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We feel very lucky to bring you a guest blog from one of our favourite Cornish bloggers, Katie Eats Cornwall. Her love of all things edible in Cornwall shines through in her writing and photography. Bringing you the best places to eat, find local ingredients and sharing her own recipes, Katie is certainly one to watch! In this blog post, Katie takes us on her foodie tour of St Ives.
Check out Katie’s own website at Katie Eats Cornwall or follow her on Instagram for all her latest posts!
Sandy beaches, cobbled streets and food, great food… That’s what comes to mind when thinking about St Ives. I’ve been lucky enough to live in Cornwall all of my 30 years and regularly make the short drive from Truro to visit the seaside town. St Ives lies north of Penzance and although historically it was known as a fishing town, it’s become much more of a seaside resort in recent years.
Apart from the wonderful beaches and stunning views, the ever growing food scene has kept me visiting and then sharing my foodie finds with friends and family. I’ve put together a guide to some of the top places I’ve been visiting for years and also some newer finds!
First things first… Coffee
What better way to start the day than with a pretty great coffee. The Kiosk in St Ives arrived back in July 2018 thanks to Yallah Coffee Roasters and sits nestled into Court Arcade, overlooking the harbour. Yallah pride themselves on their sustainability with all their coffee bags and takeaway cups being biodegradable. Alongside the array of coffee they also offer fresh donuts from St Ives Bakery… Who doesn’t like a sweet baked treat with their flat white?
Next stop lunch…
When ever I visit St Ives I’m always on the look out for new cafes and restaurants which are a little bit different to the norm. When I came across Talay Thai last summer, I knew it was going to be right up my street. I’ve always enjoyed Thai food and loved anywhere that sold small plates or tapas and this place ticked all those boxes. Positioned above an ice cream parlour, overlooking the harbour, its a pretty amazing location to sit and enjoy the authentic Thai food on offer.
The tapas menu includes your classics, Thai fish cakes, prawn toast and chicken satay. Alongside some more unusual dishes, Laab oyster mushroom salad, moo ping (chargrilled pork skewers) and green papaya salad. The main’s again have some great classic dishes, panang & massaman curry, pad Thai and finally their Talay recommenced dishes, tamarind duck, Chu chi hake and the seafood jungle curry.
The owner Bon, and her wonderful staff provide such great service mixed in the with most relaxed atmosphere and stylish decor. Whether its for a quick bite at lunch time or a date night, Talay Thai is somewhere I keep heading back to, which I think just shows how great a place it really is!
Time for dinner!
The Seafood Cafe positioned on Fore Street has been a popular feature in St Ives for years now. It focuses on quality local fish and shellfish, prime Cornish meats and free range poultry. I’ve visited The Seafood Cafe several times over the years and always enjoyed a delicious meal with great service. As you walk in they have a fish counter showcasing the wonderful fish and shellfish caught locally ready for customers to pick their meal of choice.
The produce is so fresh and gives visitors a chance to have a real taste of Cornwall. On my recent visit I opted for the Cornish Crab Linguine which was full of white crab meat, garlic, chilli, lemon and coriander… A perfect dish for a pasta lover like myself. My partner chose the Moules Frites which he devoured and soaked up every last bit of sauce with chunky fries. Don’t forget to phone ahead and book though… Tables are in demand!
Who doesn’t like a freshly baked treat?!
As you walk through the streets of St Ives, your eyes are drawn to the wonderful bakeries boasting everything from fresh loaves to meringues and pastries. One of my favourites is St Ives Bakery sat on the corner of Fore Street. On my recent visit I picked up a sourdough, a couple of egg custard tarts and something I’d not tried or seen before, a ‘bruffin’. Who doesn’t love a brioche, muffin combo! A beautiful display of baked goodies and a perfect place to pick up some treats to take home.
Finish the day with some fresh local produce…
I love to support local and The Allotment Deli offers something for everyone, whether you need fresh veg for a recipe or you want to pick up a selection of nibbles to enjoy with a glass of wine. All the produce is laid out so beautifully and really draws you in off the cobbled streets. The deli has a wonderful selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables, bread, cheese, meat, store cupboard ingredients and even takeaway sandwiches to enjoy whilst taking in the views.
All in all, I think you’d agree, St Ives has something for everyone especially if you’re into food. These are just a few of my favourite foodie spots that I’ve come to love over the years, pay them a visit and be sure to explore the beautiful streets to find your own foodie finds…. there’s lots out there!
