With spring finally making an appearance and sunshine on the menu, it was time for a spot of lunch at Talland Bay Hotel.
With several accolades and awards firmly tucked under its belt, Talland Bay Hotel is widely regarded as a top place to stay in Cornwall. Not only that, their fine seasonal cuisine comes highly recommended with their restaurant being open to guests and non-residents.
As the new season gets underway, me and my friend, Liv, headed to for lunch at Talland Bay Hotel. Luck was on our side too. As well as enjoying excellent food, sunshine was also on the menu.
How to find Talland Bay Hotel
Talland Bay Hotel is on the south east Cornish coast between Looe and Polperro. Getting there involves a drive down a single track road to Porthallow (reversing skills may be required). This makes it a quiet and secluded place to eat and stay. As such, this privately owned 23 bedroom hotel is often considered one of Cornwall’s hidden gems.
The hotel’s beautiful grounds offers sea views and it’s possible to catch a glimpse of Talland village. The south west coast path is easy to make out too, snaking its way into a dip before heading towards an incline.
A Different Style
Talland Bay Hotel, with it’s classic white exterior, looks totally at home on the Cornish coast. But don’t be fooled. This is a hotel with a unique personality, plenty of character, and a sense of humour.
Stepping into the hotel, we were greeted with bright, vivid decor with unique touches and characteristics. I found my curiosity and interest piqued with every room and corner. There’s colourful, vibrant art, large zebra print sofas, a perky derriere on the wall, and a life sized figure wearing a lampshade (and more novel items). I think there’s a nod to childhood classics too, like Alice in Wonderland. I’ve concluded that Talland Bay Hotel is quirky, fun, happy and distinctive. It’s certainly memorable, and for all the right reasons.
Lunch at Talland Bay Hotel
At the Bar
Me and Liv relaxed by the bar, with a drink, while looking at the menu. Liv opted for a white wine, called 6 Grillo, similar to Pinot Grigio. As the designated driver, I went for a citrus Seedlip, an alcohol free spirit, with a Mediterranean Fever Tree tonic.
However, this hotel has an extensive range of alcohol, including over 100 gins. They’ve even developed their own single estate gin, Talland Bay No 1, in partnership with nearby Colwith Distillery.
The Menu at Talland Bay Hotel
Ordering food proved to be tough simply because I could’ve happily had any of the menu options. The choices alone told me that lunch at Talland Bay Hotel would be something to remember. They have a selection of seasonal dishes from the land, sea and garden, and they’re all tempting. There wasn’t anything I didn’t fancy.
We decided to go straight for mains and possibly have dessert. Liv went for the Caramelised Leek and Smoked Godminster Tart with Jerusalem artichoke, beer pickled shallots and truffle and hazelnut crumb. I ordered Beer Battered Haddock, chips and mushy peas. I can’t remember the last time I had fish and chips! What can I say, it was long overdue. Plus, I’m a sucker for mushy peas.
The Food
We opted to eat in the conservatory and our food didn’t take long to arrive. It looked amazing!
Liv said her tart was delicious. She’s blessed with an excellent palette and commented that she could taste everything. She particularly enjoyed the hazelnut crumb and the nutty artichokes.
There’s no denying it, my fish and chips were huge. The haddock was substantial and the beer batter was golden and crunchy. As for the chips, they were just how I like them – big and chunky. I really enjoyed the hotel’s salty, sharp tartare sauce too.
We gave our happy tummies a break before choosing dessert. I went for the rhubarb crumble with creme anglaise and vanilla ice cream. Liv decided to have the chocolate brownie, salted caramel, candied nuts and vanilla ice cream.
Both proved to be delicious. We took our time and washed down our desserts with a cup of tea. It’s fair to say we left Talland Bay Hotel happy, satisfied and full. This was made even better by the friendly and attentive service offered by the staff at the hotel for the duration of our visit.
In and Around Talland Bay Hotel
When you visit Talland Bay Hotel for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, I’d recommend taking the time to wander the grounds and enjoy the garden. The sea view is one you never tire of; I could soak up the coastal scenery all day.
Not only that, the grounds are intriguing. The quirky interior is emulated in the garden with small details, statues and curious findings to capture your attention.
Aside from their award winning restaurant, Talland Bay Hotel is renowned for being the most dog friendly hotel in Cornwall. Dogs are welcome in the conservatory at meal times but not in the main restaurant. Whether you travel with or without your dog, rest assured that you’ll experience relaxed coastal luxury and the TLC you need.
If you’d like to learn more about Talland Bay Hotel, you can visit their website here.
Outside of the hotel grounds, you’ll find Polperro and Looe. These are both a traditional Cornish village and town, respectively. I’d also recommend seeking out Lantic Bay further along the coast, towards Polruan.
Talland Bay Hotel kindly invited us for lunch in exchange for this post. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
