FOOD & DRINK – 3 CORNISH CULINARY SECRETS

Melting ice-creams, hot pasties, light sunburn and locally brewed ale on the peer after a days fishing. It can only be a Great British summer. Much against the odds, with the help of a steady flow of ‘expats’, Cornwall has developed a world-class food and art scene making it the perfect weekend trip destination, to get away from the city. Many consider it it’s own nation, with its own flag, culture and even language, It’s no wonder Cornwall does it differently when it comes to dining, with a strong emphasis on ‘eat local’.

It now boasts several glamorous destinations, with excellent art galleries, impressive restaurants and grand super yachts frequenting its harbours summer long., It’s all about exploring down here. Follow the right cobbled alley and it may lead to a low-key family run restaurant you’ll never forget, with a menu that changes daily depending on the catch., I ventured down on your behalf, ahead of season to two of my favourite spots better known for their culture, to find their best bites. Welcome to the food of beautiful Falmouth and St. Ives.

FALMOUTH…, Home of a young art community, this stunning town has a myriad maze of hill-sloped nooks and crannies. Good luck! Here are my favourites…

PROVADOR, A cruelly well-hidden gem, away from the high street and amongst the houses. One feels they’re entering something from another era, something more relaxed and classic. Inside everything is stunning to look at, and most of all the food., African and European tapas, served in a Spanish interior and garden – the menu and the interior were inspired by owner Tim’s travels. When I requested to visit and review he replied ‘I don’t care if people like it, I put my heart and soul into this place’, and frankly I couldn’t love it more! It’s unique & amazing. Divine food in an unpretentious setting. provedore.co.uk

GYLLY BEACH CAFE, Built literally on the sand overlooking Henry VIII’s castle, it’s uber chic, bright and relaxed. They’ve taken the concept of Beach Café to another level., Seaside classics served at a superlative standard. The menu is seasonal, sourced locally, and their efforts have earned them the Greenest Restaurant in the UK award. Whether it be a quick coffee or a sunset dinner overlooking the bay, I wouldn’t miss Gylly Beach Café on your stop to Falmouth. gyllybeach.com

ST IVES…, The quaint little town with the internationally famous Tate gallery. It became established as an artistic community in the 50’s because of it’s unique light. It’s within striking range of the famous outdoor Minack Theatre carved into the cliffs, and rivals any European village with evening atmosphere.

THE ALBA, Recommended with a trip to the Tate, both favour the modern over the traditional. If you like contemporary eating, you’ll love the Alba. Stunning seafood served in a converted Fire Station, with a gallery overlooking the bay while you eat. You can feel the modern style when you walk in, the interiors, the preparation and the presentation of the dish all differ from the Cornish style, but meet in quality and I love it. thealbarestaurant.com