I thought it might be fun and informative to list my favourite eateries on the South West Coastal Path in Cornwall. Living in St Mawes there is obviously a bias to South Cornwall but it wouldn’t be a personal list if there wasn’t!
1) The Hidden Hut – above Porthcurnick beach Portscatho. A wonderful beach cafe run by Simon and Jemma. As well as doing great food during the day (Seafood chouder is my favourite lunchtime meal) they do “Feast Nights” throughout the summer. These are always sold out, the food is always excellent (the weather not always) but when it is there isn’t a better place. We went several times this summer, one memorable evening in July we went around by boat, anchored just off the beach and swam in, wonderful.
2) Sam’s on the Beach – Polkerris between Par and Fowey. A fish restaurant in the old Lifeboat staion overlooking the beach, ticks all the boxes and the atmosphere and food are excellent too. A must for lunch if you are walking this section of the coastal path.
3) The Surf Beach Bar – Sennen Cove. A cafe and restaurant and one you can walk into with your walking boots on! Great place for a coffee stop if walking from St Just to Porthcurno or your evening meal if staying in Sennen. The perfect location overlooking the beach, family run with a strong emphasis on local food. Picture shows me having just paid for some excellent coffees.
4) The Shipwright Arms – at Helford. A thatch roofed pub (nicely renovated) in a fantastic position beside the Helford River and on the coastal path. Serves excellent food. This is another place we have gone many times by boat to from St Mawes (it is quicker than driving).
5) The Seafood Restaurant – in Padstow. Rick Stein’s flagship restaurant in Padstow (he has many others). Not somewhere you would pop in for a quick lunch with muddy boots, but if you are staying in Padstow a fine fish restaurant where they really celebrate the bounty the surrounding seas provide. We have been only once, very memorable (not cheap!).
6) The Cabin Beach Cafe – at Perranuthnoe (near Marazion). 50 yards off the coastal path but allowed on the list as it has a good vibe (surfing word for atmosphere!) and is an ideal spot for a mid morning coffee and cake if walking from Penzance to Porthleven.
7) The Olive Tree Coffee House and Wine Bar – situated alongside the canal in Bude, this is a perfect place for a coffee or lunch stop or an evening meal. Local produce is their speciality and also excellent wines, some from Cornwall’s very own and excellent vineyards (Camel Valley and Knightor are my favourites)