The Cornwall Blog

This is tricky, how do you compile a cafe list in the foodie haven that is Cornwall! There are so many I haven't tried yet, and many I can't wait to sample. So this is far from an exhaustive list, but here are some suggestions for your next caffeine fix... The Harbour Light in Boscastle A relatively new venture, opened this year, but Proper Vintage who run this walkers refresh are old hats at bringing the delicious. Doug and Hannah have been converting vintage vehicles to sell their tasty cakes and ice cream from for a good few years. Check out the beautifully restored Beryl ice cream van at Bosiney Cove. 2025 found them opening a fully-fledged cafe in the beautiful village of Boscastle. Definitely worth a visit.  The Peacock Cafe at Pencarrow House and Gardens Such a perfect setting, the gorgeous historic home of the Molesworth St-Aubyns is just a fab day out, with guided house tour and acres of ancient woodland for dogs to roam and tidy Italian gardens to explore. The cafe, n...

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 li...

The Beach below the Hidden Hut, Porthcurnick on the Roseland © Emma Julian If there is one part of Cornwall that feels like an escape, to me it's the Roseland. Even the name given to this peninsular feels romantic! About 40 minutes from me but a world away, life stands still and I feel I'm immersed in the beauty of Cornwall.  There is still plenty of nooks I am yet to explore, and I do tend to stick to my favourite haunts, but it truly feels like the sun always shines and cares are cast away. Of course the sun is no guarantee, especially as we breeze in to October, but I spent an idyllic afternoon walking round some coastal path with my friend recently. The sun on our face, the waves lapping and the bunnies leaping. Yes bunnies, as we took a short cut over the fields, treated by a panorama of ocean view.  Delicious Spanish inspired chicken with chorizo and a warming tomato sauce. I had a gluten free roll instead of couscous, lovely. © Emma Julian The menu changes daily and is ...

View from our apartment to Flushing After just having a lovely weekend away in Falmouth with my mum, I thought I would share some photos and thoughts with you here today. Returning to a place you have once lived is rather strange. There’s that sense of home, like something of this place is yours and always will be, but also the reminder that time moves on, that others have come and claimed and left their mark. It was about 18 years ago I was an art student here, so returning as a full grown-up was a lovely but strange thing to do.  Of course I have had many a day trip over the years and visited friends but our lovely long weekend helped me more readily soak up the new atmosphere. My main impression of how Falmouth has changed is that it has become a bit more cool and a bit more foodie-focusesed. There was of course the arty air before, creativity and independence proudly worn on its sleeve, but as with a lot of Cornwall (my neighbouring Fowey for instance) there are restaurants gal...

When thinking about what to bring you this month from the jewel that is Cornwall I settled on beer. We have a community of great brands growing in reputation and influence. You see my brother works for the much adored Beer Gonzo in Coventry and when he comes home I like to show him the new beers I might have found and the best places to drink them. Often, I must confess, initially choosing them (being a graphic designer) based on my love of packaging! Together we have found that Cornwall has plenty to offer the discerning palette. Here are some of the best brews to sample, views to enjoy as you drink and tours to embark on.  First up breweries, this is an ever growing list, but top has to be Verdant in Penryn. Going now since 2014 this independent is making a name for itself. Strong flavours packed with interest, one to recommend.  Perhaps the most well known breweries in our neck of the woods are Sharp's , St Austell and Skinners (recently rescued by Goodh Brewing co). Sh...

Starting off July in style, the Sea Salts & Sail Festival  takes place in the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole. Running from the 1st of July to the 3rd this biannual event is a sight to behold.  From the Friday the horizon begins to fill with historic vessels, some the last examples of their kind. Crews skilfully navigate 'the gaps' fitting into the narrow 500 year old entrance.  Its a wonderful day out for all the family, with music, poetry, crafts, food and drink.  I love this little corner of Cornwall, though I don't make it down there as often as I would like, had my first taste of crab here! When the sun shines it really is quite breath-taking.  If you don't make it for the festival never fear, Mousehole is a great place to visit regardless, and they have a brilliant village hall packed full of year round events to tempt you!