Foodie Spots in Truro

February 17th, 2020

In Truro, as with most cities, you won’t have to walk far before you are met with an assortment of gastronomical delights. But finding where to head as a foodie can be a bit of a challenge if you’re not just looking for plain old grub!

 

Luckily, with an abundance of fresh local produce, established chefs and stunning views to boot, there are many spots in Truro perfect for the gourmand. We share some of our favourite spots for foodies in this guide to Truro.

 

The Rising Sun

A quaint pub with a homely, historic feel, The Rising Sun is the place to be for lovers of fancy gastropub grub! Located in the quiet historical quarter of Truro, a short walk from the city centre, The Rising Sun has views down to the cathedral and surrounding historical buildings.

 

As well as their huge range of wine and fine ales, The Rising Sun offers both lunch and evening menus, packed full of locally sourced delights. This isn’t your regular pub food though, as you’ll be in for a real treat with the likes of honey-glazed Cornish duck or Cornish ale battered line caught pollock on the menu! In fact, The Rising Sun has won many awards for the food they serve.

 

Visit on a Sunday for a roast like no other, with slow-roasted meats and mouth-wateringly good roast potatoes. The Rising Sun also offers vegetarian options for their roast, including a spinach and mushroom wellington.

 

Truro Lounge

Truro Lounge can be found right in the centre of town, and while the lounges are a chain of restaurants, Truro Lounge is unique to the city. Here you can dine in a lovely atmosphere, as you’re surrounded by quirky and bold interiors, with walls lined with portraits. Upstairs, you’ll also find a roof terrace; perfect for summer dining and sipping on cocktails!

 

On the menu, there’s definitely something for everyone, with brunch food, burgers, tapas, salads and sandwiches on offer, as well as a few main meal options. Truro Lounge has a separate, but extensive, gluten free and vegan menu, and are good at catering to dietary needs.

 

Archie Browns

Archie Browns is a health food shop and vegetarian café located on Kenwyn Street in Truro city centre. Enjoy lunchtime treats, delicious drinks and a hearty slice of cake when you visit this sweet spot. Choose from scrumptious quiches, cottage pie, salads, soups and veggie bowls. After dining, why not pick up some of their health food treats to take home with you?!

 

Hooked!

Making the most of the Cornish waters, Hooked! is a seafood and tapas restaurant in Truro that uses locally sourced, seasonal produce. As well as a classic fish and chips, you’ll be able to find seafood curry, shellfish platters and scrumptious scallops on the menu. If you’re not one for seafood, then the tapas menu has plenty of fish-free nibbles to choose from!

 

Hubbox

A quirky burger and barbeque restaurant, Hubbox has a handful of locations in the South West, including one in Truro city centre. Set within a repurposed church, Hubbox Truro offers an exciting dining experience in a unique setting. Enjoy hearty portions of handmade burgers and chips, loaded fries and fancy kebabs, all made with local produce.

 

Sam’s in the City

Sam’s have award-winning restaurants throughout Cornwall, with Sam’s in the City as their Truro location. Making the most of the local fresh catches, there are some great seafood dishes on the menu, as well as some cracking burgers, steaks and salads. Sam’s has a great atmosphere, and you can indulge in a cocktail or two from the bar as well!

 

The Roseland Inn

Out of the city, on the Roseland Peninsula, you’ll find the delightful Roseland Inn – the perfect place to head if you’d like to dine with country views rather than a cityscape. A traditional pub, with low ceilings and wood burners, this is a cosy spot in the country to enjoy a pint and a bite.

 

Each dish is freshly cooked, and you’ll find homely staples like pie, steak and a good serving of fish and chips on the menu. After your meal, head down the surrounding country lanes for a stroll or cycle and relax in the stunning natural views.

 

If you want to experience the tastes of Truro and all the exciting things you can do in Truro, then why not embark on a fun weekend city break? Our Truro holiday cottages are the perfect place for a relaxing short break or an extended getaway! 

 


Best Winter Lunch Spots in Cornwall

January 13th, 2020

Cornwall is home to picturesque scenery, plenty of history and many delightful eateries. It truly is one of the most beautiful spots in the UK, so it is no surprise that people often choose Cornwall as a holiday destination. Come rain or shine, winter or summer; this place is brilliant all year round! You may wonder how you can enjoy the splendid countryside while it is cold and wet, but do not fear, as Cornwall has plenty of places where you can enjoy a spot of lunch and a stunning view. In this blog, we take a look at some of the best cafes, restaurants and pubs that offer delicious food and a breath-taking view, perfect for those chilly winter days.

Pandora Inn, Falmouth

25 to 30 minutes from The Valley

We will start our list of winter lunch spots in Cornwall with the award-winning Pandora Inn. Situated in the beautiful seaside town of Falmouth, this pub is a little gem of history as parts of it date back to the 13th century! It is a cosy and rustic pub, with beams on the ceiling and a thatched roof. The pub is located in a very remote location; therefore, you can arrive at the destination via foot, car, boat or bike. As the car park is of a smaller size, the pub does promote getting the boat across or enjoying a stroll or cycle. Once you arrive at the pub, you can read the fantastic menu that includes dishes such as fish pie, pork tenderloin and homemade Cornish beef burger. All ingredients used in the meals are fresh, sourced locally and the produce used is seasonal. Along with the delicious food, there is an extensive wine list and traditional real ales that are sourced from St Austell Brewery, so why not enjoy a beverage, some glorious food and take in the beautiful scenery? There is nothing better than sitting next to a roaring log fire and looking out at the delightful flowing water outside.

Charlie’s Boathouse, Charlestown

30 to 40 minutes from The Valley

View this post on Instagram

Who likes a Mezze Board? 😍

A post shared by Charlies Boathouse Charlestown (@charlies_boathouse) on

Charlestown is a beautiful fishing village that is nestled in between Carlyon Bay and Porthpean. From coffee and a sandwich to prosecco and eggs benedict, Charlie’s Boathouse is a place suited for everyone! It is a quaint family-run restaurant that is perfect for casual dining. With comfy sofas and a cosy atmosphere, it is a brilliant spot to retreat to after some time in the cold of the winter. On the menu, you can find the Boathouse burger, the Italian job pizza and scorched mackerel, with plenty of choices, you can be sure to find the perfect dish for your lunch this winter.

Lewinnick Lodge, Newquay

25 to 30 minutes from The Valley

Lewinnick Lodge is situated in the cliffs of Newquay’s Pentire Headland and boasts some spectacular views of the sea. While it might be a little chilly in the winter, the deck is a brilliant spot to immerse yourself in the scenery, so we do recommend popping out there to have a look, even if it is for a couple of minutes. Something that is quite a selling point for Lewinnick Lodge, besides the beautiful food and scenery, is the efforts they make to be a sustainable business. They are actively trying to reduce their use of plastic and source all goods locally to shrink their carbon footprint. On the menu, you can find dishes such as Cornish shellfish linguine, Lewinnick burger and Moroccan spiced bean burger, so there is plenty of variety to choose from. The beautiful Fistral beach is only minutes away so you can enjoy a wintery stroll along the beach then get cosy in Lewinnick Lodge and enjoy a refreshment and some food.

Godolphin Arms, Marazion

45 minutes from The Valley

Located opposite the iconic St Michael’s Mount in Marazion, the Godolphin Arms is a modern beachside restaurant that boasts some fantastic views and delicious food. All food served is locally sourced, and the atmosphere is relaxing and chilled, so it is the perfect spot for unwinding and enjoying the scenic views. From the classic fish and chips to monkfish, the Godolphin Arms has a wide variety of options on their menu that should appeal to all visitors. As the restaurant is so close to St Michael’s Mount, why not get the boat out to the iconic spot and then retreat to the Godolphin Arms for a cosy sit down with delicious food and a toasty refreshment to warm you up.

We hope that no matter the weather, you can enjoy your time in the stunning countryside of Cornwall. There is nothing better than spending the morning exploring and then stopping for some lunch in a coastal spot where you can refuel and warm up. If you would like to visit Cornwall, why not consider staying at The Valley in Truro? We offer luxury Cornish cottages suitable for all, including families, couples and dogs! For more information on our retreat, visit our social media channels.


7 Best Seafood Restaurants in Cornwall

July 22nd, 2019

With over 400 miles of coastline in Cornwall, it should come as no surprise that seafood features quite heavily in many of the restaurants in the county. With the best foodie spots in Cornwall making the most of local cuisine, several restaurants serve up fresh catches each day, so that you can enjoy the best tastes of Cornwall. While fish and chips may be the most popular fish dish in the area, with plenty of takeaways to choose from, you will also be spoiled for choice with fancier fish dish options at some of the best seafood restaurants in Cornwall. We take a look at a few of our favourites!

Rick Stein’s Fish, Falmouth

You can’t get more fishy than a restaurant with the word ‘fish’ in its name! Owned by celebrity chef Rick Stein, you’re bound to be in for a good bite when you visit Rick Stein’s Fish. Located in Falmouth, with stunning views out over the harbour, you’ll be treated to the likes of lobster and moules mariniere. All of the produce used to create these fantastic dishes is locally sourced. If you’d rather something simpler, then Rick does have a delicious offering of the classic fish and chips on the menu too!

The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow

Another offering from Rick Stein, who is clearly quite taken by the flavourful bites that seafood can bring, comes in the form of The Seafood Restaurant. First opened in 1975, The Seafood Restaurant is now a firm favourite amongst visitors to the Padstow area. The restaurant is now internationally renowned for offering the freshest fish dishes. With only a couple of meat dish on the menu, it really would be foolish to order anything other than fish at this fine eatery. Foodie fans will love sitting at the seafood bar in the centre of the restaurant to watch the chefs transforming the fresh catches into incredible dishes; from sashimi to oyster platters.

The Cove, Falmouth

Experience the tranquil side to Falmouth and enjoy a relaxing meal at the Cove. Nestled into the shoreline by Maenporth Beach, The Cove offers incredible views across Falmouth Bay, making for a picturesque and peaceful dining experience. The menus use local, seasonal produce and range from sushi to curry! For those in your dining party who would prefer not to eat fish, there are also a handful of meat and vegetarian options.

The Fish House, Newquay

A wide variety of freshly caught seafood can be found at The Fish House. The delicious food pairs excellently with the stunning views out over Fistral beach. A stone’s throw from the sea, the restaurant uses shellfish and fish caught fresh out of Newquay Harbour, and make the most of seasonal ingredients to keep each dish flavourful and fresh. If you can’t decide which delicious dish to try, then why not select the sharing board, and enjoy a mix of seafood treats!

Prawn on the Lawn, Padstow

Named one of the top 100 restaurants in the UK by The Times in 2017, Prawn on the Lawn is an exciting eating experience run by husband and wife team, Rick and Katie in Padstow. Combining a fishmonger with a restaurant, the food here is as fresh as it gets. The menu changes each day, depending on the fresh catches, allowing the restaurant to stay as sustainable as possible. Prawn on the Lawn offers tapas-style fish dishes, such as Szechuan prawns, as well as the option to share a whole fish between the table.

Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, Port Isaac

One of two Nathan Outlaw restaurants in Port Isaac, Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen can be found within a 15th-century fisherman’s cottage that overlooks the harbour, making this the ideal location for a fish supper. The menu offers unique dishes, made with only the freshest of ingredients. With sustainability and quality in mind, the menu revolves around what the local fishermen have managed to catch. The fishermen with low-impact fishing methods and certified by the Responsible Fishing Scheme.

Hooked! Restaurant and Bar, Truro

A modern restaurant that serves award-winning seafood dishes in the heart of Truro. With an open-plan kitchen, you can watch as the chefs whip together some superb seafood plates. Order from the main menu, enjoy a mixture of tapas dishes or dig into the shellfish platter, where you can sample six different types of seafood – the choice is yours!

If you are staying in our luxury Cornish cottages, then why not spend an evening at our restaurant, Azura. Seafood lovers are sure to enjoy our catch of the day dish! For more food recommendations, why not check out these five places to eat on Cornwall’s south coast


Cornwall’s Top Celebrity Chef Run Restaurants

August 12th, 2018

With its golden beaches and sweeping cliffs, Cornwall is a visual delight for those who visit. At our luxury Cornish cottages you’ll experience the magnificence that the county has to offer, and with the unspoilt landscape providing the perfect backdrop for your holiday, it’s undeniable that you’ll need the food to match.

 

Celebrity chefs have been taking over our screens for  50 years but have become considerably more popular over the last decade. With many television chefs opening restaurants across the country, and with several in Cornwall, we thought that we would compile a guide of our top three in the area for you to try!

 

Paul Ainsworth at No.6, Padstow

On the north coast of Cornwall lies the fishing port of Padstow, home to Paul Ainsworth at No. 6.

 

How Did Paul Ainsworth Become a Chef?

Growing up in the hospitality industry, Paul Ainsworth studied hospitality at Southampton City College alongside training at The Star Hotel. It was through his education that Ainsworth was offered the chance to interview for a placement with Gary Rhodes.

 

This opened many doors and the next few years saw him work alongside Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wearing, allowing him to establish himself as a talented chef.

 

Opening Restaurants in Cornwall

Over the next couple of years, Ainsworth moved down to Padstow to work at No. 6; the restaurant he then went on to buy with his wife, Emma. Since then, he has opened a series of restaurants, and most recently a guesthouse, all in the Padstow area.

 

Celebrity Status

In 2011, Ainsworth appeared on the BBC2 series, The Great British Menu. Since competing, he has appeared as a regular guest on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, as well as featuring as a regular guest on BBC’s Yes Chef. Alongside this, he has firmly established himself as a celebrity chef by appearing on both MasterChef and Royal Recipes.

 

No. 6

Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 was awarded a Michelin Star in 2013. Since then, the restaurant has undergone a recent remodel but has remained a celebrated establishment. The delightful staff will make you feel right at home as you experience the epitome of fine dining.

 

Located in a gorgeous Georgian townhouse in the quaint fishing port town of Padstow, No. 6 makes use of the best locally sourced ingredients, preparing modern British food with some incredible Cornish produce!

 

Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, Watergate Bay

EDIT: FIFTEEN HAS PERMANENTLY CLOSED AS OF DECEMBER 2019

Watergate Bay provides the impressive backdrop for the next stop on our list. One of the biggest celebrity chefs in the world, Jamie Oliver opened his Fifteen restaurants as a way of helping unemployed young adults break into the catering industry.

 

Recruiting Apprentices

Since the conception of the first Fifteen restaurant in London in 2002, Oliver opened another branch three miles outside of Newquay. The Watergate Bay site has since recruited over 200 apprentices, with 91% of the people who have completed the course still being in employment since leaving.

 

Italian Influence, Seasonal Ingredients

Main menu evening dishes take from an Italian influence, and ingredients used are selected based on the season. Not only that, but all the profits from the restaurant go to its registered charity, Cornwall Food Foundation. Due to their support, the apprenticeship scheme is able to keep running!

 

 

The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow

Rick Stein opened The Seafood Restaurant in 1974 with his wife, Jill.

 

A Change of Plans

Originally planned to be a nightclub, the Stein’s found trouble with the clientele that they were attracting, so after a rethink, they reopened as a seafood restaurant. Using the freshest and finest seafood that Cornwall has to offer, The Seafood Restaurant opened a year later.

 

Simply Classic

It’s the simple dishes and the classic flavours that make the restaurant so popular. With a bar in the centre of the room to watch chefs assemble your platter, you’ll be sure to want to return to this firm favourite amongst the visitors of Padstow.

 

The international reputation that it has gained over the last 44 years means that The Seafood Restaurant is going nowhere any time soon. Having only one meat dish on the menu, it really would be foolish to order anything other than fish at this fine eatery.

 

Which of these celebrity chef-owned restaurants would you most like to visit? Let us know via our social media channels!

Image Credit: ricksteinrestaurants

Image Credit: fifteencornwall


What is Falmouth famous for?

April 25th, 2017

The enchanting seaside town of Falmouth has been luring thousands of tourists to its waters for many years. With picturesque beaches, quirky shops, credited restaurants and an array of attractions a stone’s throw away from the town, it is no wonder tourists who want to experience an authentic Cornish retreat opt for Falmouth.

(more…)