Laid-back feasting in St Mawes

The smart south-coast village of St Mawes is blessed with more than its fair share of excellent dining options, but for joyfully casual cooking in a relaxed and attractive setting The Watch House is your go‑to.

Jay Rayner recently singled out The Watch House as one of the best value places to eat out on the British coast and it’s easy to see why. It’s the kind of place where you can rock up straight from the beach, sand between toes, and tuck into a lunch or supper of classic moules frites, seafood spaghetti or the freshest dayboat catch.

There’s no fuss or standing on ceremony, just straight‑up delicious local produce prepared by head chef Brad King and served in a laid-back, family‑friendly environment.

Working alongside chef founder Will Gould, Brad is a passionate proponent of supporting local artisan suppliers, so you’ll find delivery vans pulling up early each morning from top‑notch producers such as
Da Bara Bakery, Philip Warren Butchers and Harbour Brewing. Treleavens Luxury Cornish Ice Cream provides the sweet scoops while Rodda’s delivers the clotted cream.

Fancy eating supper on the beach as the sun sets over the water? Get The Watch House’s award‑winning fish and chip supper to go – just don’t forget a picnic rug.

Trencherman’s tip

Those dining in who are looking to push the boat out should order the roasted shellfish platter: a smorgasbord of half-shell scallops, tiger prawns, mussels and crab claws, care of Wing of St Mawes and Matthew Stevens Cornish Fish.