Sadly today is our last day in Cornwall, just for a few months though. Therefore we decided to search for a place to eat which not only had a good view but also great food. We nailed it by having what I can only describe as a mind blowing lunch at ‘Hooked On The Rocks’ in Swanpoole. You will find this cute little place with a lovely beach just south of Falmouth.
This stunning restaurant is, as the name suggests sat above the rocks to the south side of the beach. You will stumble across this as soon as you leave the coastal path heading north, and you really should stop here, even for a snack.
There is parking available at the beach if you don’t fancy the walk, or maybe you would like to try what we did. Having decided we are now ‘walkers’ we parked near Helford Creek in a little village called Mawnan. There is a church right at the end of the road where you can park for a £2 donation. We then snaked our way around the coast heading north…..for 4 miles.
Halfway Point Coming
Halfway along though you do arrive at Maenporth beach which is another gorgeous bay with a little cafe for a refreshment. (Toilets are also available here which were very clean and usable). Once you have taken a quick break brace for the hill you are about to climb, and enjoy the view!
And Now Find Your Table
If you haven’t booked ahead you may get lucky and be able to walk-in and grab a seat. Mr C had reserved a sea view table on the terrace and we had made good time walking so were early. We had the pick of the tables and chose one overlooking the rocks where we could also see the beach. Even though it is only April and there was a breeze, people were going in swimming…..they looked cold! The sun was out so I guess that’s all they needed? We needed refreshments and foooooooooddddddd.
Starters
Oh my, our starters were phenomenal. Being unable to decide what to have we chose two and said we would share. This was just as well or we would both have had major food envy! They were both outstanding, this is what we had.
Falmouth bay scallops, roe butter, blood orange, fennel, crispy bacon.
Cured mackerel with beetroot & creme fraiche and something else I cannot remember but was delicious.
Mains
Now this is where it got even better if that was even possible! We both went for one of the specials of the day, as it was clearly the best sounding dish on the menu. I know some people go for lobster, but a) they had run out and b) I’m not that bothered about it.
So we chose the Hake, with chorizo, samphire, cauliflower puree with a crispy goujon on top. Every mouthful was divine and I did not want it to end. I would have tried to make it last longer however there was a breeze so I didn’t want cold fish. Hence I inhaled it! This was honestly one of the best meals I’ve ever had and you should definitely book yourself a table here. The staff are so attentive, charming and polite and can’t do enough for you either. Check out the rest of the menu here. Do not pass up the opportunity to have a Mind Blowing Lunch at ‘Hooked On The Rocks’!
Fully ‘full up’ we paid the bill (ouch a bit but every mouthful was worth it) and then realised we had 4 miles to walk back to the car! Doh!
A Little Extra
P.S if you are just after a little snack and a coffee on the lower terrace they have a horse box stall and more seating. This sells pastries, drinks and has excellent views of the beach too. Enjoy!
If you enjoy lovely food with a view then get yourself to Zennor, the Tinners Arms. Prices are affordable and the food is delicious!