For all the Family

Cornwall is one of the UK’s top family holiday destinations. Words by Jude Kereama 

With our dramatic coastline, golden and white sand beaches and charming seaside towns, Cornwall offers an unbeatable mix of natural beauty, adventure and family-friendly attractions.

First and foremost, the beaches are a huge draw; from Lands End to the Lizard Point, and up to Bude, families can spend long days building sand castles, paddling in the waves or trying out water sports like surfing, sea kayaking and paddle boarding. Locally in Porthleven, we have our own sandy beach and the harbour for all manner of different water sports, which also includes a family tradition of harbour jumping at high tide. Don’t forget to book Mor Holan sauna to warm up after your water sport! Fishing trips and sea kayak tours also run out of the harbour for exploring the nearby coastline. Many Cornish beaches are lifeguarded in the summer making them safe and inclusive for all ages – in fact there’s a beach for every occasion and wind direction.

Importantly, Cornwall also feels like a break from the everyday. Our slower pace, fresh sea air and wide-open landscapes help families to reconnect and spend time away from screens and routines. There’s plenty of holiday accommodation choice for all budgets, from camping and cosy cottages, to family hotels and beachside lodges. There are also lots of wonderful places to visit from charming seaside towns and quaint fishing villages to idyllic riverside locations and wind-swept cliff tops to choose from. This makes Cornwall such a fantastic place to explore for the whole family.

After exploring all day, finding somewhere to dine is the next adventure. Luckily here in Cornwall, we have many fine restaurants, cafés, pubs, bakeries and takeaways for the whole family. One of the culinary treasures made in Cornwall is the Cornish Pasty. Everyone has their favourite, but which is the best? I have two; Ann’s Pasties or Gear Farm. Both have quality ingredients in them and are made locally. I have also made my own pasty at home which I must say was really delicious. One of the advantages of making your own is that you can buy the best possible ingredients you can source to put in them. If you look at how few ingredients go into a pasty, it is important to make sure they are all excellent and then seasoned well.

Or, how about a good old Cornish Tea in the afternoon? I love them. It’s hard to beat your own scones which have been lightly mixed and baked fresh and served warm straight from the oven. Be sure to put jam on first! Next is to top it off with your favourite Cornish clotted cream. No Cornish holiday is complete without a fish and chip supper, and when choosing where to eat one, it’s important to me to know where the fish is sourced from and whether it is sustainable.

Keeping kids and adults happy while dining at the same time can sometimes be tricky. At Kota Kai, we have been championing family dining for the last 14 years. We have endeavoured to find the balance of great food for everyone in a relaxed setting, so that the whole family can enjoy themselves. Kids have a great choice of dishes on their own menu, but there is always something on the main menu for the more adventurous children if they wish. 

Kai has always been known for having Asian dishes and ingredients that have been familiar to me from childhood. Big bowls of noodles, curries and spicy salads, sit besides grilled Cornish meats, vegetarian dishes and seafood. Whether we are serving adults or children, produce is of the highest importance. We are so lucky to have our seafood caught and gathered locally with a huge variety such as mussels, oysters, scallops, squid, crab, lobsters alongside different species of fish. Meats are from the renowned Philip Warren and Son butchers, who recently won best butcher in the UK. 

The dining room at Kai is on the first floor, with each table having a view of the beautiful Harbour and town. We also have an area on the green overlooking the sea that can sit up to 70 people. Happy hour is daily from 4.30pm until 6.30pm. Renowned for our delicious cocktails, there is always a funky vibe in the room. Brunch on the weekends is always a treat and is open from 10.30am until 2.30pm. On the brunch menu you will find pancakes, French toast, bagels with smoked salmon, alongside a Roti John sandwich and poached eggs with Chakalaka beans and crushed avocado. For those who are celebrating the weekend, brunch cocktails are a must with favourites being Kai Mimosa, Marmalade Paloma, Espresso Martini, and the good old Bloody Mary. Ensuring no-one is left out, dogs are welcome for lunch.

Kota has a more grown up feel to the dining room but still has a children’s menu so the whole family can enjoy themselves. We have a tasting menu alongside an à la carte and small plates menus. It’s a great place to pop in for a glass of wine and a snack, or a full-on meal. Housed in one of the oldest buildings in the harbour, the service is always relaxed and attentive. Expect the best ingredients in the area to adorn the menu with a lot of local seafood, organic vegetarian dishes, and meat dishes to excite the tastebuds along an extensive wine list. Be sure to try one of our seasonal cocktails.

KOTA & Kota Kai
Harbour Head, Porthleven TR13 9JY
01326 562407 / 01326 727707
www.kotarestaurant.co.uk
www.kotakai.co.uk