Cornwall LivingIssue #97
Porthleven’s finest 2020
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!
Twisted Currant Tearoom
Susan and Michael are now in their sixth year as owners of the Twisted Currant Tea Room and their reputation is constantly on the rise. Consistently ranked on TripAdvisor as offering the best dessert in Porthleven, Twisted Currant is known for the ambiance of the tearoom and the quality of the cakes and food. Susan bakes all of the cakes and scones fresh in the tearoom so there is always plenty of choice. Quality Tregothnan Tea and delicious Lavazza Gold coffee make the perfect accompaniment.
As well as cakes and scones, the tearoom also has a great breakfast and lunch menu. Susan and Michael take pride in the fact that they cater for gluten, dairy free and vegan customers. As a result, there is always a choice of meals and cakes for all dietary requirements, so friends and family can all dine together with a good choice for all. The tearoom also welcomes children and has an innovative children’s menu with healthy, child-friendly choices that are sure to delight your little ones.
Situated on Fore street just 25 yards up from the harbour in Porthleven, the tearoom is open seven days a week and offers a warm welcome to all of its customers, including your four-legged friends, who will be greeted with a dog biscuit and fresh water.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious breakfast, tasty lunch or mouth-watering cakes and cream teas, then head to the Twisted Currant for a relaxing meal the whole family can enjoy.
THE TWISTED CURRENT TEAROOM
10 Fore Street, Porthleven
TR13 9JH
01326 565999
Essa Collection
Certainly one of Porthleven’s finest boutique clothing shops, Essa Collection has a stunning array of clothing and accessories sourced from different countries around the world. Allowing you to add an exotic touch to your wardrobe, and discover unique items that you won’t find anywhere else in Cornwall.
Located just up from the harbour, you can couple your day exploring the picturesque fishing village of Porthleven with a spot of the very best retail therapy. As soon as you enter the shop you’re met with beautiful colours and fabrics that will take your breath away. Run by Vanessa Stevens and her family, you can always rely on the team for friendly advice and information on any of the items you’re interested in.
There are exciting developments for 2020 on the horizon and Vanessa has told us that she is pleased to announce a new element to the shop – the Preloved Porthleven Boutique. Launched in March, Preloved is a dress agency that accepts donations of new or as-new, high-end, high street and designer clothes, shoes and bags. Providing a sustainable recycling option for fashionable items and adding another tier of products to an already impressive collection.
Make sure to visit in person to see the brilliant array of clothing and accessories available and treat yourself to a little bit of ‘me time’ this year.
ESSA COLLECTION
5 Fore Street, Porthleven TR13 9HQ
01326 572236
Essa-collection on Facebook
Stargazey Gifts and Home
Stargazey Gifts and Home on Fore Street, Porthleven, is a few yards away from the harbour between the Twisted Currant Tearoom and the Corner Deli, and is the perfect place to find that special gift or accessory for your home.
Deb, the owner, opened Stargazey seven years ago and it’s clear to see that she has a talent for sourcing gorgeous products from artists and small design companies, both 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 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.
Stargazey is also the perfect place to find a special gift, whether it’s a hand-carved wooden duck, a piece of glass artwork or a scented Made in Cornwall candle – even their cards are a bit different! Deb says her motto is ‘Be spoilt for choice’, and many of Stargazey’s customers say daily that they are!
It’s not just about what’s sold at Stargazey, it’s about a return to good old-fashioned customer service. “All our customers are important to us, whether they’re buying a card or a beautiful handmade piece for their home,” Deb says. “It is why we will happily wrap gifts in our beautiful blue tissue, and provide a free paper gift bag. We will even add some ribbon if requested. It is the little touches that ensure our customers know how special they are to us, and, as we are open seven days a week, they will always find us here.”
STARGAZEY GIFTS & HOME
10 Fore Street, Porthleven TR13 9HJ
Stargazey
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
Harbour Road, Porthleven, Helston TR13 9JD
01326 368369
info@mikelaceyphotography.co.uk
Harbour View Café
Popular with locals and visitors alike, the Harbour View Café is situated right next to the South West Coast Path in the heart of Porthleven. Featuring spectacular views across the harbour and out to sea, it’s a great place to rest and refuel during your explorations of the area.
Offering freshly cooked all-day breakfasts as well as lunches, the whole menu is cooked from scratch, catering for vegans, gluten allergies and vegetarians, with plenty of delights to choose from, whatever the time of year. We did a little digging and found a review from one happy customer, who says: “Consistently excellent. Have tried scones (lovely and warm), lunches (the crab special is a must!), amazing breakfasts, lovely teas, coffees, beers, wines – the list is endless! Quality of food is top class. Warm welcome every time, also brilliant with children. Price is great for quality produce. We have tried several other eateries in Porthleven but we will always recommend the Harbour View Café.”
Managers Kizzy and Penny have already built a fantastic rapport with customers, especially those looking to take a load off while the dogs curl up beneath the table. For our dog review, we’ve found this from one happy whippet: “Our whippet loves it there and goes straight to the dog biscuit jar. Can’t fault it!”
HARBOUR VIEW CAFÉ
Mount Pleasant Road, Porthleven,
Helston TR13 9HJ
07948 613280
harbourviewcafe on Facebook