There’s been plenty of glorious weather and spring is definitely in the air this week. With the holiday season approaching, now’s the time to start planning some day trips to visit exciting places to explore and eat while you are out! Cornwall has become a foodie destination with St Ives offering some amazing places to eat, however its sometimes nice to get out and about with the family, avoid the crowds and check out the ‘insiders’ recommendations’ to see what else is on offer! Trust us, you wont be disappointed and these places are all well worth a visit!
Birdies Bistro, (10 min drive) Lelant, TR27 6JG Tel 01736 759307
We have been huge fans of the ever evolving Birdies Bistro for years now, and it’s a fabulous place to have right on our doorstep, just a 10 minute drive from St Ives where you find Birdies situated at the head of the incredibly pretty Hayle Estuary, where there is the RSPB’s most south westerly estuary in the UK, home to the most amazing variety of wetland birds, with winter often being the best time to visit when you can see vast flocks of beautiful wading birds wintering in the UK.
Birdies has recently expanded in size from its humble wooden beach hut style beginnings and is now a vibrant bright and airy seaside vintage style informal bistro with simply sensational views over the Hayle tidal estuary where you can not only enjoy the scenery through the huge windows from the inside of the colourful and buzzing main seating area that looks out over the estuary, but dine alfresco too with the recent addition of covered seating areas and wooden benches literally on the water’s edge where you can enjoy the food as well as the views.
Birdies is currently open 7 days a week from 9-5 (winter hours) serving traditional Full Cornish Breakfasts along with other tempting goodies such as bubble and squeak with bacon, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce and delicious focaccia rolls fully loaded with any breakfast combo you desire and fabulous crafted coffees, but be warned, Birdies is always deservedly very busy and bustling so plan your visit well! Birdies is also now licensed and offers an array of craft ales and lager and wines to enjoy. Lunch and dinner are also on the menu with all the usual favourites including burgers, lentil Dhal, BBQ Chicken, seafood chowder to ham egg and chips. This place is an absolute must visit place to eat and drink on the fringe of St Ives! Dog & family friendly with plenty of parking.
Tremenheere Kitchen & Sculpture gardens, (15 min drive) Penzance, TR20 8YL Tel 01736 448089
A 15 minute drive from St Ives and tucked away below a pretty wooded valley overlooking St Michaels Mount and the bay is the gorgeous Tremenheere Kitchen and sculpture gardens.
The dramatic landscape and sub-tropical planting provide a backdrop to contemplative and inspiring art by internationally renowned artists . Take a stroll up through the woods to see a fabulous array of contemporary artwork and amazing sculptures set among the subtropical hillside, and as you amble higher up to visit the exhibits you have the most wonderful views overlooking St Michaels mount, a real haven to enjoy.
Before or after your garden visit you simply must pop into the restaurant for breakfast, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea and cake, you will not be disappointed. The café is in a lovely wooden structure full of character with floor to ceiling glass windows full of light and with plenty of cosy seating inside ( in the winter a roaring fire will greet you ) and a large area outside for those long summer days whether you sit out on the wooden benches or under the canopy, you are covered whatever the weather with beautiful views down to St Micheal’s Mount.
Serving their fabulous breakfasts, from firm favourites, the local bacon/sausage sandwich on fresh doorstep bread, served with a delicious homemade tomato relish and side salad or the tasty Shakshuka North African style baked free range eggs in smoked tomato and red pepper sauce with fresh coriander, chilli and toast.
There’s a wonderful lunch menu to packed with tasty goodies such as Beef Brisket Burger, fresh landed fish dishes of the day from Newlyn, and a superb Seafood Chowder to simple but incredibly delicious Beer battered fish and chips! Sunday lunch is an absolute joy and feast for the eyes (and tummy!), Sunday lunch currently runs from 12-3.30pm with simply one of the best Roasts in the area . McFaddens family butchers from nearby St Just supply the wonderful Loin of Pork or Topside of Beef , you can even order as a takeaway all served with a fabulous selection of local seasonal vegetables .
Homemade Carrot cake , Orange and almond polenta cake and Dark chocolate brownies among the favourites, a good selection of teas, and superb coffees made with passion and love, also wines and beers available too! Keep an eye out for their wonderful food themed nights throughout the year, such as the forthcoming Tapas night on Friday 21 March 2025, with live Spanish guitar, booking is a must ! Open all year round from 10am-4pm . Dogs welcome outside seating area / Plenty of parking
Lisa & Ben’s The Big Green Shed, (30 min drive) Nr Townsend, Hayle TR27 6AL Tel 07380 165858
A Great place to visit for coffee, breakfast and a spot of lunch … you just have to find it first ! Hidden away on a sleepy rural back-lane in the middle of the pretty Cornish countryside in between Relubbus and Townsend, the 25 minute journey from St Ives is well worth it . A very warm welcome awaits, this is the ideal place to catch up with friends and family, with a beautiful setting to relax in and enjoy some tasty plates and when the weather is perfect sit outside and take in the view down the valley over the fields .
Plenty to enjoy with a tempting homemade cake selection and yummy breakfast delights such as Bacon or fruit pancakes, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs to the ‘full shed breakfast‘ or Smashed Avocado with chilli and poached egg for the healthy option, or visit for lunch to try their delicious Dirty Pig Toastie, Mushroom Bolognese, Chicken Bao Buns with slaw or a simple, but delicious, soup of the day. Daily specials too! They also sell a small selection of Wine and homemade chutneys to take away.
Current opening times Weds – Sunday 9-3pm. Dog friendly. Parking
Slice of Cornwall, Nr Constantine Falmouth (45 min drive) TR11 5QD Tel 01326 341163
This fabulous innovative foodie destination is well worth the 45 minute drive alone simply to sample its wonderful setting, fabulous food and coffee. Pop in for breakfast, lunch or cakes and afternoon tea. A warm welcome whatever the time of day! Whether shopping in Falmouth, or making a visit to the nearby beautiful Helford passage and Trebah or Glendurgan gardens, makes it a day trip to remember!
Slice is set in the most beautiful setting amongst gorgeous Cornish woodland close to the pretty village of Constantine just a few minutes drive away. When you are sat out on the wonderful terrace on a warm spring or summers day, you could literally be in the middle of a temperate forest surrounded by lovely flora and fauna with an abundance of wildlife. Now in its tenth year, it’s ever evolving and has just extended its large terrace right around the main cafe/ restaurant making the venue the perfect place to bring your 4 legged friends! For the chillier days you can always cosy up inside next to the log burner and enjoy a cuppa and cake by the fire.
The food of course is the star of the show. The very unique to Slice menu suits all tastes (with a fab vegan selection too!) with indulgent sweet or savoury fully laden waffles to fully loaded sourdough homemade flatbreads with delicious fillings (so big you should share!) , colourful and tasty ‘ Buddha Bowls’ to the divine meaty Helford Burger. If you just want a coffee try their Espresso Frappe iced, Pumpkin latte or coconut cortado or a plain and simple but equally delicious flat white coffee from Olfactory Coffee Roasters in Falmouth. Check for later opening hours in high season and call ahead for takeaways too! Dog & family friendly with plenty of parking.
While you are at Slice why not visit the HOMESTEAD Woodland Garden just next door where you can visit a hillside sculpture garden and pretty wildflower woodland which is stunning in spring. Take a walk around the pond and vegetable gardens for £4 adults / £2 children and kids under 5 free! Opens again Spring 2025.
New Yard Restaurant & Flora Cafe, Trelowarren Estate TR12 6AH (45 min drive) Tel 01326 221595
A 45 minute drive is well worth the visit to the beautiful unspoilt Trelowarren Estate on the pretty but relatively quiet and secluded Lizard peninsula on the south bank of the Helford river that was made famous by Daphne du Mauriers novel Frenchman’s Creek, which is way less touristy than the usual holiday hotspots , but seek and you shall find and not be disappointed !
Cafe Flora and The New Yard restaurant and bakery is a lovely rustic family venture situated in the historic stable yard at Trelowarren, a private estate that’s been in the same family for over 600 years with Tim & Louise being the new custodians of the restaurant, cafe and walled garden. They serve delicious, seasonal food grown by themselves or their network of small growers, farmers, fisherfolk and foragers.
Cafe Flora is currently open Thursday – Sunday 9-3pm for breakfast, lunch and takeaway or eat in cakes, coffee, breads and pastries and open Friday and Saturday 6-10pm with the New Yard Restaurant open for Sunday lunch .
The cafe serves delicious seasonal homegrown food and most of the cooking is done on the wood fired oven for the ultimate finish breakfasts include freshly baked pasties, rue & sourdough breads , homemade granola , fresh fruits and Organic coffee while delicious weekly lunch menus include garden salads , fresh grilled fish and vegetables from the walled garden . Dinners are a relaxed occasion for friends and family to enjoy Snacks, Pizzas and daily specials with a selection of wines chosen to pair with the food along with locally brewed ciders and beers .
While you are here , why not embark on one of the many Estate walks whether a gentle meander or longer energetic walk to build up your appetite or walk off after ! Bring your dogs too, but please keep on a lead on walks due to the abundance of estate wildlife ! Plenty of parking.
If you are planning to get out and about and explore these fab cafes & restaurants this season and want a cosy cottage, sea view apartment, romantic studio for 2 or a large family house to stay in while in holiday then we have them all! Check out our lovely collection of properties at www.cherishedcottages.co.uk and for last minute deals check out our late availability section, and don’t forget to bring your 4 legged friends as they are all very welcome at these gardens … just check out our pet friendly property section on our website,
Happy Eating,
Tim & The ladies at Cherished!
