Could this be one of the UK’s best locations for an autumn food and drink festival?
St Albans is not only the birth place of the hot cross bun, but also lays claim to having the highest density of pubs in the UK, one of which is supposedly the oldest – Ye Olde Fighting Cocks dating back to 793AD (more on this later…).
Right now, the town is hosting its eight annual food and drink festival which makes the most of its ale house heritage. Festival goers can enjoy the pop-up ‘Village Green’ in the heart of the cathedral city’s 9th century market square.
St Albans Beer Festival
Get in there quick – the festival is on now and runs until this Sunday 4th October (with Ye Olde Fighting Cocks rugby screenings until the end of Oct).
Festival highlights include:
CAMRA St Albans Beer and Cider Festival – until 3rd October
St Albans hosted the UK’s first-ever beer festival back in 1974, and the event has now grown into the city’s very-own mini Oktoberfest and is the must-attend event in the real-ale calendar. There are more than 350 real ales, ciders, perries and foreign beers including new beers and new breweries across the festival’s six bars. Entertainment will be provided by cult singer/songwriter Jon Otway and the UK’s number one Madness Tribute band One Step Beyond.
Real ale, rugby and roosters – until 31st October
The pub has installed a giant screen in its garden so rugby and real-ale fans can enjoy all the tackles and tries of the Rugby World Cup, while soaking up the glorious surroundings of the pub garden, supping a pint or two of real ale and tucking into some tasty barbecue food from the Famous Fighters Barbecue. This pub now boasts 10 real ales on-tap, fine wine and a menu presided over by a former chef of Michelin-starred restaurant Chapter One.
St Albans Street Finale – 4th October
The city will be embracing its thriving pub culture on the finale day with the Everglades Village Green in the same location that the city has held a market since the 9th century. Some of St Albans’ finest hostelries will be setting up their pop-up pub on the city’s first-ever village green. So visitors can lounge around on a hay bale, while enjoying a pint and a tasty bite to eat from one of the 10 pop-up bars on the Everglades Village Green.
The city has also been experiencing a quirky foodie renaissance, with a number of independent restaurants and diners creating a buzz, most of which will be out in force on finale day. There will be a Chef’s Theatre with live cooking demonstrations from Masterchef finalist Theo Michaels, Michelin-starred chef Phil Thompson and Ye Olde Fighting Cocks chef Christo Tofalli. And for kids, there will be a family zone which will feature Children’s Fair-trade Chocolate Factory.
Guest blogger Erin Moncur discovers an eco-friendly restaurant that is causing a worldwide stir amongst vegans looking for more than a good salad…
222 Veggie Vegan, just a five minute walk from West Kensington station, first opened its doors in 2004 and has since firmly established a reputation for being London’s friendliest vegan restaurant, serving wonderful and inspiring dishes alongside a great, relaxed atmosphere. Even at its busiest times, it doesn’t take long to be seated and made to feel welcome.
Yummy food at 222 Veggie Vegan
Meet Ben the chef
Ben, who has been a vegan himself since his teenage years, is passionate about helping other vegans enjoy their experience of eating out and, more importantly, to enjoy their food. He picks the menu himself and lovingly prepares the dishes using fresh, natural ingredients that are low in fat and salt.
He also makes sure they are GM free and organic where possible. He works with a small team who share his passions and ideals. If you ask any of them about the food, they can all tell you where it comes from.
The menu
The menu is reasonably priced considering the location of the restaurant. The evening mains vary from £8.95 to £11.95 and the lunch buffet is set at £7.50, or £5.50 if you need lunch to be a takeaway. The dishes are unusual but amazing, from Seitan Stroganoff (a customer favourite) to Pumpkin Noodles with Grated Coconut. You will also find a fabulous mixture of starters, side dishes and desserts.
Their 222 Burger, made from tofu and veggie mince, is delicious. The team are more than happy for you to make requests and variations to suit your own requirements and I encourage you to pop into the kitchen to meet Ben and chat about the food.
Outside 222 Veggie Vegan
For buffet lunches and candlelit evening meals, this is a place to go and experience, vegan or not. It is not hard to see why they were awarded the Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor in 2013.
Location: 222 Veggie Vegan Restaurant, 222 North End Road, West Kensington, London W14 9NU
Contact for reservations and more info: 020 7381 2322 / info@222veggievegan.com
Summer may be slowly drawing to a close, but the festival season just keeps on running – hooray!
This September 26th-27th the Festival of Thrift returns for its third year of frugal family fun. The free festival, taking place at Lindfield Point in Darlington, promises a packed programme of sustainable living ideas and inspiration that can help save you money too.
Festival of Thrift Fashion by Tracy Kidd
The eclectic event will feature well-known ‘scrimpers’, leading and emerging artists and musicians, plus special installations, demonstrations, debates, workshops and stalls offering upcycled, recycled, sustainable and of course thrifty goods to help people towards a happier, more sustainable way of life.
The Festival (winner of the Arts & Culture award at the Observer Ethical Awards 2015) aims to show people how reusing, recycling and upcycling can be fun, save them money and benefit the environment at the same time. This year’s programme features leading and emerging artists from across the globe, demonstrations, stalls and workshops to offer thrifty advice, tips and tricks.
Shane Waltner by Tracy Kidd
Highlights include:
OxGlam – Michael and John from Oxfam Dalrington and Oxfam Durham demonstrate how to look stylish and original with vintage, second-hand and upcycled clothes. Catch their fashion show using trends through the decades.
The Urban Playground, STEAM – Street theatre like you’ve never seen before! Urban Explorers discover a locomotive and take you on a journey through its life, fusing parkour, dance and slapstick comedy.
Olivier Grossetete, The People’s Tower – See French artist Olivier Grossetete launch the Festival by rebuilding the rail station clock tower in Market Square in Darlington Town Centre, made entirely from cardboard box ‘bricks’.
Ministry of Bicycles, Bomberdrome – This ‘Bicycle Wall of Death’ features five riders, performing tricks of daring do. Thrills, spills and plenty of mild peril all add up to make this a bicycle spectacular.
Folk Dance Remixed – A unique remix of Maypole, Clogging, Ceilidh, Street, House and Breakdance with a hint of African & Bollywood… to a live soundtrack of fiddle & beat boxing – this is Folk and Street Dance like you’ve never seen it before with a chance for you to dance!
Home Live Art’s Alternative Village Fete – Based on the British village fete, this extravaganza, featuring a range of original artists and creative groups, encompasses live and performance installations, live music, communal dance, craft, food and produce.
Darli – Darlie is an enchanting, artist-made, old wooden train carriage stuffed with stories, images, sounds and scenes for families to explore. Created by visual Artist Hannah Fox and Sound Artist Dan Fox, this is an enchanting and playful interactive sculpture, a curiosity box like no other.
This year’s theme is ‘Steam’ as the festivities will also form part of a weekend of celebrations for Darlington and the region as the town marks the 190th anniversary of the world’s first steam passenger train, which travelled between Stockton and Darlington in 1825.
Bobbin workshop by Tracy Kidd
Festival director, Stella Hall said: “Thrift is more than a trend – it’s here to stay, it’s a culture and a set of values to live by. The festival is certainly helping to get it engrained into the lives of people across the North East of England and beyond. Our thrifters are a community and the Festival is a great opportunity for them to get together and share what they do, while enjoying great entertainment and a free day out.”
After winning the Arts and Culture category of the Observer Ethical Awards 2015, festival organisers are poised for another successful year (40,000 festival-goers visited in 2014!). Thrifty living has never been so popular…
The Festival of Thrift takes place 10am to 5pm on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September 2015. Find out more about the latest programme at www.festivalofthrift.co.uk and register for updates.
There’s still time for a camping holiday this summer and this imaginative glampsite in North Yorkshire really will fill you with ‘katur’ (that’s Icelandic for happiness, by the way…)
glamping at Camp Katur, Yorkshire
Camp Katur glamping village is located within 250 acres of a country estate in Bedale, North Yorkshire. ‘Katur’ embraces the whole ethos of this glampsite and as you wind your way amongst the woodland into the heart of Camp Katur you will be struck by the beautiful setting and the little surprises around every corner.
Accomodation – from ‘hobbit pods’ to geodomes
The site is home to an array of glamping abodes including woodland hobbit pods; bell tents; tipis; en-suite safari tents; the UK’s only clear 360 degree panoramic unidome and (new for 2015) Geodomes.
Facilities and activities
You can make the most of al fresco dining as an outdoor barbecue is available with each accommodation. Or use the communal kitchen, the licensed Orangery Cafe (open weekends and during school holidyas only), or for something a little bit different there is the ‘Podfather’; a Nordic BBQ cabin where a family or group of friends can enjoy an indoor BBQ in the woods, whatever the weather.
meadows at Camp Katur, Yorkshire
Hammocks are scattered throughout the trees for lazy days, and little ones will have a blast in the toy den hidden in the woods. The centre of the glamping village is dedicated to a large communal campfire complete with musical instruments (get the guitar…!) and (another new addition for the 2015 season) the sixteen foot communal tipi for all the guests.
Camp Katur is set in the Camp Hill Manor Estate in North Yorkshire which boasts an array of activities, including an adventure playground with shelter building, woodland walks and activity trails, segway treks, quad biking, horse riding, cycle tracks, a 200m zip wire and a treetops high rope course. After a fun-filled day, guests can also enjoy the outdoor eco spa that includes a hand crafted wood fired hot tub and sauna made from Siberian spruce.
There really is something for everyone. You can pack your stay full of activities or just relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings, so we recommend that you ditch your smart phone, turn off you tablet and reconnect with the great outdoors! So if you are looking to discover your outdoor happiness, Camp Katur glamping village could be for you.
Camp Katur, Yorkshire
Recommended for… Families or groups of friends to enjoy all the communal spaces and activites with
Be aware that… We can never rely on the Yorkshire climate so a pair of wellies and an extra blanket are recommended!
Glamping accommodation is available from £20 per person per night based on two people sharing. There is a minimum requirement of a two night stay except Sundays when one night is available. Extra facilities such as the Eco-spa and BBQ ‘podfather’ hut need to be pre booked at an extra cost.
Dogs are welcome at Camp Katur with an additional charge of £15.00 each and there are stabling facilities for a break with your horse.
For booking and further information call 01845 202 100 or visit www.campkatur.com.
In Bristol over the summer? Here’s a piece of public art you won’t be able to miss – because it’s huge!
A sculpture of two life size whales, made from Somerset willow and 70,000 upcycled plastic bottles, has been unveiled in Bristol to mark the city’s status as the UK’s first European Green Capital.
We think they look absolutely stunning! This is what public art should be – playful, awesome and thought-provoking, and what a great opportunity to raise the issue of marine conservation with kids. Make sure you see them before they swim away in September.
Weighing a mighty six tonnes, The Bristol Whales are currently splashing about in Bristol’s Millennium Square and will be on display until 1 September 2015. The artwork depicts a blue whale and humpback whale swimming through an ‘ocean’ of plastic bottles, and represents the fragility of our oceans and the increasing threat of plastic pollution.
The Bristol Whales, with artist Sue Lipscombe from Cod Steaks
Visitors can add their own pledge message in a virtual bottle using The Bristol Whales app, which will then be displayed on a Big Screen above the whales. The Bristol Whales has been designed and built by Cod Steaks, initiated by Arts Project Earth and funded by Arts Council England.
With mountains, lakes, coastlines and valleys, the diverse landscape of the UK offers ramblers and hikers a nearly inexhaustible choice of challenging routes and paths. North, south, east or west, here are four of the best…(and keep reading for a chance to win £100 worth of walking gear!)
Are you an ambitious walker? Why not test your endurance by taking part in some of the UK’s gruelling long-distance walking challenges? Taking anywhere from four to 48 hours to complete, ramblers have an exciting choice of challenges to choose from, each with their own beautiful scenery to conquer (and some treks aso help raise money for charity).
Outdoors kit provider Sportsshoes.com have shared with us their pick of the top four most popular medium and long-distance walking challenges in the North, South, East and West of the UK (Note: These endurance walks are not suitable for beginners and all require a good level of fitness, experience and training).
Lake District, Cumbria (c) Geograph.co.uk
NORTH: Lake District 3000 Footers, Cumbria, England
Also known as the Lake District Four Peaks, the comparatively small distance of this challenge is mostly covered by the ascent and descent of four mountains, each over 3,000 feet: Scarfell, Scarfell Pike, Helvellyn and Skiddaw. It’s a demanding and serious challenge, with a variety of undulating terrain – but with glorious views from no less than four summits, the rewards are great.
Distance: 15 to 21 miles (depending on the route taken)
Duration: 16 hours of walking (tackled in one long day or split into eight hour walks over two days)
Getting there: The M6 runs to the east of the Lake District National Park; car journeys from the south east take approx. six hours and journeys from Manchester and York take roughly two hours. Direct trains run from Manchester and Windermere
Snowdonia Glyderau from slopes of Pen yr Helgi D (c) Geograph.co.uk
WEST: Snowdonia Mountain Challenge, Wales
Although some training is required for this walk, it’s a great challenge for ramblers with little experience. The Llanberis route up Snowdon is a steady ascent but the climb is all on paths (some parts of the path are rougher than others however). The summit commands striking views of Snowdonia National Park with Anglesey and the Irish Sea in the distance.
Distance: Nine miles
Duration: Average completion time is seven hours
Getting there: Betws-y-Coed train station is located in the heart of Snowdonia and can be reached from London Euston in four hours and from Manchester in three. To drive from the north west take the M56 and A55; roads M6, M5 and M1 link North Wales with the south east
South Downs, view from Ditchling Beacon (c) Poliphilo
SOUTH: South Downs 100km, South Downs National Park, England
Not to be undertaken lightly, the South Downs 100km is a seriously strenuous challenge, with walkers having to endure the high ridges and steep hills of the rolling South Downs of Hampshire and Sussex. The hike takes place over night and day, starting at the historical town of Arundel and finishing at Beachy Head, the UK’s highest white chalk coastal cliffs. To conquer this challenge walkers have to battle strong fatigue and must be experienced, determined and physically fit. The South Downs is a once-in-a-lifetime challenge and those who complete it will be proud of their achievement for their lifetime.
Distance: 100km – which is just under 63 miles
Duration: 30 to 36 hours of walking (covered over two days)
Getting there: The start of the challenge, Arundel, can be reached in 90 minutes on train from London and is roughly a two hour car journey from London. The walk finishes in Eastbourne where trains can take you directly back to London (or you can arrange a friend to collect you!)
There are a number of organised challenges along the dramatic Norfolk coast. One of the most ambitious walks sees people complete 47 miles on foot in 24 hours. Starting in Hunstanton and finishing at Cromer Pier, the route takes walkers over field, sand and stony beaches. The event does see a few challengers drop out with injuries; however, the supporting crowds at the finish line make the arduous feat worthwhile. A participant from last year, Tom Bailey, perfectly summed up the experience saying “Pain is temporary, pride is forever. Coastal Walk Challenge was truly memorable and organisation phenomenal.”
Distance: 47 miles
Duration: 24 hours (with overnight stay)
Getting there: Although possible to reach via train and bus, a car is the simplest way to reach the starting point in Hunstanton
Fancy winning £100 to spend on walking shoes at Sportsshoes.com?
To enter, simply subscribe to our monthly enews to receive a regular round-up of the best from Goodtrippers (including some exclusives) straight to your inbox – Enter and subscribe
But hurry, you must sign-up before 6pm on 4th August 2015 to be in with a chance of winning. The winner will be notified by email (the one used on entry) by 11th August.
Terms and conditions (please read before entering)
One entry per person
One ‘entry’ counts as one individual subscribing to the Goodtrippers enews using a valid email address
All entries must be received before 6pm (BST), Tuesday 4th August 2015
Competition open to residents of the UK and the Republic of Ireland only
Employees (and their immediate families) of Sportsshoes.com and Goodtrippers are excluded from entering this competition
One winning entrant will be picked at random – judges’ decision is final
No part of the prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize
It will be assumed all entrants have read and accepted the competition terms and conditions
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is flinging open the farm gate at River Cottage HQ for the annual summer fair (and you could win a family ticket in our competition below!)
River Cottage Fair (Nick Hook Photography)
It’s all happening down on the farm at River Cottage HQ…. The River Cottage Summer Fair will be celebrating the best of the season with a weekend of live music, cookery, hands-on masterclasses, talks and tours, gardening tips, kid’s entertainment, and local food and craft stalls this August.
food at River Cottage Fair (c) River Cottage
This family-friendly festival, taking place Sat 15th and Sun 16th August, is one of the River Cottage team’s twice yearly celebrations. It’s also a chance to peek behind the scenes at River Cottage HQ, meet the team, see the animals and gardens, and enjoy the very best of what’s in season from the River Cottage food tent. Food and drink will be available all day and evening with a licensed bar serving local ciders, beers, wines and bubbles.
crafts at River Cottage Fair (Nick Hook Photography)
There is a full programme of events that stretch from mid-morning coffee and cakes whilst taking in the beautiful surrounding scenery, through to dancing away to live music at the gig nights way beyond sunset.
River Cottage Summer Fair tickets: Day tickets for the fair (10am – 4pm) are £12.50 per adult; children under 12yrs go free. Book via rcevents@rivercottage.net / T: 01297 630 300.
live music at River Cottage Fair (Nick Hook Photography)
Gig Nights – music for a summer’s evening
The evening programme kicks off from 6pm on Friday 14th with funk, soul, blues and disco from Plymouth’s finest 10-piece, Joey the Lips. On Saturday 15th Tankus the Henge, a foot-stomping powerhouse of a band, take to the stage.
Gig night tickets: Gig nights only are £15 per adult for 6pm – 10.30pm. Book via rcevents@rivercottage.net / T: 01297 630 300.
Location: River Cottage HQ, Trinity Hill Road, Axminster, Devon EX13 8TB. Nearest train station: Axminster (direct from London Waterloo) which is 5 minutes away in a taxi.
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall (c) River Cottage
COMPETITION TIME!
We have one family ticket (up to two adults and two children under 12yrs) to the River Cottage Summer Fair for either Saturday 15th or Sunday 16th August to give away.
To win, simply share this post on Twitter (making sure to include the Twitter handles @Goodtrippers and @RiverCottageHQ) before 5pm on Tuesday 21st July.
One winner will be selected at random and contacted via Twitter before Friday 24th July.
Good luck!
Terms and conditions (please read before entering)
One entry per person
One ‘entry’ counts as one individual sharing this post on Twitter and including both of the handles @Goodtrippers and @RiverCottageHQ
All entries must be received before 5pm (BST), Tuesday 21st July 2015
Competition open to residents of the UK and the Republic of Ireland only
Employees (and their immediate families) of River Cottage and Goodtrippers are excluded from entering this competition
One winning entrant will be picked at random – judges’ decision is final
No part of the prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize
It will be assumed all entrants have read and accepted the competition terms and conditions
Want to do something a bit different to your standard walking tour, and support a social enterprise? Let a homeless guide lead you through the streets of London for a tour you’ll never forget…
Other tours include Brick Lane, led by homeless guide Cris
Award-winning Unseen Tours has expanded its London itinerary with a revamped Brixton tour and a new London Bridge tour. The walking tours, all led by homeless and formerly homeless guides, aim to be fun, amaze and entertain as well as offer new perspectives on the city – and £6 from every ticket sold goes straight to the guide.
After an 18-month break in the area, Unseen Tours returns to vibrant Brixton with the Brixton Tour- Dynamic and Vibrant (£10, 1hr 45mins). On the walk, you can discover the area’s hidden gems, from the river to a restored windmill, and a prison that has been home to more than a few famous names. Led by Hazel, a local lady who became homeless after her marriage ended, the tour explores Brixton’s varied history from the riots of the 1980s to its reinvention as a Transition Town with its own currency, the Brixton Pound.
Hazel leads Unseen Tours in Brixton
A new version of the London Bridge Tour – Mysterious Alleys, Hidden Pathways (£10, 1hr 45mins) starts in August and is led by David who became homeless for a short period 11 years ago when the tenancy agreement on his flat was terminated while he was in hospital.
David’s tour follows the Thames along the South Bank before delving into Borough’s more mysterious alleyways, taking in one of the world’s greatest food markets, the infamous Clink prison and a secret archaeological dig. The tour ends at one of the city’s oldest pubs.
Faye Shields, co-founder of Unseen Tours says, “All of our tours are designed in partnership with the guides to reflect their interests and knowledge of the area, so with David joining us as a new guide our London Bridge tour is having a refresh.”
Unseen Tours aims to provide income and opportunities for the homeless, and for formerly homeless individuals trying to get back on their feet, but it also aims to challenge perceptions of homelessness, which are often based on stereotypes. “Homelessness can happen to anyone, for all sorts of reasons such as redundancy, relationship breakdown, or illness,” says Shields. “Our hope is that by spending time with Hazel, David or another Unseen Tour guide, people may rethink those stereotypes.”
The tours, and their guides, continue to gain rave reviews on TripAdvisor with previous participants calling it “incredible“, “mind blowing” and “inspiring“. One reviewer said “having never been on a tour like this I wasn’t quite prepared for just how fantastic it would be”!
Formerly homeless guide, Hazel with a tour group in Brixton
Not-for-profit social enterprise Unseen Tours was set up in 2010 and has been recognised with a Responsible Tourism Award and an Observer Ethical Award. There are now six tours, in Brick Lane, Brixton, Camden, Covent Garden, London Bridge and Shoreditch. The tours get excellent reviews and offer a unique insight into London life – while giving visibility and a voice to people who often feel unseen and unheard.
To book any of the tours mentioned, and for more information, visit www.unseentours.co.uk.
It’s not hard to see the beauty of Cornwall. The UK’s most southerly and westernmost county boasts the longestcoastline at over 400 miles; its northern beaches are a magnet for surfers, its southern coast is dubbed the ‘Cornish Riviera’. It’s also the UK’s sunniest and warmest county hosting its only area of sub-tropical climate and over 1,500 hours of sunshine each year.
This unique county is also enjoying a resurgence thanks to a certain Poldark – the coast and countryside more than holding its own with Aiden Turner and the racing pulses of TV viewers!
With so much coastline you’re never far away from a great eating and drinking spot with a stunning sea view in Cornwall. Here’s a selection of a few of our favourites…
The Cabin Beach Cafe, Perranuthnoe
This small cafe sits right on the top of the cliffs overlooking the quiet Perran Sands beach in the lovely village of Perranuthnoe. The menu is basic but very nice including filling breakfast baps and paninis, gluten-free homemade cakes, Cornish ice-cream and good teas and coffees. You can sit inside when it’s raining, but go for the unobstructed sea view from a table in the garden.
view of Perran Sands from The Cabin, Perranuthnoe
Fifteen Cornwall, Watergate Bay
Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen has become a well-established part of the Cornish foodie scene since opening a few years ago. Very friendly staff give everyone a warm welcome, particularly those with little ones (as you’d expect a Jamie O eaterie to do!). Top quality, Italian-style food is the order of the day including locally-caught seafood and Cornish ales. The restaurant is a social enterprise so all profits go to the Cornwall Food Foundation and its chef training programme. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls allow you to watch all of the surfing action across the vast Watergate Bay.
view of Watergate Bay from Fifteen Cornwall
The Fire Engine Inn, Marazion
A traditional pub with a friendly landlord and a range of St Austell beers on tap. Food is served, including gluten-free fish and chips and other seafood dishes, but if you don’t happen to be hungry make sure you at least grab a pint of local ale and take a seat in the beer garden – this pub boasts a stunning view across the water to St Michael’s Mount.
view from The Fire Engine Inn, Marazion
The Point at Polzeath, Polzeath
You don’t have to be staying here or using the health club or golf course to eat in The Point’s restaurant (although it is a handy add-on if you are). You can enjoy almost panoramic views from your table (or on the outside terrace) across farmland, the golf course and down into the surfers’ paradise of Polzeath beach and Pentire Point. Look out for Fizz ‘n’ Chips Night (Thursdays) for their choice of three fish with three batters and a glass of fizz (all £15) and Steak Night (Fridays) for their offer of two steaks and a bottle of wine for £30.
Fizz n Chips night at The Point at Polzeath
Ben Tunnicliffe, Sennen Cove
This informal beachside eaterie and bar is brought to you by Michelin-star chef Ben Tunnicliffe. With wonderful, unspoilt views across Sennen Cove, it does a great job of combining a relaxed and stylish ‘Ibizan beach bar’ vibe without making you feel unwelcome with a little one (they make great efforts to be family-friendly). The restaurant only ever serves ethically sourced seafood with an ever-changing ‘catch of the day’ on the menu. The food is excellent as is the cocktail list, which included a Ben’s G&T made with Cornish gin on our visit.
Cornish G&T at Ben Tunnicliffe, Sennen Cove
The Square at Porthleven, Porthleven
Porthleven has become a well-known destination in Cornwall for foodies with several top eateries in the village (including a new Rick Stein). The Square, now run by the previous owners of the renowned Victoria Inn in Perranuthnoe, offers a brasserie-style menu for informal lunch, dinner and coffee and cake in between. Locally-sourced is the order of the day with all fish landed at Porthleven harbour, meats from Primrose Herd and Vivian Olds, and local vegetable suppliers. They can also offer locally-sourced champagne if you’re celebrating! Plenty of seating indoors, or grab a table outside so you can watch the boats coming and going in the harbour.
locally-caught seafood tempura at The Square at Porthleven
The Godolphin Arms, Marazion
Sitting outdoors at this newly renovated gastropub is blissful on a warm, sunny day. You can hear the waves lapping a few meters from your table as you gaze across at St Michael’s Mount and its castle. We enjoyed the shared seafood platter plus their guest craft beer.
gaze at St Michael’s Mount from The Godolphin Arms, Marazion
Pedn Olva, St Ives
We’ll be honest – we haven’t tried the food here, but we did escape the crowds of St Ives harbour and enjoy a drink. And what a view from their large, outdoor terrace! Choose either the side facing the famous St Ives harbour view, or pick the other side which looks down onto the lovely Porthminster beach and all of the paddle boarders gliding across the calm sea.
terrace view from Pend Olva, St Ives
Fresh From The Sea, Port Isaac
OK, not technically one with a sea view (you’d have to drag your seat closer to the road and perhaps crane your neck a bit) but it had to be included in this list as a sea view is mere seconds away and the seafood is fantastic! The fishing village of Port Isaac is a tourist hotspot, particularly down at the harbour, but make sure you spot at this small café before walking down the hill (or treat yourself on the way back up). It does exactly what it says on the sign serving fish and seafood freshly (and sustainably) caught from its own boat ‘Mary D’ in Port Isaac harbour. Try a delicious lobster or crab salad, then buy a few cakes and Cornish foodie delights from their shop to take home.
lobster salad at Fresh From The Sea, Port Isaac
No.1 Rock Road Bar & Grill, Rock
Grab a table on the outdoor balcony (beware of cool winds if there’s a northerly!) and enjoy the view of moored boats gently bobbing in the still waters, and the night ferry going back and forth to the more varied foodie destination of Padstow across the bay. There are plenty of cocktails and decent seafood mains to keep you satisfied.
