The Cornwall Blog

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!    

I am completely loving this Spring weather! It was a really lovely Easter weekend in Cornwall, and as the holidays roll on the sun is still smiling on us.  One of the best ways to enjoy the landscape is definitely by bike, we have lots of trails all over the county that make use of the disused railway lines or tram ways. A place I want to explore more is the Pentewan valley, it always looks so inviting when I drive past the cyclists below peddling along the pretty river, it is actually really ideally located for cycle hire in Cornwall .  Pentewan itself is a lovely little village, two cafes that provide delicious ice cream and gorgeous cakes. The pub as well is always popular and looks the perfect spot for a cool shandy on a sunny day, watching the ducks in the pond.  At the holiday park you have Hubbox, such a yummy burger bar that I often return to with friends. Right on the beach, you can't beat it for location. The other asset this pretty village has is cycle hire. Th...

Well, it's November, and for England that means a new month long lockdown. 2020 has been an eventful (is that even the word?) year! As we will be restricted to what we can do for the next month I thought today we'd take a look at what you can get delivered to our home, so you can enjoy a taste of Cornwall even if you can't actually go out.  There are plenty of the usual suspects of course, delicious Indian restaurants and yummy Chinese, and good old fish and chips. In my local town of Lostwithiel the pubs are getting involved, delivering to those in need, and fine dining restaurant Asquiths has a lovely menu to choose from. Jordan Cook, the chef from Trewithen, has been providing delicious meals in his new venture, Restormel Kitchen - this months menu looks particularly mouth-watering! Famous names like Rick Stein have found ways to bring their culinary treats to those in lockdown. Perfect to help make an occasion special, everyt...

This glorious sunshine shows no signs of leaving, and I am loving it! Cornwall is spoiling us with long sunny days finished with epic sunsets. I imagine this must be good news for all our award winning food and drink, like Camel Valley which often graces the menu of the Palace! Camel Valley Wines, just outside Bodmin are producing delicious beverages fit for the Queen. Wining awards left right and centre, last year their wines were served to the Spanish King and Queen at a State Banquet. You can also enjoy a glass of Camel Valley Brut on British Airways First Class, and the Pinot Noir Rosé Brut won The World's Finest Glass of Bubbly awards - in the category of Summer Days. If you are down our way you can visit the vineyard itself and enjoy the wines in their idyllic location. This is not a snobbish vineyard, just run by people who love the county and are passionate about their wine. There is just so much to commend Cornwall in the summer - clotted cream teas, ever...