstow’s shops and galleries will be open for extended hours offering special discounts throughout the four days, plus there will be a fantastic fireworks display.

Do you know any other events that should be added to our 2018 calendar? Let us know by joining the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Want a relaxing holiday in Cornwall? Check out our favourite spas and saunas for a truly relaxing getaway

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Eat local on your self-catering holiday in Cornwall

Staying in a Beach Retreat property means Cornwall’s luscious bounty is always on your doorstep.

In farm shops, markets and local restaurants about the county, you’ll spy carrots, Cornish potatoes, mussels, samphire, figs, hazelnuts and much more autumnal produce. Here we have rounded up the best places to lay your hands on fresh local produce, so you can cut down the journey from field to plate and enjoy what the locals have to offer.

Visiting Cornwall for a romantic adventure? Check out our romantic cottages.

Baker Tom – multiple locations

As you walk into any of these stores, expect the smell of freshly made bread, scones, pastries and more. If you’re also a cheese lover, we highly recommend dipping some Baker Tom bread into a melted Camembert cheese. Baker Tom has got it all going on. Stores and Cafes can be found in Truro, Falmouth, Wadebridge, Pool and Penzance.

Purely Cornish – Looe

Located in lovely Looe, Purely Cornish offers visitors and locals alike a fantastic array of goodies. From Cornish chocolate, fudge and biscuits, to local jams and chutney. Is your mouth-watering yet?

Bre-pen Farm – Mawgan Porth

This National Trust farm on the cliffs above Mawgan Porth is worth a pilgrimage to pick up a few joints of its free-range lamb, reared on the green pastures and sea  breezes of the north coast – Chefs swear you can taste the salty air in the meat. There can be no better reason to forgo burgers – these chops are perfectly suited to the smoky flavours of a beach barbie. Enquire within the farm shop, and pick yourself a few sprigs of herbs free of charge on the way out.

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

Camel Valley – near Bodmin

Camel Valley Vineyard has been producing award-winning, world-class wine in Cornwall since 1989. Located near Bodmin, guests can either stop in the shop to purchase wine and champagne, or have it order to your door. For those that are really into their wines, why not enjoy a tour of the vineyard during your stay?

Camel Valley recently won Gold for their 2016 Pinot Noir, Still Rose at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Trevilley Farm

There are farm shops and then there are farm shops like Trevilley. This award-winning shop on the outskirts of Newquay is one of the most lovingly stocked in Cornwall, selling own-produced meat (including South Devonshire beef), fruit and veg, chutneys, jams, cakes, pasties and quiches, as well as a plethora of other carefully sourced Cornish produce. You can also find a selection of local real ales, wines and juices.

Great Cornish Food Shop – Truro

Experience, celebrate and discover everything about delicious Cornish food and drink at the Great Cornish Food Shop in Truro. The independent grocery store, comes with its own butcher, fishmonger and chef-led café, deli, and takeaway. You’ll never want to leave.

Stein’s Deli and Patisserie – Padstow 

For homemade jams, chutneys, relishes, spice mixes and oils, head to Stein’s Deli in Padstow where these are all made to Rick’s recipes. You’ll also find freshly baked goods including pasties, breads & pastries, all handmade and produced by the Rick Stein Group in Padstow.

Book your self-catering holiday with Beach Retreats.

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

The Ancient Mariner – Lynmouth, Devon

Lynmouth, Devon.

Resting below the sea cliffs on the harbour at Lynmouth, the Ancient Mariner’s pub offers the perfect place to relax.

The award-winning bar and restaurant overlooks the pier’s shingle beach and calm waters. Picture frame windows take advantage of the beautiful scenery and light the restaurant. Maritime-inspired interiors create a cool, young vibe with industrial iron tables and big leather sofas. The cosy log burner and soft furnishings create a space which feels inviting and makes dining and drinking very comfortable.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a log burner? Check out our cottages with a log burner for a cosy getaway.

Located in the final stop on the Coleridge Way; a 51-mile walk in the poet’s footsteps, the Ancient Mariner is the perfect place to refuel after a hike along the moors. Named after the famous Coleridge poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, the pub offers a unique experience to dine in style.

Discover the charm and beauty of North Devon, where stunning landscapes and coastal adventures await with Beach Retreats.

The Food:

Whether you are after a light bite or a three course meal, the food is freshly prepared using local and seasonal produce. Expect traditional hearty meals with a modern twist. Try the Exmoor beef burger with black treacle and ale braised brisket or a classic rich and creamy macaroni and cheese. There is also a daily specials board with fresh seafood dishes.

For dessert, there is a selection of sweet and savoury dishes to choose from. The Devon cheese board platter is perfect for those looking to share.

The Ancient Mariner stocks many local ales, beers, ciders, guest ales and organic juices. The famous local crafted gin “Wicked Wolf” can also be found behind the bar, which is made on the banks of the East Lyn river.

A variety of fine liquors can be enjoyed in the Aubrey Cocktail Bar, which is adjoined to the Ancient Mariner. Experience luxurious interiors with a hygge twist and unwind with friends and family. During the day stop-off for a homemade cream tea, fresh from the oven, or indulge in an afternoon tea.

The Ancient Mariner and Aubrey Cocktail Bar are with 10-minutes walking distance of our self-catering holiday apartments at Tors Park.

Book your holiday in Lynmouth.

Explore the captivating contrasts of dawn and dusk along the Cornish coast, each offering its own magical ambience and breathtaking views.

Lewinnick Lodge

Pentire, Newquay.

Nestled on the cliffs at Pentire Headland, Lewinnick Lodge overlooks Fistral and out across the Atlantic to Watergate Bay. Lewinnick Lodge will welcome you with open arms, did we mention they’re dog-friendly too?

Lewinnick Lodge by Layton Bennett Photography
(Aerial view taken by Layton Bennett Photography)

The award-winning bar and restaurant has one of the best coastal views in Cornwall. Huge windows take advantage of the restaurant’s location while letting light flood into the open space. In the summer, the terrace lets you taste the salty sea spray whilst sipping cocktails. Whereas in the winter, the Lodge is a cosy haven to watch the Cornish storms roll-in from the Atlantic.

The interiors of the bar and restaurant reflect the Lodge’s spectacular position. Inspired by the wild scenery of Pentire Headland, the Lodge combines coastal interiors with country living to create a contemporary and relaxing space. It’s a world away from your everyday 9-5.

Aerial of Lewinnick Lodge by Layton Bennett Photography
(Aerial view taken by Layton Bennett Photography)

The Food:

Serving modern British food with an emphasis on fresh fish, the lodge is the perfect venue to enjoy fine Cornish fare and hospitality.

The chefs freshly prepare all meals, tailoring the menus to make the most of seasonal produce. During busy times, diners may have to wait for their food to be served. This delay however is well worth waiting for – the aromas and the flavours of the food will not leave your senses and taste buds disappointed! Treat yourself to the seasoning of Thai chicken skewers with pickled vegetables and satay sauce or savour the flavours of baked scallops cooked with chilli and ginger in a puff pastry case.

All produce is sourced locally, with most of the dishes caught from the surrounding waters of Cornwall. From net to plate to ingredients obtained from neighbouring farms, the menu is brimming with Cornish produce.

For desert, indulge in hearty favourites like sticky toffee pudding, warm chocolate brownie or boozy cherry fruit crumble.

There is also a variety of drinks, including an impressive wine selection and local ales.

Just a stone’s throw away from Fistral beach, which is becoming a vibrant foodie bolthole, Lewinnick sits within easy walking distance from our self-catering properties in Fistral.

BOOK YOUR SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY IN FISTRAL.

Rick Stein’s Cookery School | Taste the Ocean

Taste the Ocean

Padstow is a traditional working fishing port nestled at the head of the Camel River. Characterised by cobbled streets, boutique shops, art galleries and eateries, the charming village is a popular holiday destination. A tranquil harbour decorated with fishing boats, Padstow attracts visitors looking to sample Rick Stein’s culinary delights.

Visiting Cornwall for a romantic adventure? Check out our romantic cottages.

Rick Stein

A world renowned and award winning chef, Rick Stein is best known for his love of fresh seafood. Since the opening of The Seafood Restaurant in 1975, where diners can experience fish fresh from the ocean, Rick has been busy growing his name as a seafood chef. Not only has he cooked for the Queen, Prince Philip and Margaret Thatcher (to name drop only a few) but is an author of more than 20 bestselling cookbooks. Rick’s love of fresh seafood has inspired him to travel the world to explore culinary traditions. His adventures have included barges, clapped-out caravans and in the early days his beloved dog, Chalky.

Padstow has been coined Padstein by visitors and food lovers, as an acknowledgement to the many Stein local bars and restaurants. In the past 30 years, Rick has opened new doors for his business. His name can now be seen in locations including Fistral, Falmouth, Porthleven and St Merryn in Cornwall. The millennium saw the opening of The Rick Stein Cookery School in Padstow. Popular with budding chefs and food fanatics, the school offers visitors a place to enjoy cooking and tasting food.

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

The Cookery School

Situated in a spacious, light-filled building perched on the South Quay, the cookery school offers more than 30 courses and lectures. With a small ratio of people in a class, you are able to learn how to create mouthwatering dishes from Rick’s leading chefs.

Overlooking the Camel Estuary with further views across to Rock, the school is a perfect place to learn how to cook seafood. There are individual cooking stations for eight pairs, a chef’s kitchen area and a long dining table. The day is filled with demonstrations, hands-on cooking and plenty of food tasting.

As a student, we joined head chef Nick Evans on a half-day seafood cookery course. The whole morning revolved around lunch, where a feast of shellfish was served and washed down with a glass of wine. During the morning, students were able to learn how to cook razor calms and mussels through chef demonstrations.

The kitchen was filled with the aromas of fresh seafood as the pans fried and the pots boiled. Measuring, chopping and cooking the ingredients enabled students to get involved in the day. Students walked away with not only new recipes to cook at home but an impressive set of new kitchen skills.

After class, students are presented with a certificate and folder containing useful hints and tips along with delicious recipes and heart-warming meal ideas.

There are plenty of courses to choose from at Rick Stein’s Cookery School. Get hands-on with Far Eastern cuisine, Mediterranean dishes and traditional winter warmers. Although seafood plays a big part in the cookery school, you can try courses which use other ingredients. All courses help create perfect dishes to curl up with and cook in your self-catering holiday home.

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

Book your foodie escape in one of our beach locations, and keep an eye on our special offers page for the best deals.  

Perranporth – Walk Through

Perranporth is perfect for those seeking to escape the 9-5.

Clear waters, cliff walks and three miles of golden sand, as well as having some of our fantastic dog-friendly properties nearby.

Visiting Cornwall for a romantic adventure? Check out our romantic cottages.

Nestled among rolling hills that inspired Winston Graham’s swashbuckling Poldark novels, Perranporth is a bustling village with a variety of eateries.

From Droskyn point, you can take a leisurely walk into the village. As you wander down the hillside, you will come across the Perranzabuloe Millennium Sundial, designed by local artist Stuart Thorn.

True to the spirit of the village, the stainless steel gnomon has been set to show Cornish time: 20 minutes ahead of GMT. Stone seating has been incorporated into the structure, which looks onto the beach below.

In the village, there is an array of beach-side shops and cafes along with local amenities.

If you walk a little further from the main street, you’ll find yourself in a charming park with a large duck pond which is home to swans and ducks.

As you walk back towards the beach, you can take advantage of hiring a kayak to take out onto the water, paddle board or surf board.

Feel the sand between your toes and breathe in the fresh salty sea air as you walk along the beach.

The beach is patrolled in season by RNLI lifeguards. It is a safe beach which is popular with families and couples.

It is also a dog friendly beach, which makes for a great morning run or afternoon out with your canine friend.

Whilst on the beach you can stop for a drink or something to eat at the Watering Hole – the UK’s only bar and restaurant on the beach! In the summer enjoy a BBQ on the beach in the evening.

After you have fuelled your body, why not climb the steps located to the right of the restaurant embedded in the cliff face. Venture along the cliff path along to Holywell Bay.

Interested in finding out more about Newquay? Discover what to do in and around Newquay.

A perfect vantage point to watch the sunset over the horizon in the evening.

Want to stay in Perranporth? Check out our luxury holiday lets in Perranporth.

10 Best Restaurants in North Cornwall

From casual wood-fired food hideaways to Michelin-starred seafood restaurants, Cornwall remains a county like no other for food lovers. So here’s our guide to the 10 best restaurants in North Cornwall, all within easy reach of our Beach Retreats properties.

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

Scott & Babs

Where? Mawgan Porth

Hidden away deep in Mawgan Porth’s Laherne valley is one of our favourite haunts. Situated on a farm with a stream running through the site, you really do feel like you stumbled across something special. They’re rearing their own pigs, sheep, cows, ducks and chickens to cook a small menu that’s tasty, rustic and cooked on open fires, spit roasts and slow-roasted smoker barrels. Guests can get cosy up in a converted stable with a roaring log fire!

www.scottandbabs.com

Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen

Where? Port Isaac

The two-Michelin starred chef ‘s new Fish Kitchen brings the best of Cornish seafood to a more affordable level. The restaurant, which focuses on small seafood plates, now boasts a Michelin star in its own right. We fancy the cured Monkfish and crispy squid, with prices between £2-10 per dish.

www.outlaws.co.uk/fishkitchen

Fish House Fistral

Where? Fistral Beach

Fish House Fistral is an award-winning seafood restaurant over looking the beach at Watergate Bay. Described by the owner and Head Chef as serving rustic seafood ‘with no one serving food like like this in Newquay’, the focus in on local produce at reasonable prices. Dishes include everything from lobster linguini and fish curry to ribeye steaks and burgers.

thefishhousefistral.com

St Tudy Inn

Where? St Tudy, Nr Bodmin

After many years running the Harbour Restaurant in Port Isaac, award-winning chef Emily Scott opened up the St Tudy Inn in December 2014. The transformed the pub has a modern warm and cosy atmosphere. Enjoy a drink in the old bar, or relax in front of the open fire and enjoy simple, rustic cuisine.

www.sttudyinn.com/

Paul Ainsworth at Number 6

Where? Padstow

It’s not all about Rick Stein anymore in Padstow (although Rick’s restaurants are still very good). Paul Ainsworth has won a Michelin star for his restaurant, which sources seasonal ingredients and serves them in s simple modern style. Accessibility is key, so the atmosphere is relaxed, children are welcome, and hearty portions of unpretentious, uncomplicated food is bound to put a smile on your face.

www.number6inpadstow.co.uk

Gilmore’s Golf

Where? Fistral, Newquay

What was once an average greasey-spoon café and golf course has been turned into a laid-back hangout with a fun miniature-golf course sitting alongside. Gilmore’s brings unfussy, freshly cooked, Mexican inspired food to Cornwall. Burritos, tacos and loaded chips and nachos are all on the menu, which is anything but your usual Old El Passo fayre. Our favourite is the fried fish taco, complete with homemade mini soft tacos – as they should be.

Visit their Facebook page.

Want to stay in Crantock, Newquay near to Fistral and Watergate? Have a look at our properties in Crantock.

Zacry’s

Where? Watergate Bay

Since it threw open its brasserie-style doors at Watergate Bay Hotel in March 2014, Zacry’s has drawn a crowd of passers-by and returning aficionados alike. The food looks to Cornwall for inspiration while drawing on international influences and executive chef Neil Haydock’s passion for contemporary American cuisine. Provenance is important in the seasonal two or three-course menu, showcasing both classic and contemporary dishes. Grilled meat and seafood all feature large.

Visit their website.

The Halsetown Inn

Where? Halsetown near St Ives

Possibly the best Sunday roast in Cornwall, but the Halsetown Inn’s daily menu is just as tasty – and all really good value. The medium sized menu covers a lot of ground, from classic burgers, Asian-inspired dishes, curries, lamb and seafood, in a rustic and homely atmosphere.

www.halsetowninn.co.uk

The Beach Hut

Where? Watergate Bay

One of Cornwall’s best beach-side hangouts, The Beach Hut welcomes surfers, families and even the dog. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, food is unfussy and tasty, the atmosphere laid-back, and all with a view of Watergate Bay’s two-mile stretch of beach out front. Perfect for sunset watching and sundowners.

Visit their website.

Strong Adolfos

Where? A39 just outside Wadebridge

What do you get if you cross a great coffee maker, a surf-board shaper and motorbike customiser? The proprietor of a sub-cultural café on Cornwall’s Atlantic Highway, of course. The interior is industrial but the food and drink is anything but. The kitchen serves freshly cooked breakfast and lunches with influence taken from around the globe. We spotted burgers, lentil dhal and tasty salads on the day that we visited with vegetarian, gluten-free and meat eaters all catered for across the menu.

Visit their website.

Visiting Cornwall in the Autumn or Winter? It’s the perfect time to visit our favourite Sunday Roast locations.

Book your self-catering holiday in Cornwall Beach Retreats today.

Eating out in Widemouth Bay | Places to Eat

Widemouth Bay may feel like a wild and remote beach retreat, and in many ways it is. But from beach cafes to Italian-inspired fare, it packs in plenty of places to dine. Read our ultimate guide to eating out in Widemouth Bay.

Visiting Cornwall for a workcation? Have a look at our holiday lets perfect for extended stays and working.

Black Rock Café

Named after the iconic rock jutting out of the sea at the south end of Widemouth, Black Rock Café serves up a brilliant breakfast and waffles, as well as lunches and cream teas. The three generation Café is also licensed with outdoor seating and is home to Rocky the parrot.

Trelawny Tearoom and surf hire

A delicious selection of homemade cakes – sometimes slightly wonky, exactly how they should be. They also serve scrummy breakfast baps, perfect after an early morning surf, and a good old cream teas with Rodda’s Clotted Cream.

www.trelawnytearoom.com

Widemouth Bay Café

A long firm favourite located in the middle-to-northern-end of the beach. This is your spot for loaded hot chocolates, hot pasties and a good cup of coffee. Dogs are welcome.

The Beach House

Restaurant, bar and takeaway, The Beach House lies at the northern end of Widemouth with plenty of outdoor and indoor seating overlooking the Bay. There’s everything from Sri Lankan spider crab curry to Asian pork belly and Sunday roasts, and when the weather’s good, cocktail bar in the dunes.

www.beachhousewidemouth.co.uk

Widemouth Manor

On the hairpin bend before you descend into Widemouth from the Atlantic Highway is Widemouth Manor. The menu offers a mix of classics from fish and chips and mussels to ever changing specials and tempting tapas. Open for lunch and dinner.

www.widemouthmanor.co.uk

The Bay View

A popular pub-come-restaurant serving up big burgers, steaks, salads and more. Kids will love the outdoor play area.

www.bayviewinn.co.uk

Elements

Situated high on the clifftop between Bude and Widemouth, Elements serves up an Italian inspired menu of stone-baked pizzas, pasta, steak and salads with a contemporary interior and stunning views. Save room for their gelato menu afterwards.

www.elements-life.co.uk

The Weir Restaurant and Bistro

Technically not in Widemouth but only a 5 minute drive away in Marhamchurch along the Altantic Highway, we just had to include The Weir – a coffee house, bistro and wildlife centre. Overlooking the lake and along the Bude Cycle Route, The weir combines fresh food and cakes with plenty for kids to see, do and explore.

www.weir-restaurant-bude.co.uk

Take a look at our properties in Widemouth Bay and book your Beach Retreat today. Keep an eye out for deals on our special offers page, or browse our other beach locations to explore further.

Looking at other locations in Cornwall? Explore the enchanting village of Boscastle in North Cornwall with Beach Retreats.

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