Newquay's Hidden Gems
So Sushi @ the Atlantic Hotel - Sushi
How To Get There
By Car – The Atlantic is found on Dane Road. It is the hotel that sits on the hill over looking the town; you can see it from just about anywhere. Follow the signs to Fistral Beach but when you pass the Red Lion pub keep heading straight at the next turning go to the top of the hill and turn right into the hotel car park. There is plenty of parking right outside the door. For satellite navigation use the postcode TR7 1EN.
By Foot - Follow the signs to Fistral beach and head straight up Dane Road you can see the Atlantic at the top of the road.
What you will find
The Atlantic Hotel was built in 1892 to serve the fledgling tourist trade that had developed around Newquay’s industrial success. Newquay was exporting China Clay, Tin, Iron and Lead not forgetting of course the Fishing industry that was exporting its catches around the country and Europe.
The Atlantic offers stunning 360-degree views, over the whole of Newquay and its hinterland. Take in the dramatic curve of the Coastline as it sweeps from Newquay up to Trevose head in the north, or Towan Head and Fistral Beach or the Town itself looking all the way over to the St Austell clay pits on the south Coast of Cornwall.
For fans of Sushi The Atlantic Hotel offers “So Sushi” Cornwall’s first Sushi Restaurant. With its authentic conveyor belt system, So Sushi offers relaxed dining in its Japanese styled setting. Take any dish from the track; the plates are colour coded by price. Relax after your meal, with a glass of Japanese beer on the comfy sofas, whist taking in the views. Easy.
Address – So Sushi, The Atlantic Hotel, Dane Road, Newquay, TR7 1EN, Tel - (01637) 872244.
The Terrace @ The Headland Hotel – Homemade cakes
How To Get There
By Car – Follow the signs to Fistral Beach, the Headland is the large red bricked hotel at the end of Headland Road . There is plenty of parking right outside the front door. For satellite navigation use the postcode TR7 1EW.
By Foot - Pedestrian signs will direct you to Fistral Beach look for the large red bricked hotel on the headland over looking the beach, you cant miss it, it takes about 10 minutes from the town centre.
What you will find
Opened in June 1900, The Headland is still the Jewel in the Crown of Newquay Hotels. Offering unrivalled quality of service in beautiful surroundings it’s a little like returning to the traditions of travelling by ocean liner.
The Headland offers an excellent café/ restaurant/bar called the Terrace specialising in local produce such as fresh fish from the harbour. It is open to non-residents from 10 am each day for late breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or just a drink or a snack.
With breathtaking views of Fistral Bay and Towan head you can sit inside and storm watch or chose a table outside for a sun downer.
There is nowhere better to go for a coffee tea or hot chocolate… but choosing your favourite from the huge choice of The Terrace’s trade mark home made biscuits or cakes is an not such an simple decision!
Address – The Terrace, Headland Hotel, Newquay, TR7 1EW.
Lewinnick Lodge - Tapas
How To Get There
By Car – Head for Pentire which is the headland that runs along the south end of Fistral Beach. Follow road down the hill which is Pentire Road then continue straight on don’t turn off at the bottom of the hill. You are now on Pentire Avenue continue to the very end of this road and turn right at the end of it when you see the Ice Cream hut. Follow the signs to Lewinnick Lodge along the little road to the large car park. You may feel that you have travelled to the end of the earth….you just about have! There is plenty of parking right outside the front door. For satellite navigation use the postcode TR7 1NX.
By Bus – Take the Western Greyhound Bus route 588. This is the Newquay Circular route. It takes about 11 minutes from the town centre to Pentire Head, the Lewinnick can be seen as soon as you step off the bus about 150 yards away.
By Foot – Follow the signs to Fistral Beach from the town centre. When you arrive at Fistral walk to the south end of the beach and up the steps. You are now on Esplanade Road. If you follow the road down past the hotels ( out toward the sea) and long the rough road, this road take you on a lovely walk out along the headland and brings you up to The Lewinnick lodge. The walk from the town will take you 20 – 30 minutes.
What you will find
Situated on the cliff edge of Pentire Headland, the original Lewininnick Lodge was a cottage that stood on this site and was built as a staff quarters in the late 18th Century. In 2002 the Lodge was completely rebuilt to create a purpose built bar and restaurant with terraced gardens allowing you to experience the Cornish coast up close.
The lodge is unique. There are very few places that give such unbroken sea and coastal views. The modern, open plan style of the new look lodge offers a perfect place to relax and take in the views that surround you. Open from 10 am each day for late breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or just a drink to watch the sun go down after your walk on the adjacent headland.
The menu is one of the best around, don’t be fooled into think Jamie Oliver is the only person who can cook in Cornwall, Gary May and his team are on hand to create one of the best menus in the south west. A mixture of local fish, meats and poultry are beautifully prepared.
The speciality of the house is the tapas …which are worth the trip on their own.
Address – Lewinnick Lodge Bar and Restaurant, Pentire Headland, Newquay, TR7 1NX.
Tel – 01637 878117
The Chy @ Towan Beach - Breakfasts
How To Get There
By Car – The Chy is in the centre of Newquay on Beach Road. The closest car park is the council car park on Fore Street. Head to the middle of town pass the Central pub and turn right at the Sailors. For satellite navigation use the postcode TR7 1ES.
By Foot - Follow the signs to Towan Beach, The Chy is on Beach Road on your left as you head down the hill to the beach.
What you will find
The uber chic Chy is a modern, chrome and glass cafe bar over looking the main town centre beach called Towan. It offers stunning views of Towan beach and its famous Island also Newquay bay and the coast up to Padstow.
This is a great daytime venue for a mega frothy marshmallow filled Hot Chocolate. The strength of the coffee here should have a government warning ..If you have an espresso be warned!
In summer sit on the terrace and watch the world go by..In winter sit next to the Italian designer fireplace and keep warm. Locals night is mad packed brilliant and on Monday nights when the drinks are two for one.
Apart from the crazy night time activities, The Chy is famous for its mega breakfasts. Massive plates full of what you like. The Veggie is amazing but if you are a meat eater go for the Big Ron’s breakfast !! oh yes!!
Address – The Chy,12 Beach Road, Newquay, TR7 1ES.
Tel – 01637 87 3415
The Windswept Café @ South Fistral - Pudding Nights
How To Get There
By Car – Head for Pentire, which is the headland that runs along the south end of Fistral Beach. Follow road down the hill, which is Pentire Road, and then take a right at the bottom of Pentire Hill on to Esplanade Road. Park opposite the Esplanade Hotel in the free parking bays. The Windswept Cafe is just at the bottom of the beach steps in front of you. For satellite navigation use the postcode TR7 1QA.
By Bus – Take the Western Greyhound Bus route 588. This is the Newquay Circular route. It takes about 11 minutes from the town centre to Pentire, ask the driver to let you off at the bottom of Pentire Hill,you will be able to see the beach head for the steps at the south end where you will find the Windswept Café.
By Foot – Follow the signs to Fistral Beach from the town centre. When you arrive at Fistral walk to the south end of the beach to the steps where you will find the Windswept.
What you will find
Windswept by name Windswept by nature - literally! This is an amazing little café / bistro built of wood and positioned on stilts off the cliff at South Fistral.
It has to be one of the friendliest places to eat in Newquay. Whether it’s a bowl of soup to warm you up after surf, a hot chocolate with the kids or a full on evening meal, the Windswept gives you the most chilled out atmosphere you can imagine. They even have a pile of beanbags in case you don’t fancy the formality of sitting at a table. It’s the perfect place to chill out and watch the tide come in …no hassles, dogs, kids, wetsuits, everyone’s welcome.
I know that in Cornwall it is a cliché to say it, but The Windswept really does have amazing views of Fistral beach. Whether it’s a view of the surfers at the South Fistral peak or on the spring tides when the waves pretty much come up and touch the café itself, there are few places where you can sit and be so close to nature.
The Windswept speciality is puddings. They have amazing puddings and even have a special “pudding night” on the 10th of each month (except August). They usually have a chocolatey one, something fruity and seasonal, a more traditional option, and a wild card, and fully expect you to try all four.
Address – The Windswept Café, South Fistral, Off Esplanade Rd, Pentire, Newquay, TR7 1QA
Tel – 01637 850793