Tag: foodie
7 Cornish-Made Treats and Brands to Try
September 04th, 2020
Cornwall is known for being a hotspot for foodies. In fact, food is frequently ranked as one of the main reasons people visit the county!
Classics like pasties, scones and fish & chips fill up those who visit Cornwall, but what Cornish-made products should you try for a treat? We share some of our favourite Cornish brands that you can find and enjoy while visiting the county!
Kernow Chocolate
This family-run chocolate company has been producing incredible hand-made chocolate in Cornwall since 2005. Originally operating from their farm in St Eval, Kernow Chocolate now has its own factory, which you can visit and see how the tasty treats are made.
While the factory is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19, we cannot wait for it to re-open and sample their famous Kernow hot chocolate from the on-site café!
Kernow Chocolate is available in a range of over 20 different flavours, including sea salt, honeycomb, raspberry and ginger. These bars make the perfect gift following a holiday to Cornwall in one of our luxury Cornish cottages, made all the better by their gorgeous range of packaging with artwork from Becky Bettesworth of the stunning Cornish scenery.
Furniss Cornish Fairing
A Cornish fairing is a traditional biscuit in Cornwall. It is a sweet and spicy ginger biscuit that has been manufactured by Furniss since 1886. While other companies make Cornish fairings, the Furniss brand is the most famous.
Established as a well-known Cornish biscuit manufacturer, Furniss now make a range of delicious treats including clotted cream shortbread, gingerbread and even savoury cheddar biscuits.
Moomaid of Zennor
Being a seaside county, ice cream is a pretty big part of Cornish life, and wherever you go, you won’t be far away from a quality scoop.
One of our favourites comes from Moomaid of Zennor, a dairy farm based near the village of Zennor – which is famed for their mermaid legend. You can find Moomaid ice cream at their parlours in Zennor, St Ives Harbour, Porthtowan Beach and St Just, as well as in a range of shops, hotels and restaurants in Cornwall.
In terms of flavour, in addition to classics like vanilla, honeycomb and raspberry ripple, there is also a huge collection of more unusual options, including white chocolate & passion fruit, salted almond, prosecco sorbet, and their famous ‘Shipwreck’ ice cream, made from sea salt, dulce de leche and honeycomb.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk have been making scrumptious fudge and other delicious treats in Cornwall since 1964. If you’re after something truly indulgent, then Buttermilk fudge is the way to go!
It is widely available throughout Cornwall, in their own shops in Padstow and Port Isaac, as well as across the country in Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Holland & Barrett.
While classic clotted cream fudge is what put Buttermilk on the map, they now have a wide range of flavours and products, including vegan and dairy-free chocolates!
Camel Valley Wine
If you’re looking for an alcoholic beverage to enjoy while on holiday in Cornwall, or to bring back as a gift for loved ones, then Camel Valley wine is certainly one to look out for!
Camel Valley have been producing award-winning wines since 1989, with their sips served up in Rick Stein’s restaurants, amongst other eateries in Cornwall.
If you fancy a taste of Cornwall, but can’t make the trip at the moment, then Camel Valley wines can also be found in Waitrose!
Trenance Chocolate
If you’re after luxury, then Trenance Chocolate is the one to pick! The chocolatiers at Trenance Chocolate make use of quality Belgian couverture to create luxurious truffles, bars and novelty chocolates.
You can visit their shop in Mullion to select your own chocolates, or find these indulgent treats in shops throughout the county.
Tregothnan Tea
Cornwall is known for having a slightly warmer climate than the rest of the UK, but did you know it’s the only place in England that grows tea?
The idea of growing tea in Cornwall came from the head gardener of the Tregothnan Estate, who came to the conclusion that tea could be grown on the estate as they were already growing a similar plant, the ornamental camellia.
Luckily, this plan paid off, as we can now try this delicious selection of teas from Tregothnan. As well as classic afternoon tea, they also produce a range of herbal teas, including chamomile, green tea and peppermint.
Have you tried any of these tasty treats before? If you have other favourites made in Cornwall, then leave us a comment on social media to share!
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!
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.
Places to Eat With a Sea View in Cornwall
June 17th, 2019
Cornwall is renowned for its gorgeous beaches and stunning seaside views. When these views are paired with the incredible tastes of local Cornish cuisine, you’ve got yourself an unbeatable experience. From seaside snacks to clifftop cuisine, we take a look at some of the best places to eat in Cornwall with a sea view.
Hidden Hut, Porthcurnick Beach
A visit to most beachside cafes will get you a scoop of ice cream, or a cone of chips if you’re lucky. But The Hidden Hut is no ordinary seaside snack spot, but rather an exciting eatery that offers hearty meals and delicious treats, as well as their famous feast nights! As its name may suggest, locating the hut is something of an adventure, but it’s certainly worth the delightful journey along the National Trust coast path from Porthcurnick Beach. During the day, hungry surfers and sun tanners can find freshly-baked pasties, scrumptious salads and bigger portions from the specials board, which changes daily.
The real reason The Hidden Hut is so beloved, however, is their fantastic Feast Night. With two to four events per month, the Hut puts on a picnic like no other, with themed evenings offering impressive dishes shared between all in attendance. Bring along your own plates, cutlery and cups and enjoy incredible eats with some new foodie friends!
Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay offers a backdrop as impressive as the dishes served at Jamie Oliver’s award-winning restaurant. Fifteen was opened by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver as a way of helping disadvantaged and unemployed young adults to learn the culinary trade. Since its opening, Fifteen has taken on over 200 apprentices, who are trained by top chefs to create some delicious dishes. Many of the main menu dishes take inspiration from Italian cuisine, although the ingredients used will be seasonal. Profits from the restaurant are given to the Cornwall Food Foundation charity, which also helps to keep the apprenticeship scheme running.
Rick Stein’s Fish, Falmouth
Nothing can beat a good portion of fish and chips while on a seaside getaway in Cornwall. While a quality cod can be found almost anywhere in Cornwall, Rick Stein brings this classic dish to a new level with the fresh seafood experience offered at Rick Stein’s Fish. The restaurant overlooks the stunning scenes of Falmouth Harbour, making it the perfect location to enjoy such dishes as moules mariniere, grilled lobster, and, of course, the classic fish and chips. Making the most of what Cornwall has to offer, all of the produce used is locally sourced, so you’re guaranteed an authentic Cornish bite.
Sam’s On The Beach, Polkerris
Sam’s restaurants can be found in a few locations across Cornwall, as a local family-friendly chain. One of the best-loved spots is Sam’s On The Beach, found in the village of Polkerris. As the name suggests, the restaurant is right by the sea, making it the perfect spot for summer dining. Once an old lifeboat station, the building has been transformed to contain a wood-burning pizza oven that can cook up fresh slices of heaven, accompanied by the incredible views of St Austell Bay. Head on to the beach with a cocktail in hand and soak up the sun or sit by the open kitchen to watch the chefs whip up a delicious dish!
The Watch House, St Mawes
Few seaside eateries can match the beauty of The Watch House. Set in the quaint and quiet St Mawes harbour, nestled in the Roseland Peninsula, you can avoid the bustle of the busier tourist beaches and appreciate the impressive views with a more peaceful dining experience. Each dish is as local as you can get, with the lobster even being caught straight from St Mawes Bay! As you tuck in to a delicious dinner, you’ll be able to gaze over the harbour to the remarkable National Trust lighthouse, St Anthony Head. If you’d rather get out and explore the area, then you can also grab a bite on the go from The Watch House, with a few takeaway options available.
If you would like to experience the best tastes that Cornwall has to offer, then why not join us for a luxury family holiday in Cornwall! Foodie fans will also love our very own Azura Restaurant and Bar that can be found on-site, serving up delicious home-style cuisine using local produce. If you book a last minute holiday with us for June or July, then we’ll give you a £50 restaurant voucher to use at Azura. Simply add ‘FREEFOOD19’ to your booking notes when checking out online or over the phone!
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.
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!
