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Where else could you see an RAF Falcon display, edible bug eating and sheep shearing? At Cornwall’s largest annual event of course.

The Royal Cornish Show near Wadebridge is celebrating its 223rd year next week – and we can think of the same number of reasons for why.

The main draw of the county’s biggest annual event is still the fact it’s a top agricultural show, attracting increasing numbers of animals entered into hundreds of classes. Dog and goat sections; rare breed classes. A top flower show and thriving countryside area. Rabbits, cage birds, cavies – even bees get noticed here!

It’s also full of exhibits and exhibitions, Cornish-grown and produced food and drink, music and a packed schedule of entertainment happening in and around the main ring.

Interested in farming? Not interesting in farming? Enjoy crafts? Planning a wedding? Need to entertain the kids? Is woodland your thing? Whatever your interest, The Royal Cornwall show has something for everyone.

20 things to see and do at the Royal Cornwall Show, by the West Briton

The Grand Parade
All animals large and small come from far to compete.

Mouth-watering food and drink
Eat, drink and be merry with 60 local produces within three marquees.

Fun dog show
1,000 wagging tails will compete in the show’s canine section over three days.

The RAF Falcons
Dropping in on all three show days will be the military’s best parachute display team.

Sheep shearing
Well it wouldn’t be an agricultural show otherwise would it.

Edible bug challenge
Are you brave enough to take on the challenge?

Cornwall’s Young Farmers
The show is a big event for Cornwall’s next generation of farmers.

Titan the Robot
At eight-feet tall, he’s hard to miss.

Goats
A record number of goats will be competing at this year’s show, but we like it most when the kids come out to play on the Sunday.

Scarecrow Trail
Join the trail and find the scarecrows scattered around the ground.

Relive WW1
Get inside a trench and find out what life was like on the front line.

Live music
The Grenaways, Wadebridge Town Band and the Whippletree Ceilidh Band feature in the line-up this year.

Sheep dog handling
Katy Cropper, the first female winner of One Man & His Dog, and her 13 year-old daughter Henrietta (the youngest One Man & His Dog competitor) will show off their skills.

Cornish wrestling
The men and women of Cornwall have been ‘hitching’ for hundreds of years.

Vintage fun fair
A helter-skelter, ferris wheel and Victorian gallopers are in town.

Show jumping
Edge-of-your-seat stuff in the main ring.

Cheeky Gnomes
Gnorbet and Gnigel have been let loose in the show. You’ve been warned!

Morris Dancers
From traditional to contemporary. Plus on Sunday they’ll invade the avenues.

The Flower Show
One of the finest shows around with several Chelsea Flower Show medal winners participating.

Equine stars of Poldark
The BBC Poldark horses and riders will stampede into the main ring.

www.royalcornwallshow.org

Want to #behere? Book your self-catering holiday with Beach Retreats.

Cycle out on the coastal path or head to the beach, spread out a blanket, and enjoy a Gourmet Picnic in some of Cornwall’s most fabulous locations.

Brought to you by the team behind Amélies Restaurant in Porthleven, Gourmet Picnics are handmade to order by their team of artisan chefs from their coastal HQ and delivered direct to your holiday accommodation. Designed for parties of four or more, this is shared gourmet dining for the great outdoors made easy.

Choose your menu below then place your order by calling the team on 01326 653653. Picnics must be ordered 72 hours in advance of when delivery is required and are for a minimum of eight people.

From the Sea – £60pp
To Start
Lime and coriander crayfish tails
Marinated dill and white wine prawns
Potted crab with melba toast

To Follow
Smoked mackerel and bulghar salad
Dressed Cornish crab with lemon mayo
Marinated chargrilled tiger prawns with chilli, garlic dip

To Finish
Chocolate dipped strawberries
Pimms and mint jellies

From The Land – £58pp
To Start
Figs and prosciutto with balsamic
Homemade scotch egg with turmeric mayo
Slow cooked ham with grain mustard

To Follow
Spiced chicken drumsticks with harisa dip
Marinated Cornish beef with beetroot and horseradish chutney
Summer poached chicken salad with chilli, garlic dressing

To Finish
Meringue, crème fraiche and marinated berries
Sea salt petit fours

From the Field (our vegetarian option) – £50pp
To Start
Goats cheese, spiced beetroot and watercress
Antipasti; roasted sun-blushed tomato, artichoke hearts and marinated olives
Parmesan twists with garlic crème fraiche

To Follow
Cous cous and roasted vegetables stuffed pepper
Harissa marinated haoumi kebabs
Caramelised onion tart with gruyere

To Finish
Strawberries and Cornish clotted cream
Mini fruit tarts

Drinks menu

Half bottle red wines
Marques De Caceres £12.00
Boujoulais Bourisset £12.50
Colin Bourisset Fleurie £15.00

Half bottles of white wines
Marques De Cacares £12.00
Rose D’anjou £13.00
Chablis Laroche £15.00

Bubbles
200ml mini prosecco bottles £9.00
Half bottle Laurent Perrier champagne £22.50

Cocktails
Mojito jam jar
Bacardi, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, sugar, soda £4.50
Amélies jam jar
Vodka Chambord, homemade strawberry, jam, cranberry juice, lime juice, sugar £5.00
Bloody Mary jar
Tomato juice, vodka, lemon Worcestershire sauce and miniature Tabasco sauce to make your own heat! £5.00

Non alcoholic drinks
Watermelon and lemon jar Lemon, fresh mint and watermelon freshly made to order in jam jars £4.00 (add vodka for £1.00)
Proper lemonade Homemade cloudy still lemonade in glass bottles £3.00
Elderflower cordial Elderflower, lemon and vanilla cordial Bottled to order in Italian glass bottles £3.50

Search for your self catering holiday with Beach Retreats.

Ex-River Cottage chef Nick’s new laid-back café-come-restaurant is serving up a treat near Whitsand Bay.

Only inquisitive and curious diners make it to The Canteen at Maker Heights, off-the-beaten-track and at the top of the last hill on the Rame Peninsula before you meet the River Tamar. We like it that way, and we think the team running it likes it that way too.

We visited The Canteen after a friend’s recommendation, nearly missing the turning on the road between Milbrook and Cremyll. Housed in old barrack buildings with breakthtaking views down towards the villages of Kingsand and Cawsand lapping the water below, visitors on the benches outside are making the most of spring sunshine with sunnies on and a coffee in hand.

Inside, Nick’s team cook fresh, vibrant home cooked food from their small home-sized kitchen. The busy team are beavering away in the open-plan setup as they overlook long tables of families tucking into hearty Sunday roast, rib of beef and shoulder of pork, plus all the trimmings.

The menu is small but perfectly formed – four starters and five mains – but I’m tempted with the veggie options and go for a taster board of frittata, hummous, falafel Scotch egg and homemade break with a three beet, mozzarella and walnut salad.

The food is rustic and definitely nods to chef Nick Platt’s time at River Cottage, except the menu here is very good value. We also should mention that the kiddies menu has just been given a special mention in the Sunday Times as one of their favorite places in Cornwall to take children to eat.

I leave feeling good from the inside out before heading off for a walk down to Mount Edgcumbe and Cremyll Ferry

The Maker is only open on weekends during the winter and seven days in the summer. It’s always best to book to avoid disappointment.

www.facebook.com/makercanteen/

PS. Keep an eye out too for the Maker Sunshine Festival Sessions throughout summer, family friendly events with live music and good food.
The Canteen at Maker Heights is a ten minute drive from our self-catering properties at Whitsand Bay.

If there was ever an excuse to eat yourself silly, drink yourself merry and dance around a pretty harbour, Porthleven Food & Music Festival on Friday 15, Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 April is it.

If you haven’t visited the pretty fishing village of Porthleven on Cornwall’s south coast then this weekend during the lively Porthleven Food and Music Festival is your perfect opportunity.

Lining the harbour will be more than 120 local food and craft exhibitors, street food stalls and music stages alongside a big chef’s theatre hosting celebrity chef demos from names such as Antony Worral Thompson, Jack Stein, Francis Quinn (winner of the Great British Bake Off) and lots more. Fill your shopping bags with local produce and eat and drink yourself silly. You’ll find us by the fish BBQ.

From start to finish there’s lots of reasons to join the party, not least live music from classic and county to rock and reggae. Art exhibitions, kids activities and a few surprises will be happening across the weekend, with a huge firework finale bringing things to close on Sunday. For the first time a fringe Literary Festival ‘Food for thought’ will also take place featuring authors, writers, poets and performers.

For a full list of what’s on visit www.porthlevenfoodfestival.com

PS. The theme for 2016 is Mad Hatter’s Tea Party so join in the fun and put your best hat on!

Search for your self-catering holiday in Porthleven with Beach Retreats.

Homemade food on holiday, without lifting a finger? Angels in the Kitchen is a unique Cornish catering company offering gourmet prepared meals that you can pop in the oven.

Holiday time is precious, and we want you to make the most of it. If you’ve chosen a self-catering holiday we know it’s probably because you enjoy real food without having to eat out every night. But after a long journey to your property, or a hard day out on the beach, we also know that cooking is often the last thing on your mind.

We’re pleased to be going into a second year working with Angels in the Kitchen – a unique Cornish catering company that offers a healthy and wholesome alternative food; think great Cornish produce and no additives or preservatives. All the dishes are lovingly hand-prepared by Kirsten and Sarah, two busy working mums who know the value of quality time with the family. Meals can pre-ordered before your holiday and be found waiting in your freezer on arrival. Simply pop in the oven while you unpack.

Top frozen main meals on the menu include Cornish fish pie and butternut squash and spinach rotolo (v).

Healthy children’s food

Fussy eaters? All meals in the kids’ range (with the exception of chicken goujons) contain hidden vegetables. Avoiding the teatime battle means more time for you and the kids.

Private chef service

Or, bring the restaurant experience to your own holiday accommodation with Angels in the Kitchen’s private chef service. Kirsten and Sarah shop, prepare and clean up, ideal for special occasions or for those that who want to put children down early. Choose from a range of set menus or work with create something more tailored. Buffets, cakes BBQs, canapes and sit down meals are all happily catered for.

New for 2016

Fridge meals

Thai green chicken curry
Chicken Korma
Tikka Masala
Madras
Saag Aloo (side)

New Private chef set menus

Set dinner menu (£65 per head)
Surf and turf menu (£85 per head)
Tapas menu (£55 per head)
Thai menu
Canapés
Cheese
Desserts

Special offer – curry nights for parties of eight or more

Curry without popping out? Angels in the Kitchen are now offering fridge meals for parties over eight with all the trimmings at no extra cost (ie. any of the curries with rice, popadums and mango chutney).

To view the full menu, pre-order online or for more information, visit www.angelsinthekitchen.co.uk

We head over to the other side of Porthleven Harbour for fresh local ingredients and relaxed dining at Amélies (with a side of baby grand piano).

Boats bob in the water, fisherman come and go, and people wonder past with ice creams in hand. Well, it would be ice creams but it’s a crisp March morning and most people are wrapped up enjoying frosty blue skies.

It doesn’t matter though as we’re toasty inside staring out of the glass-fronted restaurant door at Amélies. Come summer you can enjoy the same panoramic views from the terrace, but the view is just as good this time of year. We’ve just swapped the cool class or rose for a morning’s cup of coffee.

You may have spotted Amélies on Alex Polizzi’s Chefs on Trial on BBC 2 where Paul James won his place as head chef. But if not, we’ll explain.

By day, Amélies is an informal café bar, serving sumptuous seafood lunches, light bites and a coffee or a glass of fizz as you watch the world go by.

At night, share a romantic steak dinner or treat the family to a wood-fired pizza. When the sunsets the tealights are lit and Amélies is transformed into a relaxed and intimate restaurant on the waterfront.

If you want to dine on lobster plucked fresh from the waves, or tuck into a hearty burger, you can of course.

Sundays are for savouring at Amélies, and on Sundays here it’s all about the roast. A special lunchtime menu also runs, so you can choose what you fancy while chilling out to some favourite local music acts.

On key, there’s a tinkling as someone tunes the baby grand piano in the corner. Amélies is as passionate about food as its music. With a house band, and guests such as Tina May and Kai Hoffman performing here in the past, Amélies likes to think of itself as a mini Cornish Ronnie Scotts.

But if you miss one of their Summer Sessions or a Sunday special then you might be lucky to catch a talented guest serenading you instead.

www.ameliesporthleven.co.uk

Picnic on the beach?

Check out Amélies’ sister company Gourmet Picnics who make and deliver perfectly packaged luxury picnics for 4+ guests – think celebratory picnics on the sand minus the hassle or Cornish weddings overlooking the sea using local produce from Porthleven.

Smaller picnics orders can be placed directly from their sample menus or for larger orders, use them as a jumping off point to create your own, bespoke menu.

www.gourmetpicnics.co.uk

Search for your self catering holiday in Porthleven with Beach Retreats.

Here at Beach Retreats we’re very much for the healthy outdoor life. From coastal running to cycling, surfing and walking, or yoga on the beach, it’s all part of beach life down here in Cornwall. That’s why we’ve joined forces with Mindful Chef for an exclusive offer for guests.

When we heard about The Mindful Chef, we were intrigued to learn more. They’re a new business, founded in 2015, dedicated to providing healthy meals delivered to the homes of busy professionals in and around London.

But these are not convenience meals. The food is sourced from the South West for a start. The rolling hills of Devon where the business’ three founders grew up, along with the plentiful rainfall, make it the perfect environment to grow greens and rear grass-fed livestock. Organic red meat from Dartmoor and fish and game from St. Ives gives you a flavour for what to expect. The ingredients are cultivated into delicious and healthy meals by their in-house chef, then delivered to your doorstep.

Eating healthily remains central to Mindful Chef’s offering – co-founder Myles was a professional trainer and nutritionist prior to setting up the business. Recipes are filling, balanced, gluten-free and contain no refined carbs or sugars on the premise that adding a few healthy evening meals to your week can have wonderful health benefits. Giving you greater energy for the life by the beach, and being able to treat yourself at the weekend.

“Healthy living is holistic – getting the balance between being active, eating well and relaxation is vital. Eating fresh and nutritious food helps you to get the most out of your activities, whether that be a costal run or a paddle in the sea – in fact, it helps you get the most out of life! What better way to replenish and boost your body than by eating local fresh produce, full of nutrients. Fish is a great example of this – it is packed with protein to maintain healthy muscles, bones, skin and hair … and better yet it keeps your hunger satisfied. Some types of fish are also full of healthy fats, like omega 3, and contain essential vitamins and minerals too, like vitamin D”.

Sophie, Mindful Chef Ambassador

The offer – save 25% on your first order

Because Mindful Chef shares our values, we are delighted to be working with them through 2016 and beyond. Stay in a Beach Retreats property and cook up something special in one of our contemporary kitchen spaces. Orders must be shared with Mindful Chef by Thursday each week, to secure a Monday delivery. Minimum order must consist of two meals (one box), per property delivery.

And save 25% on your first order with Mindful Chef when you quote BEACHRETREATS when ordering online.

www.mindfulchef.co.uk | MindfulChefUK on Instagram

Search for your self catering holiday with Beach Retreats and be living the healthy coastal life soon.

Simple, modern and vibrant seafood that has been described by The Guardian as being up there with some of Cornwall’s big-named restaurants – we gawk at the food, and the view, from The View in Whitsand Bay.

Perched high on the clifftop at Whitsand Bay in South East Cornwall is one small but very fine restaurant. It’s led by head chef Matt Corner who packed up his chef whites from some of the country’s top county house hotels for a less stuffy life by the sea. Sat on the decking, drinking in the view from his restaurant of the same name, it’s not hard to see why.

The View’s focus is simple and modern, using the freshest produce it can find – the fish often comes straight off the boat from Looe. The views are, as you can guess, breathtaking, looking out over the sea to Rame Head, the Eddystone Lighthouse and far down along the west Cornish coastline to The Lizard and Goonhilly.

While Matt purposefully cut his ties with fine dining, the food is still fine. Open for lunch and dinner (weekends only off season), the menu is vibrant: watermelon, basil and feta salad; and steamed langoustine for start; and grilled turbot, streaky bacon, peas and lettuce; and John Dory, tiger prawns, lemon and garlic for main.

Or for a taste of what The View does best at a very reasonable price, take a look at their two or three course set menu.

Twelve year’s on after moving in to the former café and The View has gained a lot of media time, appearing on ITV’s Cornwall with Caroline Quentin and one of three chefs on ITV’s Little Chefs, as well as retaining a Michelin Bib Gourmande for eight years.

Of course Matt still finds time for a surf in between shifts.

Please check The View’s website for more details and opening times.

www.theview-restaurant.co.uk

Find your self catering holiday in Whitsand Bay with Beach Retreats.

If you’re seriously into fish then Nathan Outlaw is your man. And Port Isaac is the place. Rick Stein’s protégé has put our island’s seafood on the map with Britain’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the dramatic North Cornwall coastline – just over the road from our new two-bedroomed properties Lundy and Lobber.

Whether it’s an eight-course tasting menu of Britain’s finest seafood, small tapas-style plates for sharing, or proper pub grub, Nathan Outlaw’s restaurants in Port Isaac and nearby Rock have made a name for themselves. Making time to visit at least one of his restaurants when you’re staying in Cornwall or in the local area is a must.

Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, Port Isaac

Previously based in the St Enodoc hotel in Rock, Nathan’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant relocated to Port Isaac for its panoramic views across the bay. The seven-course seafood tasting menu (lunch and dinner) showcases Nathan’s culinary flare with pickled, cured, poached, fried and grilled seafood likely to make an appearance. At lunchtime a shorter menu of four set courses is also available.

www.nathan-outlaw.com

Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, Port Isaac

Set in a charmingly wonky Grade II listed building in the heart of Port Isaac is Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen. According to Nathan, the sea and fisherman here dictate the menu of small and original plates of tapas-inspired dishes. It has been awarded one-Michelin star.

www.outlaws.co.uk/fishkitchen

The Mariner’s, Rock

Overlooking the Camel Estuary in the heart of rock is Nathan’s pub, also owned by the local Sharp’s Brewery. On the menu is fish of course, but you’ll also find steak from the charcoal grill, pork belly and even the ubiquitous fish finger sandwich. All best washed down with a pint of Sharp’s Doom Bar ale.

www.themarinersrock.com/menu/

Not in Cornwall? You can get a taste of Nathan in London too.

Outlaw’s at The Capital Hotel, London

Opened in 2012 and recently awarded one-Michelin Star, Outlaw’s at The Capital is the place to enjoy the finest seafood in London. And within walking distance of the Hyde Park and central London.
www.outlaws.co.uk/restaurants/london

Book your holiday with Beach Retreats in Port Isaac.

It may be small, but this perfectly formed Cornish village has plenty of places to eat out and something to suit all tastes. Here’s our top places to eat out in St Agnes.

The Taphouse

You won’t miss the bright orange exterior of the Taphouse situated on the busy village square, open year round and providing a laid back dining experience. Favourites on the menu include nachos, burgers, Singapore noodles and homemade fishcakes. Music also features large, with excellent local and further-a-field bands playing in the evenings throughout the year.

www.the-taphouse.com

Genki

Technically a summer pop-up from March through to October, Genki – meaning health and happiness in Japanese – is a tiny café serving our favourite Origin Coffee, smoothies, cakes, paninis and salads. In summer it’s all about tapas and cocktails while taking in Genki’s Zen-landscaped gardens.

www.genkicornwall.co.uk

Driftwood Spars

A pub steeped in history where they love the food as much as the drink. The Spars in refer to the hug beams or ‘spars’ salvaged from shipwrecks along the coast when it was built in the1650s. Overlooking Trevaunance Cove, the Fitty Pysk seafood bistro offers fine dining. The annual Sausage and Ale Festival held on May Bank Holiday is not to be missed.

www.driftwoodspars.co.uk

Lewsey Lou’s

Just over the road from the Driftwood Spars is Lewsey Lou’s quality fish and chip shop, serving simple, fresh and Cornish fish. A great lunchtime stop for coastal walkers or if you’re having a day down on the beach.

www.lewseylous.co.uk

The Cornish Pizza Company

You may have sampled a slice of their award-winning thin-crust pizza from the back of their classic VW campervan at various food festivals around Cornwall, but St Agnes is where it all started. Here it’s takeaway only, with all pizzas made to order (they make their own pizza dough too) from their open-plan kitchen.

www.thecornishpizzacompany.co.uk

The Sorting Office

Our new favourite coffee shop in St Agnes. Mark and Sophie opened The Sorting Office in August 2015 – a quirky little coffee shop buried in the heart of St Agnes – serving great coffee, fresh pastries & delicious cakes. Open daytimes apart from Mondays.

www.facebook.com/thesortingoffice/

PS.
Don’t miss the Chapel Porth Café on the beautiful National Trust beach of the same name. The family-owned café is famous for its ‘hedgehog’ icreams – Cornish icecream covered in Cornish clotted cream

Find a self catering holiday in St Agnes with Beach Retreats and #behere very soon.