Whether you’re looking for a rainy day treat, a quiet bolthole to read a good book, or somewhere to enjoy a cup of the good stuff with scenic views, keep reading to discover the best coffee shops in Cornwall.
Rockpool Café, Mousehole
Best for: Sea views
Where: Rockpool Café, The Parade, Mousehole, Penzance, TR19 6PT
Tucked away five minutes’ walk from Mousehole harbour (famous for its annual Christmas lights), Rockpool Café can be easily missed if you don’t know it’s there. Found at the start of the coastal path walk towards Newlyn and Penzance, it’s well worth making a beeline for, with seriously gorgeous coastal views and choice of indoor and outdoor seating. Inside, it's cosy and warm with a beach hut feel, while outdoors you’ve got uninterrupted views over Mousehole tidal pool, Mounts Bay and St Clements Isle from the picnic benches. Expect premium coffee from Foundation Coffee Roasters, who are based nearby in St Ives. They focus not only on providing high grade brews, but also ensuring a wholly ethical supply chain. We also love the Rockpool’s hand-shaped coffee cups which are crafted from Cornish clay. What’s more, they make a mean cream tea with some of the best scones around.
Harbour Head, Porthleven
Best for: Coffee geeks
Where: Harbour Head, Porthleven, Helston, TR13 9JY
For true coffee aficionados, you’ll love Harbour Head in Porthleven, the headquarters of Origin Coffee Roasters. This is the exact location that Origin – now one of the UK’s longest standing coffee roasters – was founded over two decades ago. Sample monthly single-origin feature coffees while enjoying the maritime views over Porthleven’s historic harbour. Afterwards, walk the coastal path, visit the beach, or explore Porthleven’s shops and galleries. You’ll also find a menu of locally baked sweet treats and a team passionate about what they do. Making each sip sweeter, Origin is B Corp certified, recognised for their approach to sustainably and ethically sourced coffee beans.
Yallah Café, St Ives
Best for: Sustainable coffee
Where: Yallah, Wharf Road, St Ives, TR26 1LF
We just love Yallah, not only for their great single origin coffee from around the globe, but also for their approach to sustainability. They use electric roasting ovens, plastic free packaging and even transport their coffee beans via sail rather than fossil fuel intensive cargo ships. It also helps that their kiosk and coffee shop overlooks St Ives harbour which is one of the most beautiful views in Cornwall. Venture to the waterside kiosk for takeaway coffee and sweet treats on the go, or head indoors to their café to take a pause. Expect minimalist decor with industrial finishings, a huge window overlooking the harbour and nourishing veggie meals to go with your coffee. If you’re there for the day, St Ives has plenty of things to see and do including a visit to the Tate museum, a walk along the coastal path, or to one of the town beaches. Come evening, there’s also a fabulous choice of local restaurants.
Espressini, Falmouth
Best for: Coffee with breakfast
Where: Espressini, 39 Killigrew Street, Falmouth, United Kingdom, TR11 3PW
Head to the heart of Falmouth town for artisan coffee paired with a perfectly delicious breakfast. Espressini, easily recognised by its bright pink frontage, has been one of the best places in Cornwall to caffeinate and refuel for over a decade. Expect house coffee from Yallah, plus a range of speciality teas and hot drinks, served in a cosy atmosphere complete with shabby chic furniture. Breakfasts include energy-packed porridge bowls, plenty of veggie and vegan options, and traditional cooked breakfasts. Their freshly baked cakes are also to die for, with the likes of orange and pistachio cake, zesty lime slices, and tiramisu cookies gracing the menu. Afterwards, there’s plenty to do in Falmouth, including museums, shops and restaurants. Or, you can stretch your legs with a coastal path walk and go for a dip at one of the local beaches.
Chapel Café, Port Isaac
Best for: Coffee with lunch
Where: Chapel Café, Roscarrock Hill, Port Isaac, PL29 3RG
Loved for its traditional fishing village feel and as the filming location of Doc Martin, a trip to Port Isaac feels a little like stepping back in time – and Chapel Café forms a little piece of this history. A former methodist chapel from the 19th century, the café overlooks the fishing harbour with views out to sea. On the other side of the beach you’ll find the Doc’s house, which sits on the South West Coast Path and is the starting point for picturesque waterside walks. Not only are the vistas from the café amazing, but it’s beautiful inside with high ceilings and plenty of light flooding through the windows. It’s very dog friendly and four legged friends can even be treated to a pupaccino. For humans, expect excellent coffee from Olafactory roastery on Cornwall’s south coast, with Chapel Café having its own unique blend. They’re also known for their excellent lunch and dinner menu, with many claiming they make the best fish finger sandwich around.
108 Coffee House, Truro
-.jpg "Credit 108 Coffee House")
Best for: Remote working
Where: 108 Coffee House, 109 Kenwyn Street, Truro, TR1 3DJ
If you’re looking for somewhere to remote work or to catch up on life admin, Cornwall’s capital of Truro has plenty of coffee shops to hang out in, with one of the very best being 108 Coffee House. Expect friendly staff and excellent WiFi in the city centre next to plenty of restaurants and shops. Plus, only the best coffee from local roasters, served with locally sourced milk. If you’re feeling peckish there are plenty of sweet treats on offer, with seasonal bakes and simple lunch options (think toasties, paninis, and soup). If you like to people watch, then grab a coffee to go and enjoy the comings and goings of the city from one of the benches on Lemon Quay Piazza.
Flatties Coffee Co, Penzance
Best for: Hidden gem café
Where: Flatties Coffee Co, 28 Market Jew Street, Penzance, TR18 2HR
Penzance is a harbour town known for its eclectic galleries, characterful pubs and boutique indie shops – and nothing captures the quirky and creative side of the town better than Flatties Coffee Co. Set above a vintage clothes store, just a few metres from one of Cornwall’s best book shops, it’s easy to miss – but for those in the know, it makes a quiet escape from the bustle of Penzance’s busiest shopping street. Step inside to vibrant decor, including brightly coloured walls and vintage accessories, plus mismatched crockery and a retro pinball machine. The coffee is strong and the tables are adorned with a collection of vintage and street fashion coffee table books to keep you entertained. Sit next to the window for views over the street, whilst treating yourself to a slice of cake or a toastie. Afterwards, visit one of Penzance’s local attractions or indulge in a little retail therapy.
Box & Barber, Newquay
Best for: Cool, casual hangout
Where: Box & Barber, 72-74 Fore Street, Newquay, TR7 1EY
In true Newquay style, Box & Barber was first opened above a surf shop in 2015. Since then, they’ve upsized and relocated to the town centre just a stone’s throw from Towan Beach. However, there’s still a hint at surf culture in the relaxed feel, nourishing acai bowls, and friendly community they’ve created. There’s also a strong focus on quality, including premium coffee from Origin roastery and top-notch food ingredients from small batch local producers. In keeping with their casual style, the coffee shop is dog friendly and close to many of the best dog walks in and around the town, plus many of Newquay’s main attractions. A coffee shop by day, come the evening Box & Barber converts to Parrilla, a steak and burger restaurant serving Cornish, grass-fed beef, hand-cut fries and homemade dips. They’re one of many fantastic places to eat in Newquay town centre.
Cubs, Mevagissey
Best for: Coffee and clothing
Where: Cubs, 12 Fore Street, Mevagissey, St Austell, PL26 6UQ
Combine a little retail therapy with your need to caffeinate at Cubs coffee shop in Mevagissey. The flagship of their three stores (the others are in Watergate Bay and Newquay), Cubs Mevagissey sells casual daywear along with specialty coffee from local roasters. Based one street back from the harbour, they’re a perfectly positioned stop-off whilst exploring the area and we love their modern yet minimal Scandi-inspired decor. Think natural materials and whitewashed walls brought to life with their branded clothing and surfboards. Afterwards explore the local beaches and enjoy fish and chips overlooking the sea, or learn more about what makes this area unique with a trip to the museum.
Looking for somewhere to stay during your trip? Our holiday cottages in Cornwall offer cosy retreats all along the coastline.
Tags: Cornwall | Eating out | Drink |