Dog-friendly restaurants in Cornwall

At low tide, Watergate Bay’s beach stretches for hundreds of metres in all directions, hugged by jagged cliffs and with views of the headland at Fistral Beach beyond. Once you’re done racing around on the sand, which is dog-friendly year round, a stop at the Beach Hut is essential: you’ll get great views over the beach from its vantage point within the rocky cliff, and plenty of unusual dining options. For breakfast, try the aloo paratha with a side of bacon or scrambled eggs, and for lunch you shouldn’t miss the moules mariniere.

This one is for the carnivores, as Rebellion specialise in roasting and grilling everything from prawns to brisket to burgers. There is a vegan option – a kale and hemp burger – and halloumi for the vegetarians, but the real highlight is the Ultimate Rebellion Burger which comes with pulled pork, brisket and crispy bacon, slathered in your preferred cheese and their own burger sauce. Come hungry, and bring something for the dog – you won’t want to share. They have a sister restaurant in Newquay, too.

For classic pub grub in a big beer garden, you can’t go wrong with the Brendon Arms in Bude. With dog-loving staff and a dog-friendly bar, it’s the perfect place to bring your pet after you’ve been to watch the surfers on the shore along the coast. Traditional dishes like fish and chips and steak and ale pies abound, and there are great vegetarian and vegan options like aubergine burgers and Mexican nachos.

Rick Stein’s restaurants often get all the plaudits in Padstow, but Prawn on the Lawn is quietly doing something exceptional without all the famous chef fanfare: fresh, expertly prepared fish caught from the British Isles, served up in a small but welcoming restaurant in the centre of town. Your larger breeds might not be super comfortable here, as tables and chairs are in fairly close quarters, but if you have a smaller dog you can indulge on gurnard ceviche, lip-smacking oysters or Cornish mussels and crab until your heart’s content.

The tiny fishing town of Mevagissey is set around a charming little harbour, and right on the waterfront here lies The Sharksfin. It’s an international affair here, with fish and shrimp tacos and seafood linguine taking you on a journey from Mexico to the Med. Leave room for dessert if you can, there’s a pineapple and rum pudding or baked chocolate brownie for afters.

Inland Cornwall doesn’t get as much love as the county’s dramatic coastline, but it’s here where you’ll find some of the region’s best food and drink thanks to its cider orchards and livestock farms. The St Kew Inn is a proper traditional English pub, with church pews for seats and an open fire for chilly winter days. There’s a big grassy beer garden, but dogs are also allowed inside if the weather’s not playing ball. The Sunday roasts here are divine, and the menu makes the most of local produce. It’s all perfectly paired with a pint of Cornish cider, too.