Falmouth Harbour

We tried a number of places to eat in the short time we were in Falmouth for re-provisioning but also immediate consumption.  In the sunshine Falmouth had the feeling of a mediterranean country with plenty of al fresco dining opportunities which surprised and delighted.

Around the Port Pendennis Marina there are numerous options including Pizza, Steak, Fish and a cocktail lounge.  We also went into Town to sample the cafes and what follows are brief reviews of the places we tried.

The Shack
This fish and seafood restaurant is in the new development around the Maritime Museum. It sells fresh fish and shellfish.  If you would particularly like lobster or crab then they recommend contacting them 24 hours in advance so they can buy what you’d like.  We walked in on spec for an early evening dinner and had a table straight away.  We ordered the two fish specials which were Hake with potato and salad and Mackerel.  We followed that with ice-cream and lemon tart washed down with a bottle of their house white.  Other menu options included the Shack Platter which was a take on french Fruits de Mer and suitable for sharing and fresh Crab, fresh Lobster and mussels.

We were delighted with the service and the food it was excellent.   The timing of the service was good and friendly.  The food cooked and presented well.  This wasn’t intended to be fine dining and they didn’t pretend to be.   The restaurant was popular and had a nice vibe with large and small groups including families.  They have an external space too if the weather is nice.

Picnic
This is a delicatessen and cafe on Church Street part of the main thoroughfare.  On the walls are shelves full of gorgeous looking food from Cornish salt and tea to Cornish Gin, crisps and snacks and herbs and spices.  It’s a small place so the tables are close together.  We sat at a table for two where I was tucked into the wall amongst the shelves – Tom thought I looked like I was one of the goods for sale.

They offer a short menu one for breakfast of staples from full english through to eggs benedict and croissants and a lunch menu.  They will also prepare Picnics to take away so handy for a trip to the beach.

I had a crab roll which was delightful as it was made from soft bread and Tom had a chicken roll.  Feeling gluttonous we segued straight into afternoon tea. Tom had carrot cake – good and I a millionaire’s shortbread.  All enjoyable, if I were to nit-pick I’d say that the shortbread on my cake was a bit soft.

The cafe seemed popular – full when we arrived so not a place to linger if you want to relax over a leisurely meal.  Overall an interesting place to visit and a good if cramped experience.

Good Vibes Cafe
I was actually in search of another cafe on Killigrew Street and mistook it for Good Vibes. I was glad I did.  Off the main street to the north of the harbour area this is a gem.  Good service – you place the order at the bar and then find a seat.  A limited menu but good quality options.  We only went for a coffee/tea stop but ended up sharing a slab of chocolate and raisin brownie.

They have a good range of magazines to browse – surfing, fashion, skiing.  There are a smattering of tables and a bar that runs the length of one wall.  Whilst I wasn’t looking Tom managed to eat most of the brownie – after saying he’d only have a bit to taste so it must have been good as he doesn’t usually choose the chocolate options.

The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed.  I felt that I could have stayed all afternoon if I’d wanted.  An excellent cafe.

Bottle Bank Wine
A splendid wine merchants close to the marina.  We’d popped in as I’d seen some Cornish Gin for sale at Picnic but it was late and I didn’t want to walk back.  We were given a Cornish Gin tasting at the Bottle Bank instead and came away with a different Cornish Gin distilled by Southwestern Distillery who take an artisan approach and make in small batches.  We sampled the Gin the following night and with Gin this good – why would you drink the mass market alternatives.

The Shed
By night a cocktail bar but by day a cafe.  Not the most impressive lunch stop.  We stopped there because it was close by and it was our first day.  The food was a mixture of burger type options and small plates that they called tapas.  I had a feta salad and some prawns and Tom had the pork burger.   Sadly my chips were a bit under-done and true to British form I ate them rather than send them back.  I don’t think we saw the place in it’s best light.

Other places

These are the places that I’d have liked to have tried but sadly didn’t get to this time:

• Espressini – this coffee shop is also on Killigrew and looked enticing
• Harbour Lights – award winning Fish and Chip restaurant
• Stones Bakery – sold out of bread when we went
• Baker Tom’s – an artisan bakery and cafe with a branch also in Truro
• Arwenack Fisheries a fishmonger at 29 Arwenack Street – looked to have lovely fresh fish on sale
• Myatts of Falmouth a butcher at 11 Market Street – looked to have locally sourced meat on sale

Useful listing for food listings
Falmouth