So, you’ve taken the plunge on a coasteering trip in Cornwall and now it’s time to wind down with a beer or cocktail in hand. Here are ten of our favourite local beach bars around Newquay where you can kickback and watch the sunset.
If you want to escape Newquay’s full throttle nightlife and watch the sunset from a cliff-top vantage point, skip a few miles south of the surf capital and sip a pint on the sprawling terrace of The Bowgie Inn. You can’t miss its bright pink exterior perched atop the dunes, and you can’t beat its location for panoramic coastal views.
Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and a prime position on Pentire Headland, sublime sea views are order of the day at ‘The Lodge’, whatever the weather. Once a smugglers’ den and lobster hold, here you can expect mind-blowing views over one of our favourite coasteering spots, look out for passing pods of dolphins and check the surf on Fistral Beach.
Seeing as many of Cornwall’s pro surfers cut their teeth on Fistral’s waves, it’s hardly surprising that this surfside bar is mobbed with the surf posse year-round. Soak up the sunset within metres of the world-class waves, catch live acoustic music sessions or stay on and party at one of the famous Silent Disco nights.
Bang in the centre of town with a sterling view over Newquay’s beaches, Barefoot is our favourite new joint for a classy cocktail by the waves. With a gin list as long as your arm and expert mixologists shaking up the cocktails, it’s the sort of place you head for a sundowner and a tasty sharing dish, then end up piling into the neighbouring nightclub for a late, liquor-fuelled night out.
An iconic venue in the history of surfing, The Slope was the hangout of Newquay’s inaugural surfers in the 1920s. Roll out of the sea and into this simple and lively beach bar, for locally-brewed beer and tasty grub that’s perfect for fuelling up after a day at the beach.
THE COLONIAL, Tolcarne
Re-creating the Colonial vibe at the edge of the sea, this smart bar and restaurant nudges the famous ‘Wedge’ bodyboarding wave. A veritable sun trap on a beautiful evening, it’s an idyllic spot to watch boarders take on the steep waves crashing on the sandy shore, while sipping a glass of fine world wine with your toes in the sand.
LUSTY GLAZE BAR & RESTAURANT, Lusty Glaze Beach
Hunkered in a private cove beneath the cliffs, this is such an idyllic spot for a sundowner that it has its own series of Sundowner Sessions running throughout the summer. So, not only can you catch the streaky sunset over a Cornish ale, cocktail or a tipple from the rum bar, you can also catch local bands and international headliners – including Morcheeba this year.
Enjoy a little piece of Spain on a Cornish beach. Leave the bucket and spade brigades behind on the sand, and dip into handmade tapas while sipping Continental beers. Children aren’t permitted into this low-key little gem, which just makes sunset more peaceful and adds to the simple, laidback ambience.
A long-time favourite of dog walkers and families that visit Mawgan Porth , The MerryMoor welcomes sandy feet, paws and hungry beach goers into its pub. The best views are found in the beer garden which is often full in summer months. Serving food all day its a great place to chill out after a days surfing at KingSurf.
Right on the doorstep of King Coasteer HQ, this is one of our regular spots to enjoy the sunset by our local beach after a day in the office. Recline on a comfy lounger with a local beer in hand, tuck into ‘Fizz & Chips’ (bubbles with fish and chips) on Fridays, or splash the cash on platters of lip-smacking local seafood that’s order of the day.
