Is it just us, or do the longer nights and cooler days simply make us hungrier? Luckily, here in Cornwall, the autumn produces some wonderful food and drink, from freshly landed fish to perfectly ripe apples. It’s the time of year for comfort food, with stews, soups and roasts on the menu.
If you’re coming to Cornwall for an autumn holiday, here are some of the culinary treats in store.
Cornwall’s mild climate allows us to produce a wide range of produce all year round. Enjoy comforting casseroles made with locally grown squashes, root vegetables and lovely leafy greens like kale. Serve broccoli and cabbage with your roast dinner (pheasant or duck make hearty autumn meals).
Prefer fish to meat? Cod, haddock and most flat fish are excellent at this time of year, and this being Cornwall, you can enjoy them when they’re super-fresh.
Autumn is a great time for cosy puddings. It’s apple season, so you can tuck into a comforting crumble served the Cornish way with clotted cream. Add other seasonal fruit like pears, late damsons and various berries.
The best thing about autumn in Cornwall? The local cider, of course! Visit Healey’s Cyder Farm near Newquay and pick up some of their famous Rattler. It’s also a great family day out, with tractor rides, a petting farm and plenty of space to play.
Polgoon Vineyard in Penzance produces award-winning wines as well as ciders, and their apple juice is absolutely delicious. You can book onto a tour of the vineyard or orchard, or try their new restaurant, The Vine House.
There’s more to autumn beverages than cider (apparently). St Austell Brewery is close to us at The Cornwall, (again, there’s a visitor centre). Try one of their heartier brews for the colder weather, like Proper Black IPA or Mena Dhu stout.
Cosy cup of tea? Believe it or not, we actually produce tea here in Cornwall, at Tregothnan Estate near Truro. Treat yourself to a warming brew, served with a slice of traditional hevva cake or a freshly baked scone.
There’s a great choice of farm shops here in Cornwall. If you’re staying with us at The Cornwall, you’re close to the famous Lobbs Farm Shop (near the Lost Gardens of Heligan). This is one of the best places in the county for Cornish-reared meat and seasonal veg.
Trevaskis Farm near Hayle sells home-grown produce and their own meat, as well as a selection of gorgeous food from across the county, from wine to Cornish pasta. Pick up a bottle of apple juice from their orchards - perfect with their homemade sausages. Make sure you visit their restaurant while you’re there (the portions are super-generous).
Other places to try include Trevathan near Port Isaac, Tredinnick near Looe and Padstow Farm Shop. There's also a farmer’s market in Truro every Wednesday and Saturday.
One of the real culinary highlights of Cornwall is Nancarrow Farm near Truro, which hosts pre-booked feasts and other foodie events. Sit at long communal tables in their lively barn, tucking into the best of the farm’s seasonal ingredients. A must for those who love sharing their dining experience with other foodies.
You can also enjoy a shared feast with Fat Hen - but you’ll have to forage for the food first! This wild cookery school is based in St Buryan in West Cornwall. Your group will head out into the autumn landscape, foraging for ingredients that you’ll then cook yourself back at the school. It’s a wonderfully different way to experience seasonal food in Cornwall.
On a chilly autumn day, there’s nothing quite like finding a comfy table in a warm and welcoming pub. Cornwall is lucky to have a wide choice of charming old inns: simply wander around the back lanes of places like Mevagissey, Padstow and St Ives, and you’ll soon have your choice of inviting pubs.
Places definitely worth checking out include The Rising Sun in Truro, the Tinners Arms in Zennor and the St Kew Inn, which definitely adds to those autumnal vibes by cooking over woodsmoke.
Our bar at The Cornwall has everything you need to hunker down on a cold autumn day: comfy chairs, a fire, board games, great food and drink… The perfect rainy autumn afternoon, sorted.
Feeling hungry? Treat yourself to an autumn or winter break at The Cornwall. Our restaurants serve delectable local produce, sourced from trusted Cornish suppliers. If you love cooking, book one of our self-catering Woodland Lodges, with their excellently equipped kitchens and stylish dining areas.
Here’s a bit more about food and drink at The Cornwall to tempt your tastebuds!
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