PLACES TO BE SEEN: CORNWALL

PLACES TO BE SEEN: CORNWALL

The only guide to Cornwall that you need. Only the most stylish, respected and beautiful

spots in the county. From cafes to bars and the city to the countryside.

Firstly, Watershed (Newquay); this is a place to be seen. Their set up is one of a kind and by far the best shop in Cornwall. I may be slightly biased due to my love for the place, you’ll soon realise why when you visit. It’s a gold mine and if you want to fit in down here, their tees are a staple, as important as your underwear actually no, more important. Honestly this is what I would call a flagship store. Yes around the country there may well be stores just like this but for Cornwall, it’s a first.

The brand began in 2011 however they didn’t open their first store until a year later. To begin with they stocked clothing, brands that were not widely available in this region due to the lack of high quality stores. I know you won’t believe me but trust me, there’s liter

ally nothing. Well there wasn’t. From clothing the brand then grew to surfboards; they filled the gap in the market. No board was specifically suited to the UK wave, they've now made nine models. Honestly they’re things of beauty.

So, other than clothes and boards what else would you want in the perfect store? Coffee maybe? How about a barbers too? Well you have it, take a trip up the wooden stairs, stopping to admire some sample boards on the way of course and you’ll reach ‘The Box & Barber Cafe’. If you like coffee as much as I do you’ll certainly enjoy a stop here. Oh and the cake is pretty rad too. As well as this they do stock the Wavelength magazine mentioned in my previous blog, what more could you ask for.

Newquay is a gem and Watershed is far from the only place to visit. I have two more fantastic places and they’re within 100m of one another, you choose your winner.

The first is Watergate Bay Hotel (more specifically the Living Space Bar). Honestly the view, the atmosphere, the wine, the food. I don't know what more to say. If this picture alone doesn't make you want to go then you shouldn’t be reading my blog. However just in case you’re not convinced yet I’ll let you into a little secret. Thats a large glass of their Marlborough (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc in my hand and it is divine.

So as I said this next place isn’t 100m from the hotel. Competition is fierce at one of the best surfing beaches in the county. Jamie’s Fifteen is next on my list of places to be seen. It speaks for itself really I mean it’s Jamie Oliver’s restaurant. You’ve surely seen the Tv program right? If you haven’t then don’t worry I’ll summarise. Jamie opened up a restaurant and trained up young adults who, maybe didn’t have as good of a start in life as others. He gave them a chance in his kitchen, taught them to cook an

d put them back on track. This is an ongoing commitment from the television chef and it’s fantastic. Honestly both the food and service in this place are sublime. The view isn’t bad either. Oh and have I mentioned the interior? Straight out of a design magazine. It’s just so swell.

Moving away from Newquay now. Again this is a must visit and anyone who knows about this place loves it. It’s called Godrevy Cafe and yes you guessed it, it’s at Godrevy beach. This place is many peoples guilty pleasure. For me the breakfast is the winner, after a morning surfing the beautiful right hander I crave a good breakfast. Oh boy they deliver, every time (I recommend the warm belgian waffles with bacon an

d maple syrup). The coffee is good too. Much like other cafes in Cornwall, origin is served here and its great.

The only downside is parking, that is of course unless you’re a national trust member or an early riser like me. Otherwise it’s not the cheapest place. However its more than worth it. A walk along the beach is great too, with views of the lighthouse and the sand between your toes.

The Alverton is next. Situated in Truro and arguably one of the nicest hotels in the

county. Staying here really is special. I mean it’s not every day you get a manor hotel minutes walk from the city centre. While you’re here I would highly recommend a visit into Truro, its such a beautiful city although definitely not a typical high street. Also the Cathedral is a must see. It stands high and proud above everything else. Its gothic design is simply stunning.

One last little gem I’ll share is the Gylly Beach Cafe in Falmouth. Although maybe not as spectacular as the other destinations, this one is still special. Theres something about eating chilli and nachos while looking straight out into the ocean which is rad. Its also a great stop for breakfast and coffee after a night out in Falmouth town which I have to say, as far as Cornwall goes it’s definitely in the top 3.

Now although not a specific place, I couldn't round this one off without giving St. Mawes a mention. This is one of the prettiest towns I have ever seen. It is typically cornish with colourful buildings and it is submersed in beautiful sea air. On a nice day it is sublime. Also you will find the best fish and chips on the south coast here, as well as one of the nicest places to eat them. You’ll have to work that one out yourself though.

I could write about Cornwall all day and I know that I will have missed off one, or maybe two places from my list. But that leaves you some exploring. Embrace the cornish lifestyle, come and get lost in search of greatness. Take it as it comes and relax.

Cheers and gone.