Winter wining and dining | St Ives
Over the years St Ives has become as renowned for its food scene as it is it's breathtaking seascapes and vistas. Visiting during the winter months is a perfect opportunity to enjoy both without the summer hustle and bustle and you have the luxury to peruse restaurants at whim rather than booking in advance. Likewise; it's probable that you'll have the beaches to yourself, save for the few out walking their four legged friends. Sail Lofts' 5 star accommodation in St Ives is perfectly placed for you to enjoy all that the town has to offer. Whatever's on the day's agenda, you're minutes away from the town centre and even closer to the beach. Without the summer stress of making reservations, St Ives is your oyster. Read on for some of our favourites.
Porthmeor Beach Cafe
Outstanding all year round, we love Porthmeor Cafe for its cosy breakfasts and delicious tapas. Or for stopping by for a few drinks whether it's coffee or cocktails! If you're lucky enough to get one, everything is better in a 'pod'. The pods are outside, enclosed on all sides but one and equipped with heaters, you'll even find fleecey blankets waiting for you. Sheltered from the elements and with a view to die for, you might just want to stay all day. Porthmeor beach is the only place to be for sunset and happily, when you're staying at Sail Lofts 5 star accomodation in St Ives, it's pretty much your local! Both Porthmeor and Porthminster Beach have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award, meaning that safety and the highest quality is assured. This accolade is currently boasted by only 8 beaches in Cornwall.
The Old Custom House
'We are an intimate seven table restaurant, with an Italian inspired menu of simple, seasonal small plates designed around sharing.' A new comer this summer, the Old Custom House has quickly found its feet in St Ives and is deservedly popular with visitors and locals alike. The Old Custom House serves up cheese, charcuterie & wine from 3-5pm and dinner from 6-9pm Tuesday to Saturday. This is the place to experience deliciously fresh Italian inspired cuisine without a pizza/pasta cliche in sight. The wine list is solely comprised of Mediterranean producers to best compliment the food and focuses on being reasonably priced without compromising on quality. Be sure to check out their Wine of the Week! You'll find The Old Custom House on the harbour front next to Pizza Express. An intimate and idyllic spot from which to watch the world go by with some wine and cheese - heaven.
Porthminster Cafe
Porthminster Cafe is perfect for special occasions or for when you simply feel like enjoying the finer things in life! Perched right on Porthminster beach, this cafe boasts beautiful views of the calm seas, St Ives harbour and across to Godrevy Lighthouse. A multi award winning seafood restaurant, the cafe specialises in Mediterranean and Asian seafood with a huge emphasis on using the best of local produce. Porthminster is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as serving a delicious array of homemade patisserie. Should you wish to visit Porthminster, it's an easy going (no big hills!) meander from your luxury apartment and along the harbour front, around 15/20 minutes. Sister restaurant Porthminster Kitchen is also well worth a visit. Located on the harbour front, the restaurant is elevated above street level and boasts an outside terrace. Why not dine alfresco next to the sparkling sea?
The Searoom
Family run for the last eight years, the formerly known Tearoom became the Searoom when the three Thompson brothers created St Ives Gin - Cornwall's very first cold compound gin . Now an award winning gastrobar serving great coffee, craft beers, local seafood and of course a G&T or two. The Gin HQ is positioned perfectly on the cobbled streets of St Ives Harbour - metres from the beach. Coffee is served from 11am and is best enjoyed at an outside table on a sunny, crisp morning. Tapas are served from 12pm right through the day; expect quality local produce and plenty of flavour. To find the Searoom from town, just head towards Smeatons Pier and you can't miss it. From your luxury apartment follow the coast around past the Island car park and Porthgwidden beach.
Talay Thai Kitchen
A welcome and refreshing addition to the town just this year, Talay quickly made waves and has become a firm favourite. Authentic food is served up by Thai chefs in the form of vibrant curries, pad thai, dumplings, whole fish and much more. Many dishes are offered in a small 'tapas' size as well as main courses - perfect for smaller appetites or sharing. Talay opens at 12pm right through to 10pm and with its spectacular views of the harbour, it's a great spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner.
Five Star Accommodation in St Ives
St Ives is a gold mine for foodies and this is but a taste of what's to come. If a winter holiday or short break is on your agenda, there's never been a better time to book! We're marking our 10th year and Christmas at Sail Lofts by offering 25% off of all our remaining 5 star accommodation in St Ives this December. You can check availability here.
