The small villages of Crantock and Cubert can be found 2 miles from Newquay, to the south of The Gannel. They are both gorgeous little villages with lots of nooks and crannies to explore, as well as scenic walking paths and a beach at Crantock. Whatever you do, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite, and we’ve found three of our favourite spots to eat!
The Old Albion
About 400 years old, The Old Albion Inn in Crantock offers a distinguished menu of upmarket pub grub at a reasonable price. The pub, probably named after a ship built in the nearby Gannel, is set right in the square of quaint little Crantock, and retains the character and ambience that the pub villagers and smugglers knew in the 1600s, with a few added comforts of course!
Welcoming people from all walks of life, it offers up tasty grub including fish and chips, sandwiches packed with local produce and delicious sharer platters. The evening menu is slightly more expensive than your average pub but you can really taste the difference – try the Duck Confit, Honey Cracked Pepper Smoked Mackerel or the famous Albion Burger!
Offshore Bar & Bistro
The welcoming glass-fronted Offshore Bar and Bistro is a sub-level venue offering a vast selection of food and drink from sustainable sources at fair prices, whether you’re after a romantic meal for two, a chat and a coffee with friends on the sofa, or nibbles on the terrace. Find it on the coastal road between Cubert and Holywell.
There are 5 menus to choose from; main meals, tapas, brunch, young diners and seafood. You must book the seafood menu with 24 hours notice though, as it comes straight from the ocean, but it’s definitely worth the wait for a whole Cornish crab!
All the food is a visual treat, as well as being sustainable and fairly priced. There’s a large private car park and it welcomes dogs in the outside area.
The Smuggler’s Den Inn
The Smuggler’s Den Inn is an idyllic 16th century thatched pub that’s a bit of a secret amongst locals – its located in the tiny hamlet of Trebellan and nearest to Cubert – right in the middle of the Cornish countryside but only a short drive from the seaside.
Listed both on CAMRA and in the AA Good Pub Guide, it focuses on traditional British classics, showcasing Cornish artisan producers and a selection of local ales and wines. Favourite main meals include Belly Pork in Rattler Sauce, Cajun Chicken Tagliatelle, Moules Frites and the famous Smuggler’s Burger, or if you’re looking for a lighter bite – share the Butcher’s Board or Seafood Platter. Browse the different menus here.
It’s great value, there’s loads of parking, it’s dog friendly and there’s even a children’s play area to keep the little ones entertained. Find it here.
