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Food and vacation go hand-in-hand, and there’s no good reason why you should miss out on visiting the best eateries on Cornwall beaches.
From local to traditional and fusion delicacies and an exciting range of alcoholic beverages, the beach bars in this English county have everything to offer. And we’re here today to help you discover the places you will best find the food and drinks of your choice.
Dive in!
17 Best Beach Bars To Visit In Cornwall
1. The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay
Although the name may tell you otherwise, the Beach Hut at Watergate Bay (located around 2 miles north of Newquay) is not a shabby hut-turned-into-a-bar type of situation. Instead, it boasts stylish and elegant interiors reminiscent of fine dining (there are a few outdoor seats, too). And the food and drinks menu here follows suit!
You will find everything from salads to grilled food and burgers, but of course, as with any beachside bar or cafe, the focus lies on locally sourced seafood. As such, you can indulge in the delicacy of local mussels, lobsters, and other sea produce. Besides, 50% of the menu at Beach Hut is plant-based from local produce.
As for drinks, you can treat your taste buds to a variety of cocktails, wines, and beers, among other things. And did we tell you that the bar is dog-friendly, too?
2. The Watering Hole, Perranporth
The Watering Hole claims the title of being the ‘only bar on the beach’ not just in Cornwall but the whole of the United Kingdom!
Nestled between St. Agnes and Holywell, the Watering Hole is surrounded by a three-mile stretch of sand overlooked by dunes and the sea right to the point where your eyes can go. It has both indoor and outdoor seating, with sandy flooring being the highlight of the latter.
Moreover, the vibrant yet welcoming atmosphere of this restaurant-cum-bar is complemented by a selection of delicacies and an extensive bar for your heart’s content.
3. The Blue Bar, Porthtowan
The Blue Bar is home to one of the most popular bars in the area, often termed the ‘original beach and bar of Cornwall’ by locals. It’s located close to the dunes of the Porthtowan beach and offers stunning sea views along with lip-smacking food and drinks.
Not in the mood for alcohol? Don’t worry- Blue Bar has got your back with its diverse menu of non-alcoholic beverages, especially freshly-ground coffee. The baristas here do a great job at latte art, taking your coffee experience to the next level.
Besides, the entire place (including the bar) is kids and family-friendly, making it suitable for a quick family meal or leisurely hangout with your loved ones. Complete with other facilities like free Wi-Fi and dog-friendly zones, this beach bar should be on your must-visit list for all the right reasons!
4. Gylly Beach Cafe, Falmouth
The ‘pride’ of Cliff Road, Falmouth, Gylly Beach was initially a welcoming beach cafe with a friendly atmosphere that could soothe your soul after a long day of beach activities. Its strategic location places it right in the middle of the Pendennis Castle, The Lizard Peninsula, and the Helford River.
Since its renovation somewhere in the 2000s, Gylly Beach has transformed into a stylish cafe-cum-restaurant, satiating the foodie in you with its variety of delicious food. You can soak in the beauty of the panoramic views at any time of the day, as the eatery offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Aside from cocktails, mocktails, and hot drinks like hot chocolate, you will find freshly baked homemade cakes and other bakery items.
5. Sand Bar, Praa Sands
If you’ve planned to be in South Cornwall, then drop in at Sandbar in the coastal village of Praa Sands. It’s located directly on the beach, so only a few steps off the beach will take you to the outdoor seating deck of the bar, from where you can enjoy the panoramic sea views.
But even if you don’t find a seat outside, the large windows inside will soothe your eyes with stunning views of the seascape.
As for food and drinks, the scrumptious menu has everything from meals to snacks that perfectly complement your drink. Not only that, but the place also hosts open mic and live music events regularly to make your meal time all the more memorable.
6. Fistral Beach Bar
Since the early 2000s, the Fistrtal beach bar in Newquay (named after the beach itself) has been nothing short of a landmark for the region. With fresh seafood and all-day snackable like pizzas, burgers, and nachos to cater to your preferences, the relaxed atmosphere at this bar gives a proper beach shack vibe.
We’d recommend trying the draught and cider beer here, as well as the hard seltzer, for cooling off after a day of exploring the Newquay landscape. And if possible, plan your visit during one of the fun events at Fristal, such as its Terrace Party, Mambo Mondays, or Silent Disco nights.
But even if you’re looking forward to a serene meal-time with your friends and family, Fistral beach can be your go-to destination!
7. Kynance Cove Cafe, Helston
The Kynance Cove Cafe in Helston (the northern end of the Lizard Peninsula) offers both delicious food and hygienic accommodation for travellers.
Its beach cafe has a plethora of food items, including freshly made pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, baguettes, sweet treats, and more. But you can also try their fresh salads if you’re looking for something light yet filling and healthy as a post-surf snack.
Similarly, the beverage section of the menu has all the options, from fresh coffee, teas to milkshakes and hot chocolates. Besides, the cafe is licensed to sell local beers and ciders.
8. Tatams Taverna, Portscatho
Stone-baked pizzas in south Cornwall taste the best on the pristine shoreline of the Tatams beach, and Tatamas Taverna can be the ideal destination to try! It sits directly above the beach’s harbour wall, serving some of the most delicious coffees, teas, espresso-martinis, juices, and food items to make you feel energised after a long day of surfing or swimming.
This bar has open seating, primarily comprising two long communal tables, which are free for all. Moreover, there are various parking spots around, and the bar itself is easily accessible via public transport.
9. Porthmeor Beach Cafe, St Ives
Located just below the Tate Art Gallery in St. Ives, the Porthmeor Beach Cafe is a one-stop destination for some lovely food and drinks. It serves everything from tasty alfresco breakfasts and dinners to tapas, cakes and much more. Besides, you will find quite a few ‘special menu items,’ such as gluten-free options so that you can enjoy the local taste without compromising your health.
The best part of it all? The bar has a fully functional licence, so feel free to choose a bottle of cold beer or a glass of your favourite champagne while enjoying the stunning view from the terrace.
10. Waterfront, Polzeath
Polzeath is a popular surfing beach in Cornwall, providing ample opportunities for budding and pro surfers to hone their skills.
But no matter your expertise level, all that hard work will leave you hungry and thirsty, which is when you should head to the Waterfront bar and grill! If you’re craving some grilled seafood or simply want to unwind with a fresh pizza and a pint of beer, the open terrace of Waterfront will welcome you with its superb food and picturesque views.
P.S.- The best time to be on the terrace is in the evening to witness the stunning scenes of sundown on the horizon.
11. Sam’s On The Beach, St. Austell
Tucked away neatly in a lane on the Polkerris beach of St. Austell, Sam’s on the Beach is a great place to hang out under the blazing sun or the cool, gentle seaside breeze.
While the place whips up several delicacies like wood-burned pizzas and finger foods, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the locally caught fish, shellfish, lobster, and mussel items on its menu. And thanks to its open kitchen, you can witness the entire process of cooking fresh food!
Besides, there’s no dearth of liquor and non-alcoholic drinks like coffee and hot chocolate to pair with your meal.
12. The Rockpool, Gwithian
The Rockpool beach cafe-cum-bar has quite an amazing location, close to the dunes between Gwithian and Godvery. It’s a family-friendly establishment primarily known for its good food menu comprising everything from pizzas to snacks and shareable meals made from local produce.
Other than that, you will get gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian delicacies, as well as week-long brunches and regularly changing specials.
Not only that, but the Rockpool also has a sandy back garden that only adds to the aesthetic and casual vibe. So, you can grab your favourite drink from the diverse beverages menu and relax on the beach!
13. The Beach, Bude
The Beach at the seaside town of Bude (northeast Cornish coast) is a boutique hotel overlooking the scenic Summerleaze beach. You can enjoy the stunning view all around from its terrace bar, in the company of its sublime food and exquisite cocktail menu.
In fact, it’s one of those beachside bars that has won accolades for everything- right from the ambience to the food and service.
14. Surfside Cafe & Bar, Polzeath
Polzeath has another food destination that you can try. The place was originally a house built somewhere in the late 1930s, which later transformed into a restaurant serving seafood, tapas, and other traditional and contemporary dishes.
Talking about the spacious seating arrangement, there are three dedicated indoor dining areas and an alfresco dining facility right on the beach. Moreover, its famous rum bar is a special attraction, with more than 90 rums on offer. It also has beers, wines, and other types of liquors to cater to different customer preferences.
15. The Break at Beach House, Widemouth Bay
The Break is the bar-cum-restaurant of the Beach House at Widemouth Bay, and it won’t be wrong for us to say that it’s one of the trendiest bars in Cornwall. It’s menu is full of comfort food items like steaks and skewers, but you can also try the seafood options to complement your trip to the beach.
Further, the place conducts frequent live music and party sessions, so you may want to drop in at the right time to let your hair down. Otherwise, eating on the serene indoor seating overlooking the bay, especially during moonlit nights, can be the perfect end to a hectic day of touring the county.
16. Colonial Beach Bar & Restaurant, Newquay
The Caribbean-themed Colonial Beach Bar & Restaurant is the eatery of the Tolcarne Beach Village in Newquay that serves both traditional and contemporary food, including vegan and vegetarian options. You can visit this place for breakfast, lunch, suppers or a night of special rum cocktails (among other things, of course) while enjoying the stunning views of the ocean and beach.
17. Coombe Barton Inn, Crackington Haven
If you’re up for some adventure on the beach, you can visit the Coombe Barton Inn located on Crackington (the northern coast of Cornwall). And here, you will find its cosy pub, which is part of the inn’s main bar at the back of the beach.
Aside from that, there’s a fairly big seating area with benches outdoors, where dining and drinking are best enjoyed during the warm and breezy days. But that’s not to say you can’t take a seat here on other days of the year!
Final words
Fistral Beach is located in the buzzing seaside town of Newquay, which is widely regarded as the surf capital of the UK. Of course, there are several other beaches in and around Newquay, but Fistral beach is the crown jewel among all of them.
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