With lower temperatures coaxing us into thick knits and hearty, wintry walks building up an epic appetite, it’s the perfect time of year to indulge in some festive feasting!
With an impressive collection of cosy pubs, top notch restaurants, and beach cafés perfectly placed for a spot of wave (or storm) watching, Cornwall is primed and ready to fuel one and all during the festive season, whether you’re after a turkey and cranberry pasty, a festive afternoon tea with mince pies, or a full Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.
Feeling peckish? Here’s our round-up of the best festive feasts in Cornwall for starters…
Old Quay House
Best for: Getting into the Christmas spirit
Griggs Quay, Hayle TR27 6JG
quayhousehayle.co.uk/restaurant
Located on the edge of the estuary in Hayle, this well-established inn is a firm favourite at Christmas time thanks to its elaborate Christmas lights display and irresistible Christmas cheer. Throughout December, you can expect a myriad of feasts on the menu, from Christmas party nights (complete with three course dinners and a disco on the 8th, 9th, 15th, and 16th of December) to their famous Merry and Bright Nights (Friday 9th and Saturday 15th December), which boast acoustic vibes, mulled delights, and a cracking array of festive foods (think traditional roasts and Christmas pud). It’s worth planning ahead with this Christmas favourite, as spaces can fill up fast.
Tremenheere Kitchen
Best for: Artfully delicious fare
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, Nr Gulval, Penzance TR20 8YL
tremenheerekitchen.com
Overlooking the famous St Michael’s Mount, Tremenheere Kitchen has made a name for itself in recent years as a foodie favourite in Penzance. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, delicious food, and fabulous views, it’s a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year. Visit at Christmas though and you’ll be spoilt for choice with the festive menu! After your meal, relax and enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate by the log burner - perfection. It’s well worth heading into the unique gardens too, which double as an incredible art gallery and boast sub-tropical plants and magnificent sculptures.
The Greenbank Hotel
Best for: Festive afternoon teas
Harbourside, Falmouth TR11 2SR
greenbank-hotel.co.uk/food-and-drink
For a perfectly indulgent Christmas treat, The Greenbank Hotel in Falmouth has become famous for its festive afternoon tea that delights all the senses! With parmesan mustard glazed pigs n’ blankets and roast turkey clubs, along with ‘Snowball’ tart, white chocolate raspberry macaron, Bailey’s mousse and pistachio crumb, and, of course, mince pies, cream tea, and mulled wine, what more could you want? This speciality afternoon tea is served in the Water’s Edge restaurant between the 1st of December and 1st of January.
Poldhu Beach Café
Best for: A festive swim and hot chocolate
Poldhu Cove, Mullion, Helston TR12 7JB
poldhu.yolasite.com
Home to some of the best hot chocolates in Cornwall (think Baileys and rum – not to mention gingerbread lattes and hot mulled cider), Poldhu Beach Café is the perfect spot to indulge in a cream-topped cup of festive cheer – the perfect antidote to a refreshing swim in the wintry Cornish waters. Alongside the famous hot chocs, feast on the likes of turkey, cranberry, and stuffing ciabattas, homemade soups, and a jaw-dropping selection of cakes, cookies, and brownies. Renowned for its Boxing Day swim, Poldhu Cove near Mullion is a popular spot for a festive swim – possibly due to the beautiful Cornish cove, possibly due to the soul-warming treats on offer at the café… who’s to say!
Trevaskis Farm
Best for: Mammoth Christmas meals
Gwinear Road, Connor Downs, Hayle TR27 5JQ
trevaskisfarm.co.uk/eat
Known for bogglingly big portions and a dessert menu to stop you in your tracks, Trevaskis Farm has long been one of the best places to go for a feast in Cornwall at any time of year, but especially at Christmas. Making the most of seasonal, local produce – much of which comes from its own gardens – Trevaskis Farm’s festive menu is always a celebration of proper Cornish fare, with three epic courses taking your taste buds on a true Christmas journey. A walk around the farm and shop is a lovely way to settle the stomach after your feast, with the farm shop offering lots of superb local goodies and Christmas gifts. Plus, the kids will love saying hello to the animals!
Hub St Ives
Best for: Festive burgers and sea views
4 Wharf Road, St Ives TR26 1LF
hub-stives.co.uk
For something a bit different, head to the Hub in St Ives (or Truro or Falmouth). Famous for burgers, hot dogs, and cocktails, you’ll also find a festive menu that’s not to be missed. Choose from a selection of starters (think deep fried brie and Christmas Nuggs), festive-themed burgers (including the Merry Cheesemas and Flirty Turkey burgers), and incredible desserts (from sticky toffee pud to the Christmas Hub Tub). Wash it all down with something from the cocktail menu – the satsuma mojito is particularly festive. Located on the harbour front in St Ives, you can enjoy lovely sea views, before heading onto the cobbled streets for a gentle post-dinner stroll – perfect!
Cornwall Christmas Fair
Best for: Christmas shopping and feasting
Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG
cornwallchristmasfair.com
Christmas markets are one of the best places to get your feast on in Cornwall, with stalls upon stalls offering up deliciously hot refreshments and local foodie treats. Promising the chance to do some Christmas shopping while dining to your heart’s content, the Cornwall Christmas Fair (Wednesday the 22nd of November and Thursday the 23rd of November), is a mishmash of local creatives and producers. The twinkly event is held at the Eden Project, which means biomes lit up like Christmas lights and a family-friendly ice skating rink. Entry to Eden is free with your ticket, and you’ll get a tasty dinner (Wednesday) or lunch (Thursday) with a drink too.
Make your own…
With so much lip-smacking inspiration at your fingertips in Cornwall, it’s exceptionally easy to create your own festive feast, whether you want to enjoy it in your Cornish home from home or out at one of the county’s magical picnic spots! To build your merry medley of meals, simply stop by one of Cornwall’s many farm shops or independent food shops for a whole host of locally sourced and made treats, from fresh-out-the-oven sausage rolls to cold cuts, cheeses, and crackers. Not to mention Cornwall’s impressive collection of beer, cider, and wine makers for that extra special post-feast tipple. Got a sweet tooth? You’ll find plenty of chocolate makers around too, ensuring you finish your meal with a bang.
Ready to dine your way through Cornwall this Christmas? Book your festive stay in one of our lovely holiday cottages and start planning your next feast-worthy adventure.