Cornwall Self Catering

A guide to going out in Cornwall. 

Cornwall has a plentiful supply of good and great cinemas, restaurants, theatres, pubs and clubs.  Each town has its own selection of places to go out, and below is a selection of some of the finest establishments in Cornwall.  

Restaurants

The esteemed chef Rick Stein has a restaurant in Padstow simply called the "The Seafood Restaurant."  The restaurant is highly rated and makes the best use of the fresh local produce in a not -overly -austere atmosphere.

There are two Michelin star restaurants in Cornwall:  the Abbey in Penzance and Ripley's in Padstow.   There are many more good restaurants in Cornwall.

Look out for Cornish Accredited Restraunts, a mark of good quality, value and service.

See our section on What to Eat in Cornwall for some ideas about what to try.

Pubs

The Sloop Inn in St. Ives is a classic Cornish harbourside pub, dating from about 1312 A.D is still bursting with local character.  Great views of the harbour from here.

For a spectacular ocean view and live music at the weekends (and other nights) try the Blue Bar in Porthtowan.  Sandy wooden floors and a laid-back atmosphere complete the ambience.

Real Ale lovers may want to make a trip to the St. Kew Inn , in St. Kew.  Serviing up some of the nearby St. Austell brewery's straight from the wooden barrells in a freindly atmosphere has won it many admirers.

If you're in Penzance, you check out the Coldstreamer Inn, one of the oldest pubs in Cornwall, which offers quality home-made food based mainly on local produce. 

There are many more excellent pubs in Cornwall, especially great countryside pubs to lunch at.

Eye on Cornwall will keep you up to date with events such as theatre performances and live music.

Gay Cornwall provides information on the best gay and gay friendly pubs and clubs.

Cafes / Cafe-Bars

If you're near Tintagel on the west coast look no further than Cream of Tintagel, with its simple, tasty homemead food and stunning views of Tintagel Castle and the Ocean.

Theatre

The Minack Theatre is a clifftop outdoor ampitheatre where all sorts of dramatic productions are played out.  Read more about the Minack Theatre . 

The programme at Moorland Sterts Theatre in Upton Cross, near Liskeard includes drama, painting and photography to name a few.  The theatre is outdoors, but protected by a canopy so that the programme can go ahead in all sorts of weather.

The Lane Theatre in Newquay is a registered charity run by the Newquay Dramatic Society.  With 136 seats, this theatre allows an intimate and personal viewing.

Going out in Different Towns and Areas 

Newquay is a real surfing haven, and this is to some extent reflected in the nightlife there.  The beachside setting makes Newquay a great party place at night, with plenty of great pubs, bars and clubs to visit .