Our favourite dog-friendly restaurants in North Cornwall
5 minute read
Prawn on the Lawn, Padstow
Fancy yourself a fish supper but don’t want to settle for the chippy? Padstow has reams of excellent restaurants for this sort of fare, but Prawn on the Lawn is one of the best – and perhaps most underrated, too. Their seafood is fresh, local and always served with inventive and delicate flavours. Expect Thai spice-infused mussels, lemon sole with nduja, or oysters either served deep-fried with garlic crème fraîche or with raw shallots and vinegar. Space is somewhat tight here so only bring small or medium dogs with you – and you’ll want to book ahead to ensure you get a table.
The Living Space, Watergate Bay
Set inside the coastal Watergate Bay Hotel, The Living Space is a lively spot for an evening meal or lunch by the beach. Come here for great views out over the sprawling bay, where the sand stretches for miles when the tide is out, and to watch surfers coming in on the frothing waves. Meals here are crowd pleasers crafted with care, from hearty ragus to classic steaks and burgers, all served with spectacular sea views. The beach below is dog-friendly year round, so don’t miss a wander on the sand after you’ve eaten.
Stay at: Appletree Cabin, a cosy cabin with an enclosed garden.
Port Gaverne Restaurant, Port Gaverne
Dogs can join you in both the bar and restaurant at this delightful eatery. The decor at the Port Gavarne Restaurant is quite charming, with stained-glass windows and comfy church pew seating, plus an outdoor terrace for sunny days. There are oysters, roasts on Sundays and lovely local fish to try – all rated with two rosettes from the AA. Once you’ve indulged a little, take the dog for a walk on the lovely year-round, dog-friendly beach in the village, or walk out to Castle Rock along the coast path.
Stay at: Trengayor Farm, a farmhouse for families or groups with views of the coast.
The Fish House, Newquay
Overlooking the spectacular Fistral Beach, where surfers flock to find their thrills on the Atlantic’s powerful waves, The Fish House is a cracking place to bring the dog for lunch (no dogs after 4.30pm). As the name suggests, it’s very much a fish restaurant with mussels and squid and crab cakes, plus fish curries, delicate fillets of hake and monkfish. There’s also steak for the meat eaters in your party, but be warned that vegetarians and vegans won’t find anything at all.
Trevisker’s Kitchen, near Padstow
“They make your dog feel like a local celebrity,” reads the reviews of Trevisker’s Kitchen out in the countryside near Padstow, making this lovely restaurant well worthy of a diversion from the coastline on your next holiday to North Cornwall. While the dog is being fussed over by the staff, you can choose from a menu of halloumi burgers, wild mushroom pasta, Thai noodles and salads. There’s a kids menu, too, and a great carvery on a Sunday. Plus, there are plenty of sweet treats for afters.
Catch Seafood Bar & Grill, Mawgan Porth
Mawgan Porth’s magnificent sandy beach is dog friendly year-round and has one major upside: it sits beneath the excellent Catch Seafood Bar & Grill. Dogs are much loved here and will get biscuits and fuss on arrival, while humans get a choice of fish and seafood from Cornish waters cooked in creative ways. There are broths, soups, seafood pizzas and even fancy fish finger baps. Vegans and veggies can enjoy curries and fish and chips alternatives, and there’s even a dish made for the dog. The wine menu here is especially interesting, too – order a Romanian orange wine or an English sparkling.