Address: Cribar Yard, Bank Street, Newquay TR7 1EP
Website: verbena.restaurant
The Fish House
The Fish House Fistral
Chef Paul Harwood cut his teeth at Rick Stein‘s, so it’s unsurprising his own venture would follow suit. Find it on Fistral Beach (just steps from the Headland Hotel) among surf shops and a surf school, fitting into its beachside setting with its shack-like feel. As the name denotes, it’s all about seafood here, much of which is caught in Newquay, too. There’s a strong Asian theme to most of the menu, so expect dishes like Korean fried monkfish and Sri Lankan prawn curry. So good is the food, in fact, that it’s also mentioned in the Michelin Guide.
Address: Unit 5, International Surf Centre, Fistral Beach, Headland Road, Newquay TR7 1HY
Website: thefishhousefistral.com
Fox’s Revenge
In the little nearby village of Summersout is the 400-year-old Fox’s Revenge pub. Inside, its thick stone walls make it delightfully dark and moody, where a roaring woodburner adds to that classic pub feel. Chef-owner Ben Ambridge previously worked at Fifteen Cornwall and Rick Stein’s, and though his food is familiar, it might not be what you expect in such an old pub. There’s popcorn chicken with gravy and cheese, salt and pepper squid and Asian slaw, charred broccoli salad with tahini, or Korean BBQ pork. One thing’s for sure – their signature crispy blue cheese-stuffed olives are a must-order. In the warmer months, the Smoke Shack opens up outside, where barbecuing is king – expect crispy buttermilk chicken, slow-cooked pork belly bites, and mac n’ cheese fries. If time allows, visit its sister restaurant, the Italian-inspired Onda near Wadebridge.
Address: The Fox’s Revenge, Carvynick Farm, A3058, Newquay TR8 5AF
Website: thefoxsrevenge.com
Where to drink in Newquay
Whether you’re after sipping cocktails in little-known wine bars with French-inspired snacks or are hunting down a sustainably sourced and hand-roasted coffee, here’s where to get the best drinks in town.
The Bottle Shop
This dinky little wine bar and deli could easily be missed and seems to be a bit of a local’s secret for that reason. It’s adorned with pops of turquoise and pink, bright tropical bird prints and plenty of leopard motifs in the decor. Head before dinner to make the most of happy hour, which ends at 7pm. On the menu are natural and biodynamic wines and zippy cocktails with fun twists, such as the negroni sour or the spicy salted peach margarita. Pair them with charcuterie boards or French-inspired small plates like traditional tartines or baked camembert if you stay for more than one (which is advised). Find something you love? You can buy it from the deli counter or make use of the refillable wine service.
