Winter Wanderings

Charlestown harbour

It was so nice over December, having a visit from my brother, we had some great sibling time exploring some favourite haunts, and pursuing his passions. A great lover of good coffee and beer I thought the best thing to do would be to take him on a tour of some fine local establishments, and in-between the showers enjoy some wonderful views.

Having grown up in Cornwall my brother is no stranger to these parts but these days it's a modern metropolis that he calls home, well Coventry actually, up country. Trips down here are rare but thoroughly enjoyed by us all so I was glad to be able to hang out with my kid brother and catch up. 

The first opportunity we had together was a soggy and rather cold Saturday, he's not a great early riser so my first thought was coffee. We headed to Charlestown and managed to squeeze in to Short and Strong where my brother thoroughly enjoyed a V60 pour over and I had a vegan hot chocolate with a hazelnut syrup (basically like a liquid Ferrero Rocher! A delicious treat since I had to go dairy free). We both chose Cornish breakfasts and nattered away. 

Full and warm we decided to wander the harbour, I love it here, you can feel the history as you stride the well-worn cobbles. The rain doubled down on its mission and we decided to pop into the newly refurbished Pier House. I hadn't been in here since the fire but my over all impression was the place was lighter, brighter and more comfortable. We found a sofa and started on beer. My brother works in a speciality beer shop and deli for his day job so he is always looking for great beers to sample. Seeing how animated and happy he was at finding a few St Austell ales on tap that he hadn't tried, I suggested we try the brewery in town and see what they had. No convincing needed, we were off!  

Hicks Bar at St Austell Brewery, such high ceilings 

Tasting the beers in thirds 

Full confession, I rarely drink, especially not when driving, but I love nothing more than making my family happy, so an afternoon with my brother as he wax-lyrically described the different thirds in front of him was perfect for me. I think he bought half the shop! We sat happily in the bar watching the mist descend through the large windows tasting most of what was on tap.

The beautiful beach at Polkerris

The Rashleigh Inn

That was a lovely day, but also that week, with mum and sister in tow, we decided to pop down the road to Polkerris and hunker down in a favourite pub. Such a little beach Polkerris but it always has a special place in my heart. If you walk the coastal path from Par you see the curving sea wall just as you begin to descend, looking like a welcoming hug. When it comes to eating and drinking you have two great options, the Rashleigh Inn and Sam's, this time we chose the former. 

A fire roaring, twinkly lights and some decent drinks, we shared moreish chips and watched the waves. It always feels like you are in a boat I think in this pub, I do miss the old pub cat but the quirky charm of this old pub remains, even though it is a little more polished these days. In the summer few things beat sitting outside as the sun sinks into the sea. After our drinks we trod the sand to say hello to the waves, my mum getting a little carried away with her wellies as the waves splashed over the top soaking her toes! 

Earlier that day we had visited my dad's grave so moments like these felt all the more precious to me. It's such a lovely part of Cornwall and exploring in the winter I find just feels more real. When the sun cuts through the grey mizzle there's no where better. Happy memories made.