The Old Quay House Hotel

Fowey’s hidden waterside haunt

Once a refuge for sailors, the present-day incarnation of this whitewashed Victorian building is a fabulous find for tourists heading to Fowey for sea air, smart dining and a well-curated bar list.

With its yachty vibe and winding narrow streets, the pretty town offers excellent pottering, shopping and strolling opportunities. And, being on the South West Coast Path, a serious stomp is also in the offing.

However the day is spent, there’s nowhere like The Old Quay House Hotel’s waterside terrace for summer-evening dining. Book a table to feast on locally sourced, quality seafood such as pan-roasted cod served with wild-garlic potato cake, oyster mushroom and confit leeks. And, while diving into a dish of the freshest fish and shellfish may feel like the only option in this location, piscatorial delights share menu space with West Country meats, cheeses and veggies.

Save room for pud, too, as the likes of set lemon cream with pink rhubarb, oat crumb and rhubarb granita are hard to resist.

Trencherman’s tip: given that the hotel houses a small but elegant Champagne bar, the sensible option is to plump for an overnight stay in one of the bespoke bedrooms. Spend a peaceful night being lulled by the gentle clinking of the boats beyond the window, before starting the following morning with a gourmet breakfast of the highest order.