Shops in Port Isaac

John Collin’s Fish Shop

(t/a Dennis Knight) on the harbour is outstanding for local extremely fresh fish.  We are very fond of the Sea Bream he sells which is cheaper than the sea bass and tastes better with a dash of lemon and oil.  Please note is only open in the mornings, not the afternoons.

Fresh Crab and Lobster

Opposite John Collin’s shop is another fisherman owned shop that sells crab and lobster that young Sam Brown and his pal Paul catch every day, so that too is very fresh.  Please note is only open in the mornings and not the afternoons.

Nicky B's

Nicky B’s is great for all the ingredients for a full English breakfast.  She also sells bread, cakes, treats, local cheeses, and her freshly ground coffees are a great way to start the day.

Co-op

There is a Co-op at the top of the hill in the village that also has the only cashpoint in the vicinity which is open from 7am till 10pm. 

Aldi, Lidl, Tesco Superstores

Further afield in Wadebridge (9 miles) you can find Aldi, Tesco and Lidl all on a large scale.

Farmshops

St Kew Farmshop

St Kew farmshop (about a 15 min drive) is the most cosmopolitan farmshop in the area, high end and has an excellent array of quality produce.  Not cheap more London prices than Cornish, and they do special BBQ evenings in the summer that you will need to book in advance for (think on Friday evenings).  Their breakfasts include Eggs Benedict and also a Crushed Avocado and Egg on sourdough.

Seaview Farmshop

Seaview Farmshop (about a 15 min drive) is very much a Cornish family run farmshop.  James and his delightful family do the best pasties and quiches in the area, and the view is spectacular.  If you fancy stocking up your freezer with good quality meat at a third of the price compared with London, then this is your place.  Recommend their Herbie sausages and their thickly cut bacon for a weekend fry up.  They also serve a full English breakfast all day.

Pubs

Golden Lion

The Golden Lion is about 20 yards away and is the only real pub in the village.

Gaverne Hotel

Over the past few years The Gaverne at the Gaverne Hotel has improved dramatically due to refurbishment and outstanding chefs.

Port William

The Port William in Trebarwith Strand is a fabulous location with views of the sea. Suggest you book in advance if you want to go there for an evening meal and ask for the conservatory if you want to make the most of the view.

Restaurants

Nathan Outlaw's Fish Kitchen

The standout best value for money restaurant by a country mile is the Michelan 1* Outlaws Fish Kitchen facing the Platt at the bottom of the village and only 5 min walking distance away from the studio.  Outlaw himself is a 2* Michelan chef and you can see why.  What’s more the prices, while only a bit more than the other restaurants in the village, are about half of what the Michelin starred restaurants in Padstow charge.  Please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Nathan Outlaws New Road

Outlaw’s own 2* restaurant at the top of the village is also worth a shot if Corndon Bleu floats your boat.  Please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Pilchards

Another Port Gaverne speciality is Pilchards.  It’s only open during the Spring and summer months and has excellent cuisine.  On Sundays they have live bands so it’s a perfect way to spend the day and while away an afternoon.

The Lobster Shed in the Pig Hotel, Harlyn Bay

This is a lovely restaurant for a day’s excursion to Hawkers Cove.  It’s just the other side of Padstow, and I suggest a morning walk on Hawkers Cove followed by a relaxing lunch in the Lobster Shed.  One of my fave dishes is the mackerel, absolutely delish.

Dog Friendly Beaches/Walks

Port Quin

Right on the doorstep there is a beautiful coastal walk to Port Quin (it comes with a health warning as it is not for the faint hearted).  Port Quin is actually one of the most romantic spots of the area, and there is a hot potato and drinks wagon on site during the summer months.  If you walk there on the coastal walk you’ll see some beautiful species of birds, and then if you then meander back inland (the walk is less harsh inland) it’s quite a lovely excursion and will take a morning to complete.

Daymer Bay

A great doggy beach is Daymer Bay which is only about 15 mins away by car.  Please do buy a parking ticket there as they have cameras on site. If you go there when the tide is just out you can walk to Padstow on the sand but do be careful with timings as the tide comes in pretty fast and you don’t want to be caught out.

Hawker's Cove

Another beach that is a favourite of Bumbles is Hawker’s cove the other Sid of Padstow, think white sand, extensive beaches that is great for any team sports (volleyball, rounders you name it) plus BBQ’s.  Loads of space and perfect for a lunch picnic day out.

Places to Visit

Port Gaverne

Port Gaverne is about a 20 min walk away   The have a waterspouts hire shop there if you fancy renting a paddle board or kayak and venture out.

Polzeath

The closest surfing beach to the port is Polzeath.  It’s perfect for child entertainment for the day.  You can hire wetsuits and boards, book surfing lessons, have a sauna sessions and do some beach yoga all on the beach.

Padstow

I personally like Padstow for a day out.  You’ve got a varied choice of restaurants (Rick Stein has a fair few in and around there) and great shopping.