Cornwall LivingAutumn 2019
Porthleven’s finest 2019
Inspiring independent businesses bringing quality goods and produce back to the Fore.
Welcome to Porthleven! In recent times, Porthleven has become something of a hotspot for visitors and locals alike. Recognisable by its iconic clocktower overlooking the pier and Mount’s Bay beyond, not only is it a fabulous destination for a seaside break, it’s also up there as one of Cornwall’s top destinations for food. In celebration of this foodie prestige, the port is also home to the annual Porthleven Food Festival, which continues to grow in popularity every year.
For those looking to explore pastures new this autumn and winter – particularly in the run up to December as we start ticking off our Christmas lists – Porthleven boasts an eclectic array of independent shops, cafés and restaurants, allowing for a healthy dose of retail therapy, with delicious options for lunch and dinner in between.
Lying on the South West Coast Path, Porthleven holds a special place in our hearts, which is why in this issue we’ve decided to showcase Porthleven’s finest – to give you an idea of how special the home of Cornwall Living really is!
Essa Collection
Chic and independent, Essa Collection is a thriving family business based in Porthleven. Run by Vanessa Stevens and her husband John with the help of her mum Laura and daughter Rebekah, the family business continues over three generations and stocks a brilliant selection of women’s clothing and accessories. Rebekah provides a younger perspective on styles, adding to the already beautiful range of clothing that suits women of all ages.
Vanessa tells us: “All our clothes are hand selected and because we mostly buy only one of each, it’s a very exclusive collection to choose from.” The autumn collection features the unique tree style dress, available in a range of colours and styles, as well as jewellery, socks, hats, gloves and scarves, plus a new range of children’s clothes made in Falmouth – providing more than enough Christmas gift inspiration! Essa is also pleased to announce that it will be hosting a fashion show in aid of the Porthleven bowling club on 29th October, displaying the autumn range at its best.
Essa is going from strength to strength and has become a firm favourite among locals and holidaymakers alike thanks to its welcoming boutique style, beautiful products and personal service. So next time you’re in Porthleven, make sure to fit in a visit!
ESSA COLLECTION
01326 572236
Essa-collection on Facebook
Stargazey Gifts and Home
Stargazey Gifts and Home on Fore Street, Porthleven, is a few yards up the hill between the Twisted Currant Tea Room and the Corner Deli, and is the perfect place to find that special gift or accessory for your home.
Deb Bramwell opened Stargazey almost seven years ago and it’s clear to see that she has a talent for sourcing gorgeous products from artists and small design companies based in Cornwall and further afield.
Stargazey has a calm, clean style with that ‘hygge’ feel that so many of us want to achieve in our homes. Specialising in bespoke mirrors and lamps handmade in Cornwall, along with a wonderful array of cushions, throws, and wall art, this is the place to come to find that finishing touch for your home, or the perfect gift for that special someone.
Deb is currently working on preparations for the Stargazey Christmas Window – always a beautiful sight. This year the window will have a coastal theme, very appropriate for the wild storm watchers that Porthleven attracts. The window will be revealed during October half term, but don’t wait until then to visit; Stargazey is open every day of the week all year round, with a warm welcome for everyone.
STARGAZEY GIFTS & HOME
Stargazey on Facebook
Twisted Currant Tearoom
Twisted Currant is a traditional, family run tearoom serving Cornish grown tea in bone china cups. Run by Susan and Michael Plant, Michael tells us: “All our cakes and scones are homemade on the premises by Susan, and our team of excellent cooks creates delicious homemade specials and daily items for the menu.” Tempting traditional cream teas are served with Boddington’s strawberry jam and Rodda’s clotted cream, together with modern twists of Chocolate Cream Tea and Cheese Cream Tea. Michael continues: “We cater for all dietary requirements, so our vegan, gluten and dairy free customers have a varied choice from the menu to enjoy among friends and family. Our staff always extend a warm welcome to customers to give you that extra special feeling of comfort and service.”
The tearoom is just 50 yards from the harbour and provides the perfect respite after a leisurely stroll along the South West Coast Path, which passes through Porthleven. Not to mention, your four-legged friends are made just as welcome, with a water bowl and a dog biscuit each. Even if you don’t have time to sit in the tearoom, you can make the most of the team’s takeaway service, which is available for all meals, cakes, cream teas and drinks.
THE TWISTED CURRANT TEAROOM
01326 565999
Amélies
Gaze out through the glass-fronted restaurant doors of Amélies and it’s easy to be hypnotised by the boats in the harbour, gently bobbing at anchor.
Amélies is one of the top restaurants in Porthleven, being one of the original restaurants to inspire and create the town’s reputation as one of Cornwall’s top foodie destinations. The talented team of chefs nurture an ethos that incorporates fish caught just yards from the door, which is both seasonal and sustainable. The menu itself is inspired by the sunshine of the Mediterranean, mixed with the beauty of the Cornish coast.
For pescatarians, Amélies’ fish is simple, packed full of flavour and, often, cooked in the team’s wood-fired oven. Sometimes when the call of the sunny harbour is too much to bear, they cook it outside on the barbeque. Whether you’re dining on the lobster plucked fresh from the waves, or tucking into one of the teams award-winning Sunday roasts (cooked overnight in the wood-fired oven!), Amélies boasts a very special atmosphere that you simply won’t find anywhere else. It’s also a licensed wedding venue – turn to page 67 to find out more.
AMÉLIES
01326 653653
Rick Stein Porthleven
Autumn is a peaceful time in Porthleven, whether you’re out in the elements soaking up the dramatic ocean vistas from the coast path, or inside, enjoying the freshest seafood and a glass of good wine. Opened by the Stein family in 2014, their influence can be felt throughout their Porthleven eatery: Rick and Jack with the menu; Charlie with the wine list; Jill and Ed with the gorgeous interiors.
Take a seat, sit back and relax with a glass of your chosen wine. Gaze out across the harbour at the boats gently bobbing at anchor and you’ll soon realise that while the dining there is fine, it is not a fine dining restaurant. It’s relaxed, easy going, and the aromas drifting out of the open kitchen are enough to whet anyone’s appetite.
Head Chef Ashely Gains serves Rick’s classic seafood dishes, including turbot with hollandaise, Indonesian seafood curry and Cornish chilli crab, leaving guests full, satisfied and pencilling another visit in their diaries.
RICK STEIN PORTHLEVEN
01326 565636
Waves Gallery
Run by Mike Lacey and his wife Lisa, Waves Gallery is situated in a stunning location just off the harbour. As you walk through the courtyard you’re met with the awe inspiring sight of breaking waves displayed in the window, with no two the same – Mike’s photography will forever be as dynamic and interchangeable as his subject. The light and spacious gallery is a pleasure to walk around and you’ll be mesmerised by the selection of stunning wave photography available. Providing the perfect gift for the ocean lovers in the family, or as a statement piece for your home.
Available in a range of sizes and finishes; the shots that Mike captures have really got to be seen to be believed, so make sure to head down to the gallery and check them out for yourself. But give yourself plenty of time because you may well get lost in the captivating beauty of the ocean – I know I did!
WAVES SURF ART GALLERY
01326 368369