A real taste of Cornwall
FOR many Cornwall is the land of pasties, cream teas and cider, traditional tourist fare that can be found in every picturesque fishing village up and down its much-loved coastline. Dig deeper, however, and you will find there is lots more to entice you into the county’s shops and restaurants.
Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth and other Cornish-based chefs have for many years promoted the use of local produce and being close to the sea and surrounded by verdant farmland, their restaurants have always had no problem sourcing ingredients. Now, we the public, can also get our hands on these delicious tastes of Cornwall.
This hasn’t gone unnoticed in the highest house in the land. Back in July, Camel Valley wines were served at a reception to welcome the King and Queen of Spain to Buckingham Palace. Camel Valley has for many years spearheaded the Cornish wine industry, gaining awards around the world.
Now there are new kids on the block. In the far west, less than 10 miles from Land’s End, is Polgoon Vineyard, which with its first wine in 2006 won best still rosé in the UK. Further north, close to the iconic Eden Project, is Knightor Winery, who alongside their wines also produce a Cornish vermouth.
With wine comes cheese and this is another product Cornwall excels in. You may know Davidstow, still made on the edge of Bodmin Moor and the award-winning Cornish Yarg and Cornish Blue but have you come across St Gluvias, Helford Camembert, Cornish Jack or Miss Wenna? Many will pop up on a cheese board in a local restaurant or pub, a great way to sample them. Look out for Kern, recently voted best cheese in Britain this year.
AND the awards continue. This year’s Taste of the West awards have celebrated Cornish hotels whose restaurants offer great dining, the Mullion Cove Hotel on the Lizard, The Old Coastguard at Mousehole and the Talland Bay Hotel near Looe have all gained gold and offer great places to stay to experience all the great food on offer. If you are staying elsewhere there are also many restaurants and pubs to try.
For those unable to make it to Cornwall, a selection of Cornish products can be found outside of the county now, including leading beers made by St Austell Brewery. You can also buy Cornish produce online through The Cornish Food Box Company, including fresh meat, fish and veg.
Many of these food and drink providers will out next weekend in Truro at the Great Cornish Food Festival. Three days of tastings, demos and tutorials with more than 60 exhibitors will offer everything from Cornish vodka to sea salt.
For those who still hanker after traditional Cornish tastes, there will be plenty of clotted cream, jam and a host of cider producers, there might even be a pasty or two. INFORMATION: visitcornwall.com/ foodie