There’s little doubt that Newquay is one of the coolest towns in Cornwall. Where else can you be catching world-class waves one minute and grazing on tapas the next? Or gawping at sky-high wall art with fishing boats in the background? And sipping coffee or fine wine with sandy toes and salty locks? There’s nowhere quite like it.
To celebrate Newquay’s unique, creative vibe, a series of huge murals have been unveiled, paying tribute to the creativity and heritage of the UK’s coolest surf town. Take a wander around town to have a ganders at these incredible artworks, and it’s plain to see that Newquay’s bold and sassy vibe has also given rise to a distinctly European gastronomy culture, with a new tribe of eateries that flaunt world food, art and community at their core.
If you’re wondering where all the cool kids eat and drink, here’s a whistle-stop tour of our top new hangouts in Newquay:
Tucked on the edge of the Killacourt in the heart of Newquay, House of Glass is where the locals hang for good coffee, surf chat, fresh flavours and just-baked treats. The brain-child of surfer, creative and wetsuit-maker Ellen Caldwell, it’s no surprise that post-surf pastries and board talk are high on the menu.
If you thought tapas were trendy, wait until you tuck into the Basque-inspired equivalent of Pinxtos. Step off the beach and into San Sebastian at the rebellious, candle-lit Counter Culture bar where you can sample small plates packed with Cornish and Spanish flavours, alongside world wines and classic cocktails.
With its laidback beach club style and corking coastal views, Saltsheds is made for those lazy Med-style lunches by the sea, sundowner cocktails, or a glam three-course spread of local bounty. The spicy margarita are set to fire you up for DJ nights and special events.
Vegan, ethical and local… this cool Celtic coffee house has fast become a community favourite in Newquay. From crochet to cocktails, folk music to photography, there’s events for everyone in what’s a lot more than a hangout for good coffee and great company.
Slip into the ambience of a French wine bar at The Bottle, an intimate venue tucked in the cool little corner of Wesley Yard. Think cheese and charcuterie boards, carafes of fine wines and small plates of European specialties, served in a cosy and sociable setting just off the beaten track.
Who would have predicted that the Project Eighty Three motorbike shed would be transformed into Newquay’s most happening new venue for live music, community markets, coffee and street food? From bikers’ threads to surf flicks, karaoke to the coolest bands in Kernow, this coffee-by-day, beer-by-night café isn’t just for bikers.
Bluntrock Brewery has been making quite a name for itself across Cornwall, with small batch ales and funky little venues that bring music and beer together. At the contemporary watering hole of The Pagan Arms in the heart of Newquay you can sample half a dozen of its beers on tap, either gazing out at the ocean or while catching set from local bands and DJs.
You’ve probably heard about the team behind Newquay’s Herd Burger reinventing the mini golf and café on Tower Road as Rosa. If you haven’t eaten there yet, work up an appetite in the surf and fuel up on American-Italian dishes including a not-to-missed deep-fried lasagna.
With so many hip new bars, restaurants and cafés opening their doors in Newquay, it’s time to work up an appetite on the beach and graze way around town from brunch until beer o’clock. If we’ve missed any newbies out or you want to recommend any other cool venues, comment below or get in touch. And don’t forget to tag @cool.cornwall us on your gastronomic wanderings.
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