Foodie favourite Padstow has plenty to keep you on the move from delightful eateries, cookery workshops to boat trips and beautiful scenery, writes Alexandra Hurley...
EATING
The experience begins as soon as you walk though the restaurant doors of this beautiful Georgian townhouse. Friendly staff guide you knowledgably through the menu with genuine enthusiasm for the delicious food and drink. Enjoy modern British food with a focus on sourced Cornish produce.
Established in 2013 by Rick Toogood and his wife Katie, Prawn on the Lawn began life in Islington’s Upper Street as a seafood bar and fishmonger, before being extended to include a 16-seater basement restaurant. In 2015, Rick and Katie opened a second restaurant in Padstow; a fully licensed fishmonger and seafood bar with the addition of a hot food license. Rob cooks local lobster and crab on the kitchen’s charcoal grill and the menu changes daily.
Prior to running his unique café cribbox venture, Ben Evans began his career at Rick Stein’s. The café is open all year round and supports the locals and fishermen with a hearty breakfast, even in the winter when a lot of Padstow closes up. One of Padstow’s hidden treasures, Ben’s Cribbox café cooks up breakfast at its best. He also serves lunchtime options too, with the choice of takeaway.
DAY TIME
The Padstow Rock Ferry runs between Padstow and Rock, operating continuously throughout the day at 20 minute intervals. Sail, windsurf, water-ski or canoe in the sheltered waters of Daymer Bay, or relax with a spot of fishing or bird watching from the sand dunes. With a a lovely range of eateries, shops and delis, a fine sandy beach and a boating paradise, Rock is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
The Cornish Arms Beer and Mussel Festival
This free-to-attend festival is not to be missed with more than 30 different beers and ciders, mussel dishes, a cooking demonstration by Jack Stein, talks from St Austell Brewery, a charity pub quiz and music from Taz Djay Disco and The C90s.
18-20 March
Five minutes drive from Padstow rests Trevibban Mill. The wine bar and tasting room overlooks the valley and offers a stunning location for lunch, or simply relaxing with a glass of award-winning Cornish wine. Take the Grand Walking Tour and observe the splendid surroundings.
NIGHT TIME
An independent wine merchant with a twist, showcasing a first class wine menu with champagnes from Bilecart-Salmon and a carefully selected range of wines to satisfy most palates. When the weather shines, take your drinks onto the wine terrace outside, complete with views down to Padstow harbour. They’re good with coffee too.
Parts of this Grade II-listed building date back to the 1600s lending to its interior bursting with character and architectural features. However, it is in no way behind the times and offers 21st century comfort and convenience. Just a short drive from Padstow, Molesworth Manor is tucked in the lee of the hill in Littler Petherick in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There is a walk rich in beautiful views you can take from the Manor to Padstow through the Uplands of Treravel following the creek, which leads directly to the Camel Estuary.
Evening workshops at Rick Stein’s
Watch chefs demonstrate how to cook one of Rick’s favourite dishes and then develop your own cookery skills and techniques while you recreate the dish. You’ll then get to enjoy the fruits of your labour with a glass of good wine whilst overlooking the beautiful Camel Estuary.
SHOP
Selling jewellery, scarves and lots of beautiful present ideas, Bibi invite you to come take a peak. We challenge you not to be tempted by the eye-catching displays of silver necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and charms. There’s also a scarf to match every outfit!
This award-winning farm shop opened in 2006 selling its own traditionally reared beef, lamb and vegetables grown on the home farm at Tregirls or in the old Prideaux Place walled kitchen garden. With an emphasis on fresh, seasonal, local and high quality produce, the farm shop also has a signature product: Padstow Pasta - made with its own home-grown durum wheat.
Shop the Cornish lifestyle at Wavehunters with a range of clothing and equipment that is orientated around a love of the ocean. They offer lessons in a range of activities, have equipment to hire and sell high quality branded surf clothing.
Also to look out for:
