Welcome to Porthleven
Jude Kereama, owner of Porthleven’s Kota and Kota Kai, details why this bustling harbour village has got to be one of Cornwall’s premier dining destinations.
Since the very first day Kota opened, we have had B&B rooms. In fact, Kota in its former life has been many things, but it was also once an old coach house. The separate building that now houses our prep room was once a stable for the horses, tired after a hard day’s work.
Today, we have three double rooms that vary in price according to the size of the room. All have king-size beds but some have extra space for families. Room one has a comfortable pull-out bed from the sofa, and room three has a mezzanine floor with a small double for kids. We are now looking at building a three-bedroom apartment extension that has all the facilities for a family to stay for a week. If the family is larger, we are able to connect other rooms to the apartment when extra space is needed. We hope to have this finished by Christmas.
The point of difference with a stay at Kota, especially in the ‘off season’, is that we always have a deal going for a dine and stay. These seem to be really popular, incorporating a six-course meal, stay, and breakfast. Having the rooms really helps us to accommodate all the foodies that want to come and dine and don’t want to drive home, and who can blame them? We get visitors from all over Cornwall, but also from around the world, and what they each have in common is that they’re looking for a dining experience where they can have – and enjoy – the wine flight, without having to worry about a designated driver.
In terms of our location, Porthleven has really become a foodie destination. There is such a great group of restaurants, cafes, a brewery, roastery, and pubs that can easily keep visitors entertained for over a week. There are also a few evening spots for those who wish to have a later night post dinner. Apart from Kota and Kota Kai, there is such a great range of varying chefs and dishes in the village that makes a visit here for a week a must. And really, especially in the summer when the village comes to life, a stay here would not be complete without a visit to all the amazing pubs and bars that are packed full of revellers everyday.
Food, drink and atmosphere aside, Porthleven is just a beautiful place to stay. With its horseshoe harbour, it is an absolute must to jump from the high wall… if you dare. Paddleboarders, surfers, sea kayakers and swimmers all absolutely love Porthleven. Then there’s Porthleven beach that is manned by the RNLI.
Perhaps you prefer lacing up your boots and walking? Again, Porthleven is just a treat! Being on the South West Coast Path, it doesn’t matter which way you walk along the cliffs as they are both incredibly beautiful. If you walk east, you are heading towards Lizard Point (the most southerly point in mainland UK). Along this stretch of coastline there are some of the most stunning beaches to visit, including Kynance Cove, Polurrian beach, Poldhu beach, Church Cove, and Kennack Sands, to name a few. Alternatively, walk west and you’ll be heading for Land’s End, with fantastic beaches like Rinsey Cove, Hendra and Praa Sands, all within easy walking distance. Another great walk is the five-mile loop from Porthleven that takes you through the Penrose Estate past Loe Bar and through the woods, back to Porthleven.
For those keen to immerse themselves in Cornwall’s burgeoning festival scene, if you come in April you may find yourself here in time for the Porthleven Food and Music Festival. Playing host to the best chefs from the UK and Cornwall, each cooking up a storm, there are also buskers, street performers, food stalls, food markets, bars, and bands playing all weekend. Oh, and don’t forget about Flora Day! Taking place just up the road in Helston, this local, centuries-old celebration is another unmissable Cornish event.
Porthleven is an ideal place to explore from, with Penzance 12 miles away, Falmouth 14 miles, St Ives 13 miles, Helford River 12 miles, and Lizard Point 12 miles distant. Everything is easy to get to, and after a long day spent exploring, your welcome back to your accommodation at Kota – with the amazing food and drink that goes with it – will mean you can rest and refuel in style, ready for the next day’s adventure.
Kota and Kota Kai
01326 727707
www.kotarestaurant.co.uk
www.kotakai.co.uk