11 Sep Pitstops | The best food, drinks and coffee in Newquay

Newquay is a rough cut diamond of a town, a little rogue on the surface with all the traditional seaside trimmings. But look beyond its exterior and you’ll discover a place that bridges the boundary between traditional and modern surf culture.

 This thriving surf-community is a Cornish hub of coffee culture, cocktail alchemy and freshly baked carbohydrates. And the perfect place to find caffeine and tucker to quench your pre or post surf cravings. So if you’re looking for the best food, drinks or coffee in Newquay, here are a few of our favourite places…

Box and Barber Coffeehouse

The caffeine creation of brothers Damian and Lucas, Box and Barber is the closest thing to Australian coffee culture in Newquay, sitting bright and whitewashed above the harbour on Newquay’s central Fore Street. 

The house sells Cornwall-roasted Origin Coffee and has grown into a plastic-free community hub that holds quality and ethics at its core. Sourcing all ingredients for it’s brunch-style menu locally, it ensures everything that leaves the shop is biodegradable; good vibes all day, every day. 

We love:  The traditional Acai bowls, thick frozen smoothie made from pure Acai powder and topped with fresh fruit and granola. A snack synonymous with Oahu’s North Shore, this brunch is one to be consumed greedily with a spoon whilst sat outside, rain or shine. Image: @box_and_barber

Gilmores Golf

Golf, Tacos, Tequila, Beer; the four pillars of Gilmores Golf on which its owner, Elsie, built the home of Newquay’s notorious fish taco. She also shakes the best espresso martini in town.

If you’re into your veggies alongside the meaty options you’ll find shelled broad beans, peas and courgette tossed with feta in soft taco shells and anointed with thin slithers of red wine vinegar steeped onions, alongside thick pulled pork with a dollop of sour cream. The menu caters for everybody; VG, GF and is fresh AF. Get down here for some sweet Mexican goodness served up after a quick round of mini golf because holy moly, Gilmores does them well.

We love: The taco board of beef, pork and veggie options shared between friends, followed by fresh cinnamon churros and an icy glass of Cazcabel tequila.  Image: @gilmores_newquay

Pavilion Bakery 

It’s a dangerous dawn patrol if your path leads you past Pavilion. The scent of fresh baking bread waits to envelop you like a duvet and seduce you away from the surf towards its sweet and savoury goods. 

Luckily, the first South-West outpost of Pavilion’s London-based bakehouse is just above Towan Beach. So if you do get sidetracked, the surf isn’t too far away. 

We Love: Literally any of their toasties, plus the promise of its soon-to-drop Fistral sourdough loaf. Image: @wearethepavilion

Jam Jar

Nourished. That’s how you’ll likely feel on leaving the Jam Jar. Owner Jess trained with L’ultime Patisserie & Chocolaterie during her time overseas and has since applied her extensive experience into creating some mind-blowing gluten free and refined sugar free baking creations.

Whether you like your coffee strong or a unicorn-coloured caffeine alternative, Jam Jar’s little footprint holds a veritable Tardis-full of superfood niceties.

We love: The Golden Mango smoothie made with coconut milk, raw honey, bee pollen and turmeric paired with the gooiest gluten-free salted caramel brownie. Ever. Image: @jam_jar_jess

The Hatch

Having opened in January, this new midtown oasis sits above Watershed on the high street and is making a name for itself as the home of Newquay’s best breakfast burrito. Sink into its leather sofa, sip your ice latte and scoff a burrito big enough to be two meals in one, for a total steal of £6. This little place is not just affordable, it’s pure quality. 

We love: The magnificent breakfast burrito or pulled jackfruit with pineapple. Show your face and support. Image: @thehatchnqy

55 yards

This premium bar, bottle shop and townhouse is one of Newquay’s more polished gems; a place where flip flops and heels are equally welcome among its warm wooden and copper toned interior.

 The gins, beers and wines are hand selected from around the world so settle in for some serious taste discoveries to the background accompaniment of live jazz. And oh yeah, look out for the fur-babies that will likely greet you at the door…

We love: A pint of Whale Tail Pale Ale and a packet of Burts. Image: @55yards

12 Beach Road

On the other side of the headland lies one of our favourite places to recharge. 12 Beach Road looks out across the whole of Newquay Bay and is just one minute from Newquay Activity Centre; an easy distance to walk with wobbly legs and jelly surf arms to its door for some tucker. FYI if you’re feeling a bit perkier, the bar also boasts the largest gin selection in Newquay. 

We love: The whole Sea Bass served with skinny fries and lemon aioli followed by a special number 12 luxury hot chocolate for pudding. Image: @12beachrdnqy

The Stable

The stable sits overlooking the whole of Fistral Beach, flanked by Newquay’s imposing Headland Hotel made famous for its feature in the 1990 film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s, The Witches. 

At this time of year, its balcony becomes the sunset’s personal theatre, so is well worth visiting for a pizza, pie and classic cider. Brilliantly, the menu has a host of alternatives for dietary requirements so don’t let any allergies put you off the fun. 

We love: A pint of Cornish Orchards and a Billy the Kid pizza with a gluten free base (only £10 on a Tuesday!) Image: @stablefistral

Come explore Newquay with us! Check out our upcoming Women + Waves weekends here. Hope to see you soon!