Roasts by the Coast: Best Places for a Sunday Roast in Cornwall
Long walks soaking up fresh air and sea spray along wild coastlines. Heart thudding alongside a groundswell of energising nature-hewn shores. Then, going inside with rosy cheeks to fuel up on a hearty Sunday roast a pebble’s throw from the dancing waves.
This is what Sundays should be made of. And so, without further ado, here’s a list of our favourite places for a Sunday roast by the coast in Cornwall.
The Mussel Box, Padstow
Photo courtesy of The Mussel Box, Padstow
While away your Sunday afternoon beside Padstow harbour, while tucking into one of the best roast dinners in Cornwall (well, we think so anyway). Whether you’ve set foot on a wild sandy cove, hopped off a boat or freewheeled along the Camel Trail, you’ll have earned an appetite for West Country sirloin or pork belly, accompanied by crispy Duchy potatoes and locally farmed vegetables, all smothered in delicious homemade gravy. Not forgetting fluffy Yorkshire puddings. Make sure you book a table, or takeaways are available by pre-order.
Trevisker’s Kitchen, Padstow
How can you resist Sunday roast from the kitchen of the official RNLI Sticky Toffee Pudding Champion? Make sure you save room for seconds, after a delectable platter of local meats (vegan nut roast also available) prepared in the hands of one of the town’s much-loved chefs – Henk de Villiers Ferreira – in his popular country kitchen on the edge of Padstow.
The Mariners, Rock
Photo courtesy of The Mariners, Rock
Whether you’ve stomped along the coast path from Polzeath or floated across by boat from Padstow, this is a stunning location nudging the Camel Estuary. And as you’d expect with Paul Ainsworth at the helm, Sunday lunch is a celebration of the finest local ingredients. Expect classic Cornish Dexter beef sirloin and braised short rib, alongside a vegetarian option, local tipples, and a side order of sublime views. Dogs welcome downstairs, too.
Port William, Trebarwith Strand
Photo courtesy of The Fort William
Explore the wild little cove of Trebarwith Strand at low tide, or perhaps you’d prefer a windswept clifftop ramble to neighbouring Tintagel, with its eye-popping scenery and sea-lashed fortress ruins? Whichever you choose, once you’ve mustered an appetite in the briny air, retreat to the beachside Port William for a legendary Sunday roast. Book a sea-facing table or hunker by the fire with your dog at your feet, and tuck into delicious seasonal food and local ales in this boutique coastal inn.
Catch, Mawgan Porth
Photo courtesy of Catch, Mawgan Porth
Sunday’s were made for bracing dips and wild coastal walks. So why not hit the waves at Mawgan Porth, or follow the coast path to the mighty rock giants of Bedruthan Steps, before tucking into a roast by the coast at Catch Seafood Bar and Grill? Nestled beside the beach, within easy reach of the sandy runway and Atlantic rollers, this contemporary beach-chic restaurant serves up a classic Sunday feast, not to mention the best Bloody Marys on the North Coast.
Lewinnick Lodge, Fistral
Photo courtesy of the Lewinnick Lodge
Overlooking Cornwall’s most famous surfing beach from the edge of Pentire headland, the Lewinnick Lodge is a sublime location to dine on any day of the week. Once a smugglers’ den and a lobster hold, these days it’s been revamped into the perfect spot to soak up the views through floor-to-ceiling windows, so you might even spot a pod of dolphins while you’re dousing your crispy roast potatoes in gravy.
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The Mexico Inn, Long Rock
Photo courtesy of the Mexico Inn
Named after a miner who returned home to Cornwall from Mexico, this quirky inn lies just off Mounts Bay, between Penzance and Marazion. Not only is it in a convenient location to seek out after a stroll over to the sea-wrapped fortress of St Micheal’s Mount, but it’s also run by talented chefs who serve up a cracking Sunday roast in a relaxing, welcoming ambience. So take a seat under the beamed ceilings or sink into an armchair beside the log fire, and revel in the cosy Sunday vibes.
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The Longstore, Charlestown
Admire the historic tall ships, paddleboard around the bay or a take a coastal walk to Porthpean, before tucking into low and slow-cooked Cornish beef, rolled pork belly, roast chicken and nut roast, with all the trimmings you could wish for. And yes, that does include rich gravy, Yorkshire puddings, stuffing, rosemary and garlic roasted potatoes, cauliflower cheese, swede and carrot mash, roasted root vegetables, and seasonal greens.
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Gurnard’s Head, Nr Zennor
Photo courtesy of Gurnards Head
Sitting along one of Britain’s most scenic stretches of coastal road, minutes’ walk from one of the wildest stretches of Cornwall’s coastline, the Gurnard’s Head has long been a popular place for Sunday lunch, luring walkers and sightseers to sample local and foraged foods in a cosy, boutique inn. So kick off your walking boots, chill out with the dog at your feet and sample Cornish ales, fine wines and a Sunday roast packed with produce plucked from the coast and countryside.
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The Old Coastguard, Mousehole
Fancy your roast with views to passing fishing boats and St Clement’s Rock (where you’ll often spot basking seals)? The Old Coastguard is a stylish and laid-back setting that’s helmed by the same team as the famous Gurnard’s Head. Sunday lunches here showcase Cornwall’s finest game, beef and poultry, as well as just-picked veg and seafood landed nearby in Newlyn. It’s a delightful stroll around the coast path back to Cornwall’s largest fishing harbour, or set off on the six-mile loop to Lamorna Cove, via boulder-strewn beaches, Tater Du lighthouse and the magical Kemyel Crease woodland.
The Working Boat, Falmouth
Photo courtesy of The Working Boat, Falmouth
Fill your boots with a hearty roast at this proper Cornish pub on the waterfront overlooking Falmouth harbour. Sunday sessions are all about chicken, overnight roast beef, and all the trimmings, followed by a post-roast pub quiz, with free entry and plenty of prizes.
Talland Bay Hotel
If you’re looking for somewhere a bit swanky for your Sunday roast, book a table at this award-winning restaurant just off the coast path between Looe and Polperro. Expect juicy roast meats served up with duck fat roasties, rich gravy and seasonal veg. If you’re a gin lover, arrive early and get stuck in with a Gin Taster board – it’s Sunday, after all.
Summerhouse, Perranporth
Photo courtesy of Summerhouse Perranporth
Beach, cliffs or dunes? We love Perranporth for its expansive walks rolling in both directions from its two miles of golden sands. Brave the surf, follow World Heritage Mining territory to St Agnes, or battle the elements atop the marram-knitted dunes. Then warm your cockles with a delicious platter of slow-roasted beef, chicken or a pumpkin seed and chestnut loaf. When you opt for Sunday Service at this gorgeous, female-led restaurant overlooking Perran’s glory, you can even delve into a few Cornish seafood classics, including scallops, torched mackerel and antipasti.
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Like how we do Sundays? Book your cottage by the coast in Cornwall, breathe in the briny air and tuck into a roast beside the waves.