Sitting right on the edge of the sand at Carbis Bay, the sea views from Walter’s on the Beach are pretty unbeatable. The sparkling turquoise sea and white sand are reminiscent of the Caribbean, and when the sun shines, there’s nowhere more beautiful in the world.
Words: Alex Fisher
The floor-to-ceiling windows make the best of the views, and diners spill out onto the large terrace as soon as the weather is warm enough.
The contemporary, internationally influenced menu, devised by head chef Andrew Houghton, is rooted in local, seasonal ingredients, with fish and seafood coming from nearby St Ives and Newlyn, and vegetables grown across Cornwall.
This restaurant is ideally placed to sit outside and watch the sunset over the sea, so check your timings and book accordingly!
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
I started with fat, juicy scallops: sweet, perfectly caramelised, and served with orange fennel, crab bisque, and a salty slice of pork belly (£18). For mains, the vegetarian pistachio tart (£23) was delicious, with a light, crisp pastry base and mildly spiced filling. Served with beetroot, atchar, apple, and a date and apple sauce, it perfectly balanced the sweet and sour flavours.
The dessert menu is playful and indulgent. ‘Eggs & Soldiers’ (£14.50) – a selection of flavoured brûlées served in porcelain eggshells, paired with shortbread for dipping – was huge; big enough to share with at least two, if not three, people
(if you wanted to).
If you just fancy a drink while you watch the sunset, there’s a great cocktail bar with an inspired menu. Try an Orange Spiced Margarita or
a Lemongrass Mule (£18 each).
HOW’S THE MOOD?
Relaxed fine dining, and coastal chic where flip-flops and sandy feet are just as acceptable as a cocktail dress and heels. Staff are friendly and attentive but not rushed. The dark, luxurious décor contrasts with the beach vibe and is quite the opposite from the nautical stripes you often see on a seaside interior. This means it also works well when the weather is cooler and you want to cosy up.
CAN I SEE THE SEA?
You can’t miss it! The sparkling waters of Carbis Bay are front and centre. The terrace backs directly onto the beach, which faces in the right direction for stunning sunset dining.
DETAILS
Starters are priced from £16, mains from £23, and desserts from £14.50. Cocktails cost from around £14.
Walter’s is open daily for lunch (noon-2.30pm), light snacks (2.30-5pm), and dinner (6-9pm).
Call 01736 795311 or visit carbisbayhotel.co.uk/dine-with-us/walters-on-the-beach.
Coastal Cuisine at The New Inn, Tresco, Isles of Scilly
Whether you’re staying on Tresco, or are on a day trip to enjoy the beautiful beaches and stunning Abbey Garden, this gastropub is worth a visit. Serving local seafood – including the freshest crab and lobster you can find – and island produce such as Troytown ice cream from St Agnes, Head Chef Liam Caves creates seasonal menus that are perfect for relaxed dining by the sea. The dining room boasts views across to Bryher, or on warm days, you can eat in the gardens, where you may get to see a demonstration of traditional lobster pot making. People are friendly and there’s a welcoming, community atmosphere when you visit outside of the busy high summer season.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
To start, we shared confit duck croquettes, served with balsamic onion chutney and a bitter leaf salad (£14). These delicious little parcels were full of melt-in-the-mouth duck meat, nicely contrasted by the chutney. My main was smoked haddock chowder with fish velouté, corn, samphire, shaved fennel and saffron potatoes (£24). It was everything you’d want a chowder to be – creamy but light, with chunks of flaky fish and a smattering of fresh herbs. Dessert was a shared dark chocolate mousse with poached pear and hazelnut brittle (£12). The delicate, fragrant pear balanced the rich mousse and the brittle added texture to what was a perfect end to the meal.
HOW’S THE MOOD?
Easygoing and friendly – as the only pub on the island, it’s much loved by the locals who keep Tresco running. It’s family-friendly, and they offer a separate children’s menu, which includes smaller portions of pan-fried local fish.
NEAREST BEACH?
The beautiful sandy beaches of New Grimsby Bay are just a few metres away. Here, you can catch a boat across to Bryher, or the main town on bigger St Mary’s.
COSTS
Starters are from around £9, mains from £22, with sides from £6 and desserts from £10.
OPENING TIMES
These may vary, but the Driftwood Bar is usually open seven days a week, from 8am-11pm (10.30pm on Sundays). Daily lunch: 12-2.30pm (2pm in spring); dinner: 6-9pm in summer (8.30pm in spring).
HOW TO BOOK?
Call 01720 423 006 or visit tresco.co.uk/eating/new-inn.
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