Explore hidden gastronomic delights, from Clitheroe’s farmer’s market to Porthleven’s fresh catch.
Location in Cornwall: Porthleven
Situated as Britain’s southernmost port, Porthleven has transitioned from its traditional tin and china clay offerings to becoming a haven for gastronomes seeking the finest gelato, seafood tapas, and freshly caught fish along the Cornish coast. The Harbour Inn, with rooms starting from £109 B&B (harbourinnporthleven.co.uk), provides an ideal stay. This recently renovated pub by the sea sources fish from nearby Newlyn and offers a unique “Chip Shop Upgrade” featuring curry sauce, pickled egg, onion, and bread and butter.
Additionally, Amelies (ameliesporthleven.co.uk), with its scenic view of fishing boats, serves up small plates such as Cornish mackerel pâté and salt and pepper squid, along with crispy pizzas and aromatic bouillabaisse. Make sure to indulge in at least two of the 30 ice cream flavors at Nauti (nautibutice.co.uk) and stock up on Cornish delights at Pengelly’s (pengellys-porthleven.co.uk) before bidding farewell and heading home.
Location in Wiltshire: Tisbury
Nestled in the picturesque Nadder Valley of Wiltshire, Tisbury stands as the largest village, surrounded by operational farms and the expansive 9,000-acre Fonthill Estate. These elements contribute to a vibrant culinary scene, embraced by both locals and visitors who choose to stay at the delightful Beckford Arms (doubles from £125 B&B; beckfordarms.com). This charming pub, featuring expansive fireplaces, hops adorning the bar, and a blackboard menu creatively displaying shotgun cartridges alongside daily specials, serves as an idyllic rural getaway. Indulge in candlelit dinners featuring locally sourced meat, game, and vegetables from the Beckford’s own kitchen garden.
The Beckford Arms serves as an excellent hub for exploring Tisbury and its surroundings, dotted with farm shops and restaurants. Visit Messums (messums.com), an arts center and gallery that also boasts an exhibition space in London, for the latest exhibits and delightful coffee and artisan cakes. Alternatively, venture into Bird & Carter (birdandcarter.co.uk) in the neighboring hamlet of Fonthill Bishop. This firelit eatery provides a perfect spot to replenish energy after exploring the rolling Fonthill Estate.
Just a short drive from the pub, Tisbury’s tranquil high street features several foodie destinations. Explore Tisbury Deli (tisburydeli.co.uk) with its offerings of cheeses, charcuterie, and hand-picked Mediterranean delights. Provenance (provenanceonline.co.uk) creates fresh salads, pastries, cakes, and pantry goods, all locally sourced and free of additives and preservatives, available for takeaway. Further up the street, Gardner & Beedle (gardnerandbeedle.com) showcases a vast collection of wines and spirits, while Beatons Tearooms (beatonstearooms.co.uk) provides a cozy spot to enjoy hot chocolate and delectable cakes, including excellent gluten-free options.
Location in Kent: Deal
Emerging as one of Kent’s enchanting coastal towns, Deal has embraced a flourishing foodie culture, featuring delights such as rich French cheeses and zesty charcuterie at the No Name Shop deli (no-name-shop.co.uk) and freshly caught fish at 81 Beach Street (offering excellent gluten-free/vegan options, 81beachstreet.co.uk), straight from the boat.
For accommodations, The Rose (doubles from £100 B&B; therosedeal.com), a converted former pub transformed into an eccentric boutique hotel with eight rooms, vibrant colors, and a mix of retro and contemporary artworks and furniture, offers a unique stay. The hotel’s excellent restaurant is helmed by Nuno Mendes, formerly of the Chiltern Firehouse.
Explore the town further with evenings beginning at The Lane for cocktails, followed by supper at Updown Farmhouse (updownfarmhouse.com), a delightful restaurant with rooms. Before concluding your visit, make a stop at Arno & Co (94 High Street) to discover small-batch wines, craft beers, and tapas snacks, and visit Jenkins Fishmongers for exceptional fish pâtés.
Location in Suffolk: Orford
Exuding timeless Suffolk charm, Orford is gaining recognition not only for its 12th-century castle and expansive skies above the shingle spit of Orford Ness but also for its thriving culinary scene. Renowned for its oysters, the Butley Orford Oysterage stands as the go-to spot, where the Pinney family has been serving seafood and smoked fish since 1959 (pinneysoforford.co.uk).
For delectable sweets, a visit to Pump Street Bakery (pumpstreetchocolate.com) is a must, where artisan chocolate crafted on-site shares space with the flakiest pastries and freshly baked sourdough loaves. Opt for a stay at the Crown & Castle (doubles from £113 B&B; crownandcastle.co.uk), an award-winning restaurant with rooms. Their menu features upscale dishes incorporating locally caught seafood and regionally sourced meats.
To bring home some culinary delights, explore the offerings at the Orford Meat Shed on Bakers Lane, known for its exceptional selection of local cheeses.
Location in Lancashire: Clitheroe
Nestled in the scenic Ribble Valley, Clitheroe serves as the culinary hub. Plan your visit on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday to immerse yourself in one of the region’s oldest food markets, dating back to the 12th century. Complement local farm produce with selections from the 4,000-strong wine assortment at D Byrne & Co (dbyrne-finewines.co.uk), and don’t miss breakfast treats from Cowmans Famous Sausage Shop (cowmans.co.uk), featuring 70 different sausage flavors, including curried beef and marmalade pork.
For a more traditional dining experience, reserve a table at Tom’s Table (tomstable.co.uk), a French-inspired bistro offering classic Gallic dishes and locally sourced steaks. Consider staying at the Spinning Block Hotel, part of Holmes Mill, a meticulously restored textile mill from the 1820s. This hotel boasts 39 chic bedrooms nestled alongside the Bowland Food Hall, a combination of deli, farm shop, and café. Indulge in spectacular breakfasts, featuring crispy bacon butties and free-range eggs benedict (doubles from £75 room-only, jamesplaces.com).
