Where to eat outside in Cornwall
Here’s to al fresco dining from 12 April! It’s time to assemble your group of six and get outside for a meal in the fresh air. From beach feasts and picnics to wild dining, we have compiled a list of Cornish eateries that serve up oodles of atmosphere and gorgeous views with their beautiful food. Please contact each venue directly to confirm opening times amid current Covid-19 restrictions. Enjoy!
The Pig at Harlyn Bay
Outdoor eating reigns supreme until 16 May at the Harlyn Bay outpost of the Pig hotel chain. All seating at The Lobster Shed is outside without shelter, so come prepared for sunshine and showers. Expect wood-roasted fresh lobster, chargrilled meats and barbecued veggies as well as daily picked salads, fresh crab with sourdough and old-school ice cream sundaes to finish.
thepighotel.com/offers/the-big-outdoor-lunch/
Jamjar Kitchen, Crantock village, Newquay
The sun-drenched garden restaurant Jamjar Kitchen will be open from Friday 16 April. This trendy little eatery serves a small selection of delectable wood-fired pizzas and drinks from 12 midday-2pm and 4pm-8pm.
Lula, Hale
Beachside seafood and ribs shack Lula has poured a whole lot of love into its new outdoor seating area. New pods offer shelter from the Cornish weather so even on the mizzly days, you can enjoy a meal or glass of wine, but perhaps bring a blanket to stay warm. Delights such as coconut seafood curry, New Orleans-style monkfish and hake fishcake and crispy halloumi and sweet chilli po boy are on the menu.
The Mussel Shoal, Porthleven Harbour
This alfresco dining experience is a little bit different. The café kiosk on the quay serves French bistro-style food, such as moules-frites, but you can also book to be taken out to eat on a pontoon in the harbour for a fun meal at sea.
Scott and Babs, Retorrick Mill, Mawgan Porth
Restaurant duo Scott and Babs run the open-plan kitchen at venue and farm Retorrick Mill, cooking up tasty treats on open fires, spit roasts and slow-roasting smoking barrels. Pizzas and wood-fired dishes are the norm, but expect to find fishy feasts, paella nights, steak and lobster evenings, ‘one pot only’ meals and band nights scattered throughout the year. Limited tables are available to book online but there is plenty of beer-drinking space as long as the weather is kind.
retorrickmill.co.uk/scott-babs/
The Rockpool Beach Cafe, Gwithian
The Rockpool has plenty of seating in front, to the side and behind, so wherever you end up, you can enjoy beautiful sweeping views across Gwithian dunes and out to Godrevy beach and St Gothian Sands Nature Reserve. Feast your eyes on the view while feasting on favourites such as the sticky pork bun served with asian salad and teriyaki sauce.
West Beach Porthmeor Cafe
West Beach is split into two areas – the downstairs seating is open from 9am for breakfast, coffee, deli-style lunches and pizza. The new middle-level fish bar – expect smoked octopus, St Ives Bay mackerel or smoked sweet potato Japanese apple curry – offers a sunset al fresco dining experience where you can catch the last of the evening sun while watching the waves. Booking is essential.
porthmeor-beach.co.uk/westbeach
The Hidden Hut, Portscatho
Hut fans are legion and this little beach shack has become a real foodie destination. It’s open every day from 11am-4pm, with a fresh daily lunch menu served from 12pm. Everything from big beach salads and grilled seafood pasties, sausage rolls, homemade cakes, warm doughnuts, fresh fruit and very local ice cream is packed to take away on to the beach as a picnic. Stay up to date about their legendary evening feast nights on Instagram @hiddenhut.
Wild tipi feast nights, select locations around Cornwall
Family-run tipi company Wild Tipi hosts one-off feast nights under canvas and in the open air in secret locations around Cornwall. Each event features a special menu of seasonal, locally produced ingredients prepared by a guest chef. Sign up to their newsletter to find out about the next feast.
Nancarrow Farm, near Truro
Enjoy the outdoors with a special feast from the comfort of your own picnic blanket or at a trestle table, set around the beautiful Nancarrow farm and barns. Bring your own crockery, cutlery and cups – a selection of take-away drinks will be available – and you’ll be provided with a loaded hamper, ready at your chosen collection time. Afterwards, take a stroll, see some of the farm animals and listen to the hum of the wild bees. Pre-booking is essential.