The Gurnard’s Head

Perched in a secluded spot on Penwith moorland just a few miles from St Ives, this relaxed and rustic dining pub with rooms is the epitome of Cornish comfort.

Owned and stewarded by brothers Charles and Edmund Inkin (proprietors of The Old Coastguard in Mousehole and The Felin Fach Griffin in Wales), the iconic bright yellow inn overlooking the Atlantic is comfortable and well appointed. However, it’s the food and warm hospitality that make it truly memorable.

Boldness runs throughout – from the buttery colour of the exterior and dining rooms to the ever-evolving menu. Long-time head chef Max Wilson crafts dishes from whatever seasonal ingredients arrive on his doorstep, including dayboat-delivered seafood, locally reared meats and farm-fresh veg.

Standout dishes include whole plaice served with caper, shallot, almond and lemon butter; ribeye steak with green beans, stilton, gherkin and caper salad and beef-dripping hash brown; and half-shell scallops served simply with garlic butter, chives and lemon.

To complement this good cooking, the pub features an exceptional – and eclectic – wine list, which includes finds from new and little-known winemakers and a number of UK wineries. Twenty wines by the glass and carafe make pairing with each course a breeze.

Trencherman’s tip

If the weather’s good, opt for a pint of Verdant Cornish craft beer at the outside bar, The Cow Shed. Peckish? A casual all-day menu – including gourmet burgers – is available for those arriving between meals.