Category: Food and drink

Where to eat and drink by the sea

The teams at the National Lobster Hatchery and EW Wines share their recommendations for venues offering great food and drink in great coastline locations…

Across Cornwall, the list of places to enjoy the finest food and drink is eclectic and increasingly sustainable. We asked some Cornish residents working in the wider industry – with their own produce and drink credentials – to reveal recommended venues.

The National Lobster Hatchery (NLH) is a standout organisation in Cornwall’s dynamic seafood scene. Founded in 1998, the charity’s focus is education, research and conservation. Its key conservation project is a pioneering programme to enhance the Cornish lobster population, working closely with the local fishing community.

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

Image credit: National Lobster Hatchery

The NLH expert team rears lobster babies through their most vulnerable life stages, to improve survival chances by approximately 1000% above survival rates in the wild. This supports a healthy and sustainable lobster stock, and the local fishing communities, both now and in the future.

“Another champion of the seafood scene on the South Coast is the beautiful Hooked on the Rocks. Located overlooking Swanpool beach near Falmouth, this restaurant is perfect for a long lazy lunch overlooking a spectacular vista.”

Chief Operating Officer Nicola O’Donnell says: “For an up-close look at marine conservation in Cornwall, including a peek at our lobster maternity ward and nursery, you can join us in Padstow at our main hatchery site. A centre for all ages to learn more about marine biology, sustainability and, of course, lobsters.”

Seafood with sea views

Nicola recommends The Lobster Shed at Harlyn Bay for great, sustainable seafood by the sea. The lobster served at The Lobster Shed is caught off the coast of Padstow by local fishing boats, and the whole menu is sourced within a 25-mile radius.

“The Lobster Shed are one of our incredible fundraising partners and run our scheme ‘Buy one set one free’ – a great way for organisations and their diners to support sustainability.”

Image credit: The Lobster Shed

Keeping it local but with the sound of something more exotic, the restaurant’s Lobster & Camel pairs Cornish lobster with a Pinot Noir Rosé Brut from the Camel Valley.

“Another champion of the seafood scene on the south coast is the beautiful Hooked on the Rocks. Located overlooking Swanpool beach near Falmouth, this restaurant is perfect for a long lazy lunch overlooking a spectacular vista,” says Nicola.

Bar on the beach

Molly Gardiner, Communications and Admin Officer at the NLH, says the Blue Bar in Porthtowan is a great seaside spot any time; a café by day, with a bar and live music for the evening. “Grab a coffee or a pint and sit back, right by the beach. Siting there recently I saw about 50 dolphins out in the Atlantic. It’s a perfect stop off on a coast path walk or post-surf,” says Molly.

The team also recommend the Cornish Cream Teams available at Berryfield Tea Room, on the road down to Porthcothan Beach.

And to drink?

EW Wines, based at Indian Queens near Newquay was voted the best regional wine shop in the South West last year by wine magazine Decanter. One reason for the accolade is probably that it offers more than a quality selection of fine vintages.

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

The company is on the journey to becoming a B Corp – a certification scheme for more sustainable business. And as well as special tasting events, you can call in for free wine tasting from a selection of 16 wines, with Jim Bass – EW Wines’ WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Diploma qualified lead educator – offering a guide to the wines in store too.

“For a picnic lunch, we’ll call in to Da Bara bakery for provisions and I’ll take along some of our new range of premium canned wine. We’ve got a dry Muscadet that is absolutely delicious.”

For anyone staying by the sea this summer, they’ve curated a coastal wine box which can be delivered to your door on arrival.

Image credit: EW Wines

When it comes to finding a great spot for a glass of wine with a view, Jim recommends packing a picnic and adding some cans of wine to the hamper.

Favourite spots for picnic lunch or dinner include Porth Island and Whipsiderry Beach, both north along the coast from Newquay. “We had a takeout dinner up on Porth Island recently and watched the setting sun, one of the best views I’ve had with dinner for a long time.”

“For a picnic lunch, we’ll call in to Da Bara bakery for provisions and I’ll take along some of our new range of premium canned wine,” says Jim. “We’ve got a dry Muscadet that is absolutely delicious; it’s the same quality as a bottle – light and crisp, with a little texture. And the canned Fleurie we stock is the first Beaujolais in a can I’ve tasted that I would recommend.”

For takeaway dinner, Jim recommends the filled homemade flatbreads and fried beignet potato sides served at Babu, tucked away on the Treloggan Industrial Estate in Newquay. For dinner out, The Secret Garden in the town isn’t to be missed, serving artisan pizza paired with organic and biodynamic wines. “You wouldn’t know it from the outside; the terrace is really cool and has an amazing view,” adds Jim.

Alternatively, want someone to cook for you? Check out our top 5 restaurants in Watergate Bay.

Found a favourite place by the sea for food and drink? Share your recommendation with us on social media, using @beachretreats and #bigreveal.

Huddle-up in a place for two, a walk from north Cornwall’s renowned beaches and eateries, or make the most of being together this summer, footsteps from picturesque picnic stop-offs. Where will you stay?

The best surf cafes in Cornwall

No matter where you’ve jumped in the sea in Cornwall, you’ll find a laid-back joint to refuel and tell tales of the waves you caught afterwards. Here are our top five surf cafes in Cornwall. After all, you’ve earned it.

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

Surf Beach Bar, Sennen Cove

This family-friendly, informal beachside eatery has all the laid-back vibes that we love, while the focus on food is on quality, local produce and seafood.

Check out our holiday properties in Mousehole to experience everything the area has to offer from a short drive away.

Blue Bar, Porthtowan

Few beat Porthtowan for punchy surfing waves and spectacular sunsets – and the Blue Bar has great views for both nestled on the edge of the beach’s sand dunes. Make sure you nab a window booth seat for the best in the house, but if the sun’s out you’ll want to be outside on the patio enjoying Blue Bar favourites; nachos and the blue burger with fries.

The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay

One of Cornwall’s original and favourite beachside hangouts overlooks the beach at Watergate Bay – perfect for checking the surf or warming up afterwards. While classics like burgers and moules frites are always winners, you’ll find apres-surf mac and cheese, loaded nachos and warming chana masala.

Porthmeor Beach Café in St Ives

Porthmeor Beach Café is the place to come for something special after your surf. For breakfast you’ll find homemade Cornish saffron bread and buttermilk pancakes, then come lunchtime its tapas with a twist. The heated outside booths, built into the old Victorian changing booths in the sea wall, are the perfect place to watch the surf and sunset.

Waterfront Bar and Grill, Polzeath

With panoramic views of Polzeath Beach and Pentire Point, The Waterfront’s restaurant, bar and terrace are the best places to enjoy a lazy lunch with a chilled glass of wine or dinner while the sun sets. On Sundays they do a traditional roast dinner (roast beef, Yorkshires and roasties of course). They are open all year round and have a variety of events and specials to keep you coming back.               

Search for your holiday and book your stay with Beach Retreats today.

Check out our recommendations on the best places to go for breakfast in Cornwall.

Dine at your self-catered retreat with Lobster Box

Enjoy all the flavours of fine dining in the comfort of your retreat, without the hassle of food prep and cooking. Lobster Box does all the hard work for you and makes delicious dining easy. 

Lobster Box is a small local company set up by Cam, who chefs up delicious hand-prepared seafood meals.

Lobster Box has an ethos of small-batch, hand-flavoured, fresh, tasty and super easy-to-enjoy food. The unique selling point is that the food is already prepped, requiring minimal fuss. The fish is locally caught and Cam’s main supplier works out of Padstow.

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

Cam’s Seafood Adventures started at the age of 19 on a Deep Sea Trawler in New Zealand. Having grown up in Cornwall as an avid waterman, Cam left his home turf to seek experiences and found himself working at sea. Being around the freshest fish caused him to develop a passion for cooking, and his chef style draws on inspiration from his travels. From curry making tips and secret ingredients used in Sri Lanka, to rustic Boat tucca in Australia, working as a head chef at multiple locations at home and abroad, Cam has a wealth of invaluable experience. In 2016 – 2019 he put his heart and soul into his own restaurant on the Isles of Scilly, somewhat closer to his home of Cornwall.

Lobster Box recipes follow this journey, reflecting Cam’s love of cooking seafood with spice and fruit. Boxes come either ready to eat or ready to finish off at home, with hand flavoured sides and sauces, making them ideal if you don’t want to cook or want to take something out to the beach with you for some sundowners. The ethos is minimum effort, without compromising on texture and flavour.

Cam says “I do believe that it is possible to eat fine seafood without compromising on flavour, as easily as possible, from anywhere.”

And that’s why we love Lobster Box. Fuss free, full flavour food, ready to eat wherever.

Order your Lobster Box to your self-catered retreat and enjoy the best of Cornish cuisine at your leisure.

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

Cam from Lobster Box is now also running Kooked, a holiday arrival ready meal service. Beach Retreats guests get exclusive Kooked delivery from Thursday – Sunday, and can pre-order a delicious, exclusive fish pie, alongside other tasty options, to be waiting for you in your retreat on your arrival day.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a swimming pool? Check out our cottages with a swimming pool for a relaxing getaway.

Post-surf food

Time in the waves is a sure-fire appetite builder. But where and what to eat?

As far as surfing in the UK goes, it doesn’t get much better than Cornwall. With Atlantic low pressure systems on 400 miles of coastline that provide a whole range of breaks, it’s no wonder people call it the UK’s surf Mecca.

Whether you’re paddling out for the first time or hunting for powerful barrelling waves, one thing’s certain – you’ll be hungry afterwards.

Explore more foodie escapes and discover our favourite surf beach cafes in Cornwall.

With that in mind, we spoke with three local chefs to find out their top spots for post-surf food. And if you’d rather get back to your beach retreat to prep something yourself, they’ve also shared some tasty – but easy to make – recipes.

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JUDE KEREAMA

KOTA, PORTHLEVEN

“If you’re looking for the best food after a surf on the north coast, look no further than Porthmeor beach in St Ives,” says Jude Kereama, chef-owner of Kota in Porthleven – a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant that serves Asian-inspired food using the freshest local produce.

“St Ives is full of brilliant eateries, and there always seems to be a wave at Porthmeor, with its north-facing beach and offshore winds. On the beach itself, I really enjoy Porthmeor Beach Cafe, Fish Shed and the West Beach Bakery.” And if you’re heading into town? Jude recommends a visit to Porthgwidden Beach Cafe, Porthminster Kitchen and Porthminster Beach Cafe.

Discover our other Porthleven holiday properties.

Image credit: James Ram

If you’re after delicious post-surf food that not only tastes good but helps with physical recovery, Jude’s go-to is a Hawaiian poke bowl. “You can put whatever you fancy in it,” he says. “Raw fish, cooked meats, any vegetables and a mixture of rices. You can also change the dressings to be as spicy as you like.”

Jude’s Poke Bowl Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup cooked rice (brown/sushi mix is the best)

1/2 diced avocado

1/4 cup diced cucumber

1/4 cup edamame beans

1/4 cup diced mango

1/4 cup julienne of carrot

1/4 cup of shredded red and green cabbage

Sliced red chilli

Sliced radishes

Diced sashimi grade mackerel or any other fish that’s super fresh. You could also do it with cooked meats if you like.

For the dressing

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tsp honey

Mix all together and add to the mackerel

Garnish

Sriracha chilli sauce

Japanese mayo

Furikake spice

Toasted julienne nori

Toasted mixed sesame seeds

Diced spring onions

Method

Place the rice in the bottom of a bowl.

Add each ingredient in a clockwork pattern.

Garnish with a squiggle of Sriracha sauce, a squiggle of Japanese mayo, and a sprinkle of Furikake spice, nori, sesame seeds and spring onion.

For surfing in St Ives, stay here.

PAUL HARWOOD

THE FISH HOUSE FISTRAL, NEWQUAY

Learning on gentle rollers or expertly taking on The Cribbar big wave, Fistral has it all. Looking out over the beach is The Fish House – a Michelin Plate-awarded bistro serving the freshest seafood landed in Newquay harbour.

For Paul Harwood, chef-owner of The Fish House and an avid surfer himself, there’s only one place to go after a surf at Fistral: The Fish House. “I’m being a bit biased here for obvious reasons!” he says. “Our fish finger sandwich is a firm favourite with the lifeguards – home-made bread and tartar sauce with succulent cod fingers coated in a crisp panko crumb. It’s a real tasty post-surf filler.”

Image credit: Alix Donnelly

For food other than his own, there’s Sea Spray on South Fistral. “It’s a great breakfast spot after dawn patrol. The breakfast burrito really hits the spot, with great produce all wrapped up.

“Further up the coast you could surf Constantine or Harlyn, both high quality surf breaks,” he continues. “Head to Paul Ainsworth’s Caffe Rojano (in Padstow) – there’s a very well-delivered menu with an Italian twist.”

Paul’s Prawn Taco Recipe

Ingredients

6 tiger prawns, peeled and de-veined

2 tacos

For the salsa

1 large tomato

1/2 red onion

Pinch coriander

Pinch flake chilli

Juice from 1 lime

1 baby gem salad

Seasoning

For the Piri-piri mayonnaise

1 red chilli

1 teaspoon cayenne

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

Juice from 1/2 lime

Seasoning

Mayonnaise

Method

Prepare the salsa by thinly chopping all the ingredients, mixing in a bowl.

Slice the lettuce but keep separate.

For the Piri-piri mayonnaise, blend all the ingredients before mixing with two tablespoons of mayonnaise.

To serve

Pan-fry the prawns in olive oil for 2 minutes each side.

Dress the tacos with lettuce topped with salsa.

Add the mayonnaise before topping with the prawns.

For surfing in Fistral, browse our retreats. For Harlyn and Constantine, stay here.

SAM SHEFFIELD-DUNSTAN,

LULA, HAYLE

Some of the best surf in Cornwall can be found along the three miles of Gwithian beach in Hayle, and west of the harbour in Porthleven. (Porthleven boasts Cornwall’s best reef break, with short, shallow right-hander barrels for experts only.)

Image credit: J.Ph Baudey

With a restaurant in each location, chef Sam Sheffield-Dunstan is no stranger to satiating the appetite of a hungry surfer. “The ultimate surf hangout is our shack LULA, overlooking Hayle beach just yards from the surf,” she says. “Enjoy a creamy chowder washed down with a pint of Offshore, followed by one of our legendary LULA Sundaes.”

If you’re looking for some post-surf food in Porthleven, she recommends LULA’s sister restaurant, Amélie, for pizza and a glass of red. Elsewhere, “Nauti But Ice do an amazing breakfast,” she says. “Enjoy sitting and watching the waves as they crash in the harbour.” And if you’re willing to venture a little further, she recommends The Hidden Hut on the Roseland Peninsula, for its “amazing views and memorable Cornish dining”.

Image credit: J.Ph Baudey

LULA’S Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

75g cooked lobster meat, roughly chopped into chunks

300g macaroni pasta

500ml milk

50g butter

30g plain flour

1 bay leaf

2 cloves

1 tsp Dijon mustard

100g grated mozzarella

100g grated parmesan

50g grated mature cheddar

50g panko breadcrumbs

Pinch dried thyme

Sea Salt

Ground white pepper

Glug of olive oil

Method

Preheat oven to 220c / 200c fan or light grill on medium setting.

Cook the pasta in a pan of boiling salted water for about two minutes less than you would usually. Reserve a ladle-full of the cooking water.

In a pan, heat the olive oil over a medium heat then add the dried thyme and panko breadcrumbs, stirring constantly until golden brown, for about five minutes. Leave to cool then add 25g of parmesan and mix well (save the rest for the sauce, below).

Place milk, bay and cloves in a pan over a gentle heat until steaming – be careful not to boil.

At the same time, melt the butter in a pan (big enough to hold the amount of pasta once cooked with room to stir!) and cook until a light golden colour. Sprinkle the flour in and mix into a paste that should thicken as the flour cooks out. Add the milk very slowly, bit by bit, and incorporate fully in between each addition to avoid a lumpy sauce, warming the milk beforehand makes this step much easier. The bay and cloves can be discarded at this point.

Once all the milk has been added, mix in the Dijon mustard and all the cheese. Mix until cheese has melted then remove from the heat, season with salt and ground white pepper.

Tip the pasta into the cheese sauce with about a tablespoon of the reserved cooking water and 50g of the lobster meat, mix well. Split into two ovenproof bowls and sprinkle the panko mixture over the top, then the remaining lobster meat. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, or under the grill for three – until golden and bubbly.

For surfing in Porthleven, stay here. For Gwithian and Hayle, stay here.

Klys drinks

A spiced cocktail from Curio, Christmas in a cup from Country Cordials and mulling nectar with the Cornish Mead Co, raise a glass to klys…

Diving deeper into klys, we sought out drinks with the potential to enhance the snug sensation captured by the Cornish relation to Denmark’s hygge. As we batten down the hatches on long dark evenings, these local producers create drinks that are both liquid warmth and fuel for the festive spirit.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a hot tub? Check out our cottages with a hot tub for a relaxing getaway.

Image credit: Lily Egbers

Spiced and stormy

On stormy days, crowds gather at Porthleven to watch in awe as waves crash into the old harbour. This is an appropriate birthplace for Curio, a spirits company that endeavours to capture the sensory experiences of life by the sea: the wild, the moody, the calm.

“It makes me think of an evening sitting by an open fire, listening to the crackle, savouring the drink’s zesty taste and being completely absorbed in that special moment.”

Launched in 2012 by husband and wife duo, Rubina and William, Curio experiments with a range of flavours from harvested seaweed to hand-foraged samphire. This winter, Rubina recommends their cardamom vodka cocktail and sea salt caramel rum to ignite an internal glow that contrasts to the tumultuous weather outside.

“The cardamom vodka cocktail is made with cranberry juice and tonic water, garnished with cinnamon and star anise. It makes me think of an evening sitting by an open fire, listening to the crackle, savouring the drink’s zesty taste and being completely absorbed in that special moment.

Image credit: Lily Egbers

“Whereas I also love adding the salted caramel rum to a flask of hot chocolate for a walk along the beach. It’s the perfect, sweet touch that compliments the fresh air on a wintery morning. It just makes you appreciate your surroundings, what life brings you and all there is to be grateful for.”

Cordial cosiness

In a converted outhouse deep in the Tamar Valley, Sally at Country Cordials uses a gentle heat treatment to pasteurise her fruit, flower and herb-based cordials. On clear nights, the ceiling windows reveal a dazzling starry sky. Sally recommends both her traditional apple flavour as well as the honey, lemon and ginger – also available with a kick of chilli for an invigorating klys feeling.

“Making cordials is also a warm process too. It’s wonderful coming into the unit the next morning with those warm fruity aromas still filling the air.”

“The apple cordial is soft, smooth and soothing – it’s like Christmas in a cup. But our honey, lemon and ginger puts things right. It feels healing with an explosion of rich nutrients and vitamins. People often drink it in dry January and say it’s well worth giving up alcohol for.

“One of the best things about our cordials is that they’re really versatile. You can play with them; they are amazing as a sauce on ice cream, in cocktails or even in stir fries.

“Making cordials is a warm process too. It’s wonderful coming into the unit the next morning with those warm fruity aromas still filling the air. Friends often just stand there, breathing it all in.”

Check out our holiday properties in Mousehole to experience everything the area has to offer in Winter.

Mulled nectar

Founded in the fishing village of Newlyn, Cornish Mead Co. is run by Sophia and her brother, Matthew. The company was the brainchild of their great grandfather in the 1950s. The medieval drink ­– with its appearance of golden nectar – is at the heart of their recommendation for conjuring cosiness.

Image credit: Cornish Mead Co.

“If I was going to describe mulled mead as a colour, it would be a dark oak or velvety ochre.”

“We recommend mulling our mead with some juice, or even cider and wintery spices like cinnamon and oranges. It really works because it’s sweet, which surprises people; there’s a warmth and depth to it.

“If I was going to describe mulled mead as a colour, it would be a dark oak or velvety ochre. With one sip, it’s like a big fleecy comfort blanket being thrown around you and it goes brilliantly with dark chocolate or a cheese board.

“But the company is also about family heritage and celebrating Newlyn’s history where mead has always been the people’s favourite. The drink is all about warmth, love and community; it’s about being part of something and celebrating friendships. Community is where people keep an eye on each other and that’s a hug in itself really.”

Get klys and cosy in a winter retreat by the coast, where you can sip seasonal drinks with a sea view. Browse our selection below.

Indulge in shoreside-inspired drinks, bringing the taste of the coast to your glass for a refreshing and memorable experience.

Showstopping hot chocolates in Cornwall

Hunker down this season with a hot chocolate and beachside views.

The sweet glug of hot chocolate, topped with sprinkles and enjoyed with sticky fingers and a coastal view. With the arrival of autumn, it’s time wrap up, get cosy and search for a show stopping hot chocolate (with extra marshmallows of course). We’ve sampled the best hot chocolates in Cornwall to give you a head start – here’s our top five.

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

The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay

Towered with whipped cream, marshmallows and extra-large buttons, it’s no surprise that the Extreme Hot Chocolate is a firm favourite in the bay. Choose from classic marshmallow, orange or Oreo, or go vegan in keeping with The Beach Hut’s 50% plant-based approach, with oat milk, dairy-free Oreos, orange buttons, and oat milk squirty cream.

Stay in Watergate Bay.

hot chocolate held in hands

Hungry Horsebox Co., Hayle

Where better to sip a hot chocolate than out in the elements, the wind whipping around your woolly hat and sea foam in the air? Hungry Horsebox, situated on the rugged Gwithian Towans beach in Hayle, have made their Ultimate Hot Chocolate a permanent addition to their menu, and it’s a delight. Topped with wafer rolls, smarties, caramel chunks and a stick of toasted marshmallow, it’s bound to get you warmed up, no matter the weather.

Stay in Hayle.

Gylly Beach Cafe, Falmouth

Just a stone’s throw from our luxury Falmouth apartments, Gylly Beach Cafe is one of our go to eateries in Falmouth, not just for food, but of course their signature hot chocolate. With the choice of alfresco dining or comfortable seating inside, Gylly Beach Cafe is open all year round and located directly on the beach. Be sure to ask for whipped cream, marshmallows AND chocolate sprinkles.

Stay in Falmouth.

hot chocolate on a table

Poldhu Cafe, Poldhu

If it’s choice you want, then it’s choice you’ll have. Poldhu is a secret cove located on the beautiful Lizard Peninsula in south Cornwall. Its cafe is known as the heart of the beach, famous for its Poldhutastic Hot Chocolates and rightly so. Whipped cream and marshmallows come as standard, with a choice of five brand new chocolatey toppings including Malteser, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Dairy Milk Buttons, Mini Eggs and Oreo. We know, our mouths are watering too.

Find a Poldhutastic Hot Chocolate.

Book your Autumn retreat at one of our beach locations, and keep an eye on our special offers page for seasonal discounts.

The Watering Hole, Perranporth

If you’ve been to The Watering Hole, then you’ll know that Perranporth boasts some of the most amazing sunsets. Pack some blankets, get the family together and dine alfresco with one of these bad boy hot chocolates. Perranporth beach is also home to The Dunes, a brand new development of contemporary self-catering apartments.

Stay at The Dunes.

hot chocolate with marshmellows

Discover more of Cornwall and explore our Porthleven holiday properties.

Check out Cornwall’s best independent coffee spots, where local charm meets exceptional brews for a delightful coffee experience.

EWWines for summer time

We caught up with our friends at EWWines, who’ve come up with a discounted case of wines to be delivered straight to your holiday home.

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

Summertime – the time to be active or kick back and relax. Cornish holidays are all about long coastal walks, sunset drinks, surfing and time outside in the fresh sea air reconnecting with friends and family.

To help with the excitement, we believe a new approach to wine is needed to accommodate your summer palate and seasonal food.

We’re excited to introduce our coastal wine cases for Beach Retreats customers to enjoy whilst on holiday.  These cases are wines with a coastal influence, handpicked from around the world of wine. The coastal factor in wine terms often brings cooling influences to vineyards, which slows ripening significantly and helps to preserve natural acidity for you to enjoy in your luxury coastal retreat.  Choose Red, White or Mixed (3 White and 3 Red). Three fantastic opportunities to taste some of our hand selected range with fantastic savings for you, couriered to your door to start your holiday right!  Browse our coastal cases here.

At checkout, use code BEACH22 to receive an exclusive 10% off these cases as a thank you. This enables our Coastal Cases to be couriered to your holiday property for £70.95, or utilise our click and collect service from our Indian Queens store for free, making your case just £63.

The Wines

Our first suggestion has got to be THE wine of the summer. Tiny, tiny production so grab yours whilst you can!  We’re excited to introduce Lost in a Field “Frolic” Pet-Nat by Tim Wildman MW and winemaker Daniel Ham (Offbeat Wines). It’s summer in a glass.

What is a Pet-Nat?  Short for pétillant naturel, this is an old method in which at its simplest the fermentation is interrupted and the wine is bottled and sealed which traps carbon dioxide as the fermentation resumes (hopefully). The wines are therefore mostly unfiltered with visible sediment and often lower alcohol and pressure than for example a traditional method sparkling wine such as Champagne are to be expected.

Frolic is an excellent addition to any mixed case and a welcome addition to a beach gathering or party.  This wine has a fantastic story and has firmly shined the spotlight on “British Heritage Vines” and celebrates small scale hobby vineyards at the same time, creating a community project, the Lost Vineyard Preservation Society.  Check out Jancis Robinson’s recent article whilst sipping a glass of Frolic in the sunshine!

Another of our favourite tipples is Bosue Vineyard Rose 2019.  Paul the winemaker was recently in-store for a free tasting session, so we took the opportunity to ask a couple of questions because they too do things a little differently. We discovered that their tiny 550 bottle production of this wine is 100% Regent, a modern hybridised variety mentioned above with no reserve wine. Paul riddles and disgorges by hand in small batches. Riddling and disgorging started in April 2022.  This means there is almost two years on the lees, more than double the requirement for wine labelled “Quality Sparkling Wine” in England which adds a subtle character to the wine of toast and pastry. Rhubarb, cranberry, redcurrants and tart raspberry on the nose with a delicate rose and leafy character and the toasty layers too. The acidity is high and the red fruits are crunchy and bright, almost like biting into a crisp pink lady apple.  Super refreshing on a summer’s day with a little sweetness on the finish.

We also have an incredible range of spirits, with something for every occasion from premium Mezcal, Rum, Whisky and much more. However, a gin that we could not recommend highly enough is the Loveday Golden Hour Gin.  This is a pink gin like no other, delicious, fresh, bitter-sweet, and a little floral. Our perfect serve would be over ice, with a premium tonic of your choice and a slice of grapefruit whilst watching the sunset.

Another gin which screams of summer to us is the Wrecking Coast Clotted Cream Gin. It’s made with 100% Cornish strawberries freshly pressed from the renowned strawberry fields of Boddington’s Berries, with no added sugars, flavourings or sweeteners. Our Perfect serve: pour over plenty of ice and top with either an elderflower tonic or lemonade, garnish with fresh sliced strawberries and allow the flavours to combine so you can enjoy the taste of summer in your glass!

Our Wine Emotion machines have been repaired and reloaded with 16 wines, with summer in mind. We’ve wines from the Loire, Greece, Italy and Chile, just another reason to come in-store and taste with our in house WSET Certified Educator, for free. Why not discover something new, or revisit an old friend?

Tasting Sessions

In August we continue our Free Producer Tasting series with a Cornish brand in-store most Fridays or Saturdays!

Sat 6th Aug, Rosemullion Distillery – Andy, 10:30am to 5pm

Fri 12th Aug, Wrecking Coast – Avian, 12:30 to 5pm

Sat 20th Aug, Curio Spirits 12:30pm to 5pm

Summer Dish Ideas

Here’s a few of our favourite summer dish ideas with a wine suggestion or two from our hand selected, extensive range;

Barbecued Lamb, new potato salad, garden greens. We recommend shoving garlic cloves and rosemary into incisions across your joint, rubbing in olive oil and a generous pinch of salt and pepper before BBQing at approx. 180 in a roasting pan with a generous glug of red wine until the meat is at 60 degrees, and rest for 15 mins. Pair with something that starts with fruit and finishes with pepper, such as cooler climate Syrah. Or, for something with bolder fruits and a fresh herbaceous lift to finish choose from Cabernet Sauvignon or a Cabernet style Zinfandel. If the sun is shining, a quality Provence should also not be overlooked. The Garriques or dried herbs and red fruits will complement the lamb very well indeed. AIX Provence Rose from Maison Saint AIX would be a fantastic pairing. It’s tasty, generous and elegant too. Your only problem is you might need a larger format (We stock 3L Double Magnum bottles too!) because it’s a perfect wine to drink all day long!

Try a Tabouli packed with garden peas, summer chard or spinach, courgette, cucumber, dill, parsley and a touch of goat’s cheese crumbled on top. Our perfect wine suggestion would be the new in Cote Mas Sauvignon Blanc Vermentino 2020 to complement the dish perfectly. With unique aromas of flowers, peach and pear, it’s generous on the palate, just like the sunshine that blesses it’s vineyards! The rich flavours pair perfectly with the earthy quinoa and floral, citrus and herbal notes perfect with the summer vegetables and the bright acidity from the Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the goat’s cheese. This pairing is so delicious it’ll keep you reaching for your glass!

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

Browse our beach locations to find your perfect retreat and favourite beach to sip your wine on, and keep an eye on our special offers page for the latest discounts.

Discover the essence of Cornish cosiness with Klys Drinks, embodying the warmth and comfort of home in every sip.

Dog friendly places to eat and drink in Cornwall

After a long day of running across beaches, frolicking in the sand and wagging tails, your pup deserves to join you at a laid-back dinner spot by the sea. Enjoy the taste of Cornwall with your four-legged friends at these dog-friendly pubs, restaurants and cafes…

Thinking about bringing your dog on holiday? Check out our dog-friendly holiday properties.

Pizza Jockeys, Newquay

Wet dogs on their way back from frolicking in the waves are welcome in this quirky dog-friendly pizzeria close to Fistral beach. Your fluffy friends can chill out while you wait for some of the finest freshly cooked pizza in Newquay, washed down with a frozen margarita. Eat in if there’s a table free, or take away to Fistral to eat with your toes in the sand.

The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay

Perfectly positioned on the golden sands of Watergate Bay, visitors will be treated with delicious food, mouth-watering cocktails and jaw-dropping views. Pets are welcome at all times throughout the day making this a great hang out for wagging tails after a long walk on the beach. Dine in the evening and you could catch one of the bays famous fiery sunsets. The extensive menu includes Crab Spaghetti,  Prawn and Fish Burger and the popular Beach Hut Burger.

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

Beach Hut

The Driftwood Spars, St Agnes

Take a breath-taking stroll along the coastal path from Perranporth to Trevaunance Cove, to be greeted by real ales, water bowls and doggie chews served in a snug, historic inn just footsteps from the beach. Gourmet food, a micro brewery and a warm doggie welcome make The Driftwood Spars one of Cornwall’s top hound hangouts, and the perfect spot to sample local ales brewed just across the road. As well as three bars, there is a contemporary restaurant serving the finest seasonal produce from local farms, artisans and fisherman.

Driftwood Spars in St Agnes

The Cornish Arms, St Merryn

A traditional country pub that’s now part of Rick Stein’s stable, The Cornish Arms is the perfect start and end point for a dog walk to Constantine and Booby’s Bay, following the coast path around Trevose lighthouse to Mother Ivey’s Bay and winding back along footpaths and country lanes. In summer bask in the huge beer garden and refuel with wood-fired pizza, and in winter get cosy by the log fire and tuck into one of the best Sunday roasts in the county.

cornish arms

The Port William, Trebarwith Strand

Dogs will love a low-tide meander around the sea caves and sugary sands of Trebarwith Strand. Splash in the rock pools, jump in the waves and ramble east to Hole Beach (only accessible at the lowest stage of the tide), then head to The Port William to sip real ales overlooking the waves, or curl up by the fire and tuck into a legendary Sunday roast and classic pub grub. If it’s high tide and the beach is inaccessible, stretch your legs over the cliffs to Tintagel, and you’ll be rewarded with colourful scenery including sea-lashed castle ruins and historic quarries.

port-william

The Devonport Inn, Kingsand

Situated in a historic, traffic-free village, and yards from the beach, this cosy local pub welcomes dogs and is an ideal resting point after a leg-stretch around the wild Rame Peninsula. Watch boats come and go from Plymouth Sound and enjoy delicious dishes, from ploughmans to Rame Head lobster, served alongside well-kept local ales and a decent selection of wines. The restaurant also provides doggy blankets and treats to ensure your pup gets the five star experience, too.

devonport

Gurnards Head, Nr Zennor

Minutes’ walk from one of the wildest stretches of Cornwall’s coastline, kick off your walking boots, chill out with the dog at your feet and sample Cornish ales, fine wines and a menu packed with produce plucked from the coast and countryside. When you’re fuelled up and ready to hit the coast path again, follow the narrow promontory to find the remains of an Iron Age cliff castle (keep dogs on leads), and then wander alongside the crystal waters of Pendour and Porthglaze coves, searching for a legendary mermaid on your way to quench your thirst in another dog-friendly boozer, The Tinners Arms in Zennor.

gurnards

If you need any more temptation to bring your pup to Cornwall, read our top five reasons to bring your dog on holiday.

Discover tail-wagging adventures with our recommended days out for your furry friend.

To find a beachside retreat at your favourite dog friendly beach, browse our locations and keep an eye on our special offers page for the latest deals and discounts.

Eating out in Hayle

Hayle is a treat for the eyes, with its landscape of photo‑worthy vistas, riverfront wildlife, three‑mile long beach and yawning estuary.

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

Yet beyond the glorious scenery is a generous handful of beachfront takeaways, laid back cafes and fine dining restaurants where you can tuck into freshly caught seafood, pub classics and everything in between. Here are some of our favourites….

Hungry Horsebox Co.

Converted from an old horse trailer, this café on wheels is parked down at Gwithian Beach and open daily to serve delicious al fresco meals and snacks, ready to be devoured right there amongst the elements. Forget the Cornish pasty‑ how about sampling the rich spices of their famous red lentil dahl with coconut, spinach and sweet potato? Or, tuck into their mouth‑watering whipped lemon and tahini hummus, with toasted flat breads and truffle oil. A taste sensation served with a view.

Sunset Surf Café/ Bar

Looking for some post‑surf grub to re fuel you for the rest of the day? Look no further than Sunset Surf Café, cooking up filling breakfasts, heart‑warming lunches and refreshing drinks that really hit the spot. This café overlooks the sand dunes of Gwithian beach that lead down onto the huge expanse of sand below, the perfect scenery to accompany your meal.

Philps Famous Pasties

A trip to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without a proper Cornish pasty – it’s a holiday essential. Years of expertise in the pasty trade makes Philps the best in their business, and they cook up fresh batches of the stuffed, flaky pastries daily at their riverside takeaway. You can never go wrong with a classic steak or cheese and onion, but they offer a range of options to satisfy all pasty‑lovers’ appetites!

Sanders Fish and Chips

Another Cornish classic is the fish and chips. Light, flaky cod coated in crispy batter, served with a generous handful of chips and adorned with plenty of salt, vinegar and mushy peas. Can it get any better? Sanders know how to do fish and chips right, and have them ready to eat in or takeaway, allowing you to tuck in in front of the sunset.

Rockpool Beach Café

Just moments from the sea at the lighthouse end of the beach sits The Rockpool Beach Café. Its laid‑back atmosphere and sand dune surroundings makes this boho café a go to lunch spot, serving up fresh seafood, pizzas and beach bites that you can eat in or take to the beach. They also have a sandy back garden, and host live music and open‑air cinema events throughout the year.

Salt Kitchen and Bar

A social hub in the centre of Hayle, Salt is the place to go after a day on the beach. Rock up with sandy toes straight from the sea into this laid back, friendly diner, where you can tuck into modern continental food with a Cornish twist. Sample monkfish and tiger prawn skewers, an antipasti sharing platter or simply a cold beer as you soak up the beach life aura.

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

New to the area? Check out our blog on 10 reasons to stay in Hayle to find out more, or browse our Hayle retreats below.

Explore other fantastic places to eat in Cornwall, such as all the great restaurants in St Ives.

New foodie hotspots in Cornwall

Looking for new places to eat in Cornwall? Look no further. Here’s our top picks of restaurants that are new to Cornwall and offering a mouth-watering take on the traditional dining scene by the shore.

Home to the freshest seafood, delicious plants and herbs and a growing number of innovative chefs, Cornwall is becoming a national foodie hotspot with an increasingly impressive reputation.

Following in the footsteps of some of the iconic cooks and restaurants who have left their mark on Cornwall’s food landscape are an array of new pop ups and eateries, widening the menu across the county. We take a look at some of the most delectable new places to eat which are gathering momentum in Cornwall.

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

Kernowine, Falmouth

This ethical bar and wine school isn’t just about the vines – although they do offer a delicious selection. They also serve charcuterie boards to pair with your drinks, lunches and brunch specials including their Sparkling Saturday and Mimosa Sunday. Kernowine is a new and welcomed addition to Falmouth’s vibrant foodie scene, and is definitely worth a visit during your stay.

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

New Yard, Helston

This eco-friendly pantry kitchen recently opened its garden doors, inviting guests to try their innovative suppers. Their menu, which changes daily, is entirely crafted from produce grown on site in their walled garden, foraged from the estate or ethically sourced in the local area. Having been awarded a Green Michelin Star for their eco efforts in 2021, theirs is a dinner best served sustainably.

Argoe, Newlyn

Argoe is a new addition to the small fishing village of Newlyn, serving up Cornish seafood and natural wine. Enjoy sharing small plates such as braised cuttlefish and roast Jerusalem artichokes, and fresh fisherman’s catch which includes monkfish tail and John Dory. A must visit if you’re looking for a simple, saltwater take on fine dining.

Source Kitchen, St Ives

Source Kitchen opened their doors in 2020 but was recently featured on Rick Stein’s Cornwall. The famous chef himself was a fan, speaking highly of the restaurant’s red mullet dish with potato confit. Their menus make the best of Cornwall’s produce by locally sourcing and foraging ingredients, and are meant for sharing, with the small dishes sent out from the kitchen as and when they are ready. For a relaxed meal which doesn’t skimp on flavour, this is a must-try during your time in Cornwall.

The Longstore, Truro

Following in the footsteps of its sister restaurant in Charlestown, The Longstore is a new bar and grill which combines stylish city dining with a laid back Cornish atmosphere. Head out for a day of shopping in this pretty inland Cornish town before sampling some delicious steak, seafood and cocktails.

Springtide, Charlestown

Tuck into fresh mussels and steaming lobster at Charlestown’s newest seafood restaurant, situated overlooking the harbour. Serving up all things seafood inspired by their Mediterranean travels, this is your go-to spot for an authentic taste of the ocean. Sea views and sea flavours – it’s a Cornish dream.

Emily Scott Food, Watergate bay

Enriching the foodie scene down at Watergate bay is Emily Scott Food, serving up local fish, dreamy desserts and wines from around the globe in the glass fronted restaurant space overlooking the sand. This is a great spot to catch a spectacular sunset on a summer’s evening, and is walkable along the coast path from nearby areas of Porth and Mawgan Porth.

Ugly Butterfly, Carbis bay

Carbis Bay’s new sustainable restaurant showcases beautifully presented dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, with a zero-waste approach. Offering an all-day dining experience, chef Adam Handling’s Ugly Butterfly bar uses trims and offcuts from the ingredients used in the restaurant to create delicious drinks and bar snacks. As their motto goes, there’s no such thing as an ugly butterfly, in the same way as there is no such thing as food waste.

Explore more foodie escapes and discover our favourite surf beach cafes in Cornwall.