Tag: food and drink
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
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.
The Best Places For A Roast Dinner In Cornwall
January 10th, 2019
Home to an array of fresh local produce, delicious traditional recipes and a fair number of celebrity chefs’ restaurants, Cornwall is something of a foodie wonderland. While we love a good portion of fish and chips by the seaside in the summer months, when it is a little colder outside we often fancy something a little heartier.
What’s On this October
September 18th, 2018
Summer may be drawing to a close but there are still plenty of reasons for a trip down to Cornwall. Here’s our pick of some great reasons for visiting the county throughout October.
Fun Palaces at Krowji
Sat 6th October
As part of the Fun Palaces cultural campaign to bring people together with arts, science, crafts and technology, Krowji will be opening their doors for a number of free activities, workshops and demonstrations.
They’ll be 10 artists from jewellers to ceramicists and printers, with a range of hands-on activities suitable for all ages.
Eden Project Beer Festival
Sat 6th October
There’s more to the Eden Project than just the incredible biomes, on Saturday 6th October they will be hosting their annual Beer Festival. With over 35 Cornish ales and ciders, as well as a range of Cornish craft gins you’ll be sure to find something that suits.
Falmouth Oyster Festival
Thur 11th – Sun 14th October
Marking the start of the oyster dredging season, this annual festival is a celebration of all Cornish seafood with live music, cooking demos and food and craft stalls. Now in its 22nd year they’ll be daily demonstrations from top local and tv chefs to inspire you to make the most of Cornwall’s incredible resources.
Dinosaur Detectives – Royal Cornwall Museum
Sun 28th October – 5pm
A fascinating show revealing the story of the first fossil finds from the Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre. After the show there is the chance to handle real fossils that were mentioned in the play and meet the puppeteers. Critics have called it a “magical experience” so try not to miss out.
Halloween Highlights
Halloweden – Eden Project
With magical beasts roaming the gardens, challenges for kids to take part in, and ice skating it really is a magical time to visit the Eden Project.
Autumn Mask – Wheal Martyn
Explore the nature reserve on a scavenger hunt for items to decorate your mask. Suitable for all ages and free too!
Spooky Halloween Tours – Pendennis Castle
On 25th and 26th there will be a spooky Halloween trails with creepy hidden around the castle which could win you a treat. Plus, lots of Halloween crafts!
Halloween at The Valley
During the October Half-Term (19th – 29th October) we will be running a range of activities right here at The Valley. They’ll be archery, bushcraft, animal shows, treasure trails, ghost stories around the fire, and of course pumpkin carving and trick or treating!
With so much going on be sure to book your break your stay with us soon. Looking forward to seeing you all!
9 Iconic Cornish Foods
April 30th, 2018
Cornwall is undoubtedly one of the UK’s leading foodie destinations. Renowned for its thriving restaurant scene, with offerings from top chefs such as Rick Stein, you’ll find plenty of fantastic foodie spots around the coastal county. However, it isn’t all about the Michelin stars here, as there is an abundance of traditional delicacies created in Cornwall that rightfully hold their place as the most iconic of Cornwall’s food. The people of Cornwall are so proud of their food even that many of these delicious treats are geographically protected, meaning that no one else can make use of the reputable Cornish name! Here are some of our favourite dishes!
Cornish Cream Tea
While the origin of the cream tea has long been battled over with neighbouring county Devon, the scone is still as popular as ever Cornwall. If you are enjoying a nice cream tea in the Duchy, then it is important to remember the ordering rules, for fear of being deported back over to Devon! The scone must first be spread with jam before it is topped with a big dollop of clotted cream. Do this the other way round in Cornwall and you will be shunned!
Cornish Yarg
There are over 60 varieties of cheese produced in Cornwall, but none are quite as famous as the Cornish Yarg. The semi-hard cheese is made from cow’s milk and has an edible rind formed from nettle leaves. Not to worry about getting your tongue stung though, as they are frozen first to remove the sting. The texture of the cheese is often likened to Caerphilly. Cornish Yarg has long been enjoyed in the coastal county, with recipes dating back as far as the 13th century!
Stargazy Pie
Originating from the fishing village of Mousehole in the 16th century, Stargazy Pie is one of Cornwall’s most famous, and strangest, dishes. Beneath its pastry crust is a combination of eggs, potatoes and pilchards. However, what makes this dish truly special is the fact that the pilchards’ heads poke out of the pie crust so that they are gazing at the stars!
Cornish Pasty
Cornwall is ubiquitous with the pasty, and the humble snack has seen a meteoric rise in popularity in recent years. A typical Cornish pasty consists of a pastry filled with diced beef, potato, onion and swede, with the crust crimped on one side. Only pasties produced in Cornwall can be recognised as Cornish pasties, thanks to its Protected Geographical Indication. Pasties are now so popular that they contribute a staggering 5% to the Cornish economy.
Pilchards
With over 400 miles of coastline in Cornwall, it is no surprise that the fishing industry was second only to mining in the 18th and 19th century. Many of the quaint coastal villages that we enjoy today, such as Polperro and Mevagissey, came to be due to pilchard fishing. As such, pilchards became somewhat of a Cornish food staple, making their way into many dishes, such as the famous stargazy pie. Also known as the ‘Cornish sardine’, these fish will be found at many food festivals and markets throughout Cornwall.
Saffron Buns
Similar to a teacake, the saffron bun is a popular Cornish teatime treat. This rich, spiced bun is flavoured with saffron, one of the most expensive spices in the world, giving it the distinctive yellow colouring. The bun also contains currants.
Hevva Cake
Also known as heavy cake, the hevva cake is also associated with the pilchard fishing times. To help the fishermen locate shoals of fish, a person, known as a huer, would stand atop a cliff and shout ‘Hevva!’ to alert the boats as to where the pilchard shoals were. Once the fish had been caught, hevva cakes would be baked, using lard, butter, flour, sugar, milk and raisins, to celebrate the catch. Traditionally, the cakes would sport a criss-cross pattern on the top, to represent the fishermen’s nets.
Cornish Fairings
Considered to be the traditional biscuit of Cornwall, the Cornish Fairing is similar to a ginger nut, although they are a little more buttery. These biscuits get their name from having been sold at fairs around the country, particularly during the Victorian era.
Newlyn Crab
While crabs can be caught in many spots around the Cornish coast, it is the ones found at Newlyn, near Penzance, which are undeniably the best. Setting the standards for crab meat, the Newlyn crabs contain both brown and white meat, coming from the claws. The white meat is exceptional in sandwiches, while the richer brown meat is used in stocks and soups.
Which of these delicious dishes have you tried? Be sure to give some a try during your stay at our luxury Cornish cottages!
World of Food at Knightor Feast Nights
February 06th, 2018
Experience the World Through Food at Knightor Feast Nights – About half an hour away from the centre of Truro sits the Knightor Winery, a vineyard set in the heart of St. Austell. While wine is clearly a central theme to this venue, food is certainly considered to be equally important. As such, the winery is known for its feast nights; a themed evening of fun and food, all washed down with a lovely glass of their own red or white! We take a look at what is on the menu for the next few events!
The feast nights tend to be either based around a theme, celebrating one particular locally sourced ingredient or produced in collaboration with a local foodie wonder. The winery also has its own herb and vegetable gardens, so you’ll be hard-pressed to find more locally grown produce than that!
Typically, the evening kicks off with drinks and nibbles at 6.30pm in the stunning outdoor area, before moving to the converted barn for the feast at 7.30pm. The price of each night varies dependent on the theme of the night or the ingredients used, but are usually between £15 and £30 per person.
Kick-starting this year’s edible adventure is the delicious Scandi Steak Feast on Friday the 9th February at £20 per person. The perfect menu for a winter time feast, this Scandinavian themed evening is sure to warm you up. The following week, on the 16th February, there will be a Ghanaian Home Style Cookout on the table, for £25 per person. This flavourful feast will see traditional dishes served up in a relaxed evening. If meat isn’t on your menu, then veggie options are available if requested in advance! Upcoming themes throughout March are set to include a rustic French bistro themed evening, a Korean BBQ and a four-course traditional Portuguese feast! Not to worry if you’re not in the area on these dates, as they often repeat such themes throughout the year to ensure you don’t miss out!
The feast nights are served up on most Friday’s throughout the year, with themes announced, and tickets and menu descriptions available a month or so in advance. If you are on a luxury Falmouth holiday when a feast night is scheduled to take place, then it is certainly worth adding to your holiday itinerary.
Find all the details for the upcoming events here!
Experience The World Through Food At Knightor Feast Nights
February 02nd, 2018
About half an hour away from the centre of Truro sits the Knightor Winery, a vineyard set in the heart of St. Austell. While wine is clearly a central theme to this venue, food is certainly considered to be equally important. As such, the winery is known for its feast nights; a themed evening of fun and food, all washed down with a lovely glass of their own red or white! We take a look at what is on the menu for the next few events!
The feast nights tend to be either based around a theme, celebrating one particular locally sourced ingredient or produced in collaboration with a local foodie wonder. The winery also has its own herb and vegetable gardens, so you’ll be hard-pressed to find more locally grown produce than that!
Typically, the evening kicks off with drinks and nibbles at 6.30pm in the stunning outdoor area, before moving to the converted barn for the feast at 7.30pm. The price of each night varies dependant on the theme of the night or the ingredients used, but are usually between £15 and £30 per person.
Kick-starting this year’s edible adventure is the delicious Scandi Steak Feast on Friday the 9th February at £20 per person. The perfect menu for a winter time feast, this Scandinavian themed evening is sure to warm you up. The following week, on the 16th February, there will be a Ghanaian Home Style Cookout on the table, for £25 per person. This flavourful feast will see traditional dishes served up in a relaxed evening. If meat isn’t on your menu, then veggie options are available if requested in advance! Upcoming themes throughout March are set to include a rustic French bistro themed evening, a Korean BBQ and a four-course traditional Portuguese feast! Not to worry if you’re not in the area on these dates, as they often repeat such themes throughout the year to ensure you don’t miss out!
The feast nights are served up on most Friday’s throughout the year, with themes announced, and tickets and menu descriptions available a month or so in advance. If you are on a luxury Falmouth holiday when a feast night is scheduled to take place, then it is certainly worth adding to your holiday itinerary.
Find all the details for the upcoming events here!
The most romantic things to do in Falmouth
February 09th, 2017
Cornwall is undoubtedly one of the most tourist friendly places in the U.K, it’s no wonder that Cornwall sees many people make their way down the country to spend their holidays here. From its far-stretching coastlines of gorgeous, golden sands, that meet the crystal waters to its dramatic landscapes- Cornwall’s beauty is truly the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway. If you’re looking at luxury Falmouth holidays it may be worth making a list of activities to try on your visit.
Celebrating National Picnic Month with the history of Picnicking
July 16th, 2015
In today terms the notion of going for a picnic simply means to go out for an enjoyable outing that involves a selection of tasty items to eat and drink while outdoors, preferably in a beautiful location with family, friends, or a loved one. But have you ever stopped and thought just where the idea of eating outdoors and sharing food and drink with people comes from? We can tell you!
VIDEO: Cornwall gets the world’s first… pasty drive-through!
July 06th, 2015
April was three months ago, and us Cornish don’t joke around when it comes to our beloved Pasty. This is not a drill, this is the real thing! The world’s first pasty drive-through will be the latest addition to a local bakery and restaurant being built in Redruth, which opens today (Monday 6 July).
