Forget braving the elements today. Kick off those boots and retreat to a cosy Cornish pub – complete with intimate corners and hearty suppers aplenty.
As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, pub-goers seeking cosiness will be on the hunt for an inn with all the home comforts. Luckily for them, The Golden Lion has plenty of snugs to hide from the elements and the pub has a calming ambience in the evenings with the flickering light from candles. The menu is mostly fish so seafood lovers will certainly be at home here.
Expect flagstone floors, beamed ceilings and a hygge atmosphere when visiting The Mote. There are plenty of nooks and crannies complete with fluffy blankets, throw cushions and fairy-lights to while away a cold and windy afternoon at this restaurant-cum-bar. Tuck into The Mote's seafood sharing platter with a bottle of wine and a loved one whilst enjoying picturesque views across the harbour.
After a day well spent Christmas shopping in Truro, take a short walk to The Rising Sun where you'll find an inviting snug with a toasty log burner. Recline in a huge leather armchair with a pint of Betty Stogs in hand and Fido snoozing at your feet, whilst flicking through the latest copy of Cornwall Life magazine.
Venture off the beaten track to The Gurnard's Head and you won't be disappointed. This remote pub is surrounded by spectacular vistas and it is well worth the journey. Pub-goers can relax in the bar with a glass of wine from the extensive wine list before enjoying a hearty supper by candlelight. On the menu, you'll find a handful of carefully chosen and inventive dishes to sate your appetite.
5. The Polgooth Inn, St Austell
If you want to continue al fresco dining until late autumn, The Polgooth Inn has ample outdoor seating and lots of blankets to snuggle under. Inside, the interiors have plenty of Cornish character with white washed walls, rustic furniture and fairy-lights to add to the warm atmosphere. Take your pick from a number of winter warmers on the seasonal menu.
The Mexico Inn is at the heart of the community in Longrock and a popular spot to huddle in the corner with a bottle of wine, a pack of playing cards and good company on a chilly autumnal evening. Expect hearty pub classics on the menu - all made with ingredients from a network of Penwith-based suppliers.
The Pandora Inn has welcomed many cold and thirsty punters through its doors over the years and with its thatched roof, charming interior and deep-rooted history, it's easy to see why. History aside, the menu at The Pandora Inn has an array of dishes bound to tempt even the fussiest of eaters. Warm up with a pint from St Austell brewery whilst you make the tricky decision of choosing what to eat.
The story behind this pub dates back to 1271 when the inn was built to accomodate a band of stone masons who needed rest after a day spent building the nerby St. Senara's Church. These days the charm and character of this ancient pub still remains but the clietele is more likely to include walkers, locals and tourists. Cosy up by the fire and rest with a beer as those stone masons did many centuries ago.
9. The Blue Peter Inn, Polperro
The Blue Peter Inn is very much your traditional Cornish pub. Popular with locals and tourists alike, it's full of character and charm and there are plenty of local ales behind the bar. The pub does not offer a table booking service but the wait for food is worth it. The portions are extremely generous and we bet you'll clear the plate if you've arrived via the South West Coast Path.
This article was updated by Martha Griffiths in July 2021.
