There is far more to Cornwall than oggies (pasties) and clotted cream, although there's certainly nothing wrong with those. However, those in the know will find Cornwall is a foodie's paradise with local Farmers' Markets, top restaurants at down-to-earth prices and an array of farms producing award-winning food and drink.
Take Camel Valley Vineyard. Most visitors have not heard of it yet it has been producing award-winning wines for over 20 years. Easy to reach by bicycle along the Camel Trail, this #1 winery welcomes guests to sample a glass of wine on their terrace or take an informative guided tour and tasting. You will certainly look out for their wines after visiting and tasting their excellent produce.
For those who prefer their alcohol by the pint, visit the historic St Austell Brewery in the heart of the town. Take a tour, view the historic exhibits in the museum and relax over a pint in the onsite bar.
Healey's Cornish Cyder Farm is a popular farm visit just off the A30 in Penhallow, on the A3075 Redruth/Newquay Road. The farm shop has free tastings and you can see the products being made. As well as Cornish Cyder, the company also distills brandy and fruit spirits and makes fine country wines, jams and chutneys. Visitors should try their Cornish Rattler (cloudy cyder), Berry Rattler and Pear Rattler (cyder) for something refreshingly different. Self-guided tours of the press house, bottlery and jam kitchen are free, but for the full experience take the guided tour around the fascinating museum, distillery and underground cellars. The tour includes a tractor and trailer ride through the orchards and sampling of many products you will see being made.
If getting someone else to do the cooking is more your idea of a holiday in a Cornish cottage, there are several highly recommended places to dine in Cornwall. The Black Rock Restaurant in St Ives produces its own meat and fish and is a 3 Michelin Bib Gourmand award restaurant for its exceptional menu at under £28.
Those staying near Torpoint will find The View at Whitsand Bay offers high quality seafood dining in an informal atmosphere. Choose a table on the terrace on a summer evening or enjoy “The View” from the indoor tables. This is also a Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant. More good food is served at The Untitled by Robert Wright at the Abbey Slip at Penzance. Start at the Tapas Bar downstairs before sampling a seafood creation at the upstairs restaurant of this gifted chef.
Rick Stein's Café at Padstow is of course well known, but in the same area is the St Kew Inn at Bodmin. This unfussy eaterie focuses soley upon the food ‐ as it should. Courses at this down-to-earth gastropub start at £10.50, with a choice of three courses for £19.50. London diners, eat your heart out!
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.