It’s time for another Cornish staycation in a traditional village on the south coast.
Have you been to The Llawnroc in Gorran Haven, or dined at Coast Bar and Restaurant?
The Llawnroc is a hidden gem of a hotel. It’s located in the heart of Gorran Haven, a village on the south Cornish coast. Looking down over the westerly side of the village, over rooftops to a sea view, this hotel offers comfort, style and a sense of escapism.
The Llawnroc
Myself and my teen son, Henry, had a midweek stay at The Llawnroc which oozes timeless elegance. As we live on the Roseland Peninsula, not many miles from Gorran Haven, we didn’t have far to go to reach The Llawnroc. That said, I’ve never been before. We couldn’t wait to settle in as soon as we arrived. With The Llawnroc being so tucked away, it felt like a special find.
The Llawnroc has 18 opulent bedrooms, including family suites and rooms with balconies and sea views. It’s perfectly positioned to get the most from a coastal staycation, where you can allow your mind to switch off and find a new cadence, away from life’s demands. The Llawnroc is a dog friendly hotel as well as a wedding venue. They also host various events throughout the year.
Stepping into The Llawnroc, I found its minimal, harmonious interior instantly relaxing. Photos of Gorran Haven adorned the walls, capturing small intimate details of the coastline. Myself and Henry were staying in room 1, a latte hued spacious room complete with balcony and a sea view. The first thing we did was open those doors and step out to appreciate the view.
The bathroom was stylishly decorated. We had a bath and a shower with complementary products available. The towels were super thick and fluffy too.
Exploring Gorran Haven
Once acquainted with our gorgeous room, myself and Henry strolled down the hill to Gorran Haven beach. We’ve not been here for years!
Gorran Haven beach is a small curved bay with a historic working harbour. With some boats in the harbour and old fishermen’s buildings and shelters at the back of the beach, it’s quaint and sweet. You’ll find The Mermaid Cafe on the edge of the beach, selling pastries, sandwiches and locally made Cornish pasties.
There are a few other places to eat in the village, such as the Coast Path cafe on the edge of the south west coast path that heads towards Hemmick Beach. There’s a village shop on the road away from the beach.
Aside from walking the harbour on Gorran Haven Beach, we discovered Little Penhaver Beach. From Gorran Haven beach you can access it at low tide but it does have it’s only little set of steps.
More ideas for your stay at The Llawnroc
Gorran Haven is a perfect place to explore the Cornish coast. In one direction, you can walk to Portmellon and Mevagissey. I’ve run it many times – it’s pretty all year round. I particularly like the little cove at Chapel Point. Mevagissey is a traditional Cornish fishing town. It has old style local pubs, coastal shops and a harbour that’s good for a meander.
In the other direction towards the Roseland Peninsula, you’ll find one of my all time favourite beaches in Cornwall. Carry on and you’ll reach Dodman Point and Hemmick Beach (also rather lovely and usually quiet). Here’s a circular walking or running route that you can easily start from The Llawroc.
Back to The Llawnroc
Back at The Llawnroc, we sat on the spacious terrace and had a mocktail each. Henry opted for the passionfruit number while I went for a refreshing botanical elderflower drink. We chilled in our room a bit – the time seemed to fly by. Before we knew it, it was time to head downstairs for dinner.
Dining at Coast Bar and Restaurant
Coast Bar and Restaurant is open to both residents and non-residents. They offer a beautifully curated, mouth watering menu. With high regarded and newly appointed head chef, Darren Millgate, at the helm, I knew we’d be in for an excellent meal.
While we waited for our food, I sipped a glass of Malbec, which has to be one of the smoothest red wines I’ve ever tasted. While we waited for our food, myself and Henry shared the Local Artisan Bread Board that came with olive oil, vinegar and the lightest whipped butter. Henry decided to wait for the main course while I chose the Pan Fried Local Scallops with asparagus and preserved lemon mayonnaise. I love scallops but never have them at home. These were plump and perfectly cooked. The portion size was just right – filling enough and so delicious that I could not wait for the next course.
For the main course, Henry chose the Pan Fried Hake Fillet, herb crushed potatoes, samphire, pesto cream sauce and parsley oil. His choice impressed me, and he enjoyed every mouthful. He particularly enjoyed the fish and as his first time eating samphire, he gave this the thumbs up too.
I had Braised Lamb Shoulder, roasted onion puree, Cornish earlies, spring vegetable salsa verde. Both dishes were beautifully presented. The lamb was so tender and juicy and the vegetables and salsa verde was simply delicious. Both portions were just the right amount too. Satisfying and filling, and leaving us tempted for dessert.
We both decided to have a final course, it was too hard to resist! Henry went for the Strawberry Eton Mess, British strawberries, crisp meringue and chantilly cream. I think he was in seventh heaven when it arrived. The Eton Mess was light, fluffy and incredibly tasty. I had the Rosewater Panna Cotta, roasted rhubarb, ginger crumb. I’m a bit of a sucker for rhubarb – I love its sharp freshness and we all know that when it’s served with ginger, it’s a marriage made in heaven. I wasn’t disappointed. The Panna Cotta was glossy with a little wobble. Its smooth creamy texture went so well with the bite offered from the rhubarb and ginger.
After being so well fed, we chilled out in our room before easing into a much needed deep slumber. The beds at The Llawnroc are very comfortable and spacious. It’s safe to say, we slept very well.
The next morning we had an early start – I had to go to work. We were looking forward to breakfast though, and made our way done to the Coast Bar and Restaurant.
Breakfast at Coast Bar and Restaurant at The Llawnroc
Coast’s breakfast menu is very comprehensive. There’s the usual cereal, including homemade granola, toast, fruit and pastries. The cooked breakfast options covers everything you could possibly want. This includes a full Cornish breakfast, vegan options, and various egg options, such as Eggs Benedict or Florentine. I decided to have Cinnamon Roasted Apples, crème fraiche and honeyed oats which proved to be the light breakfast I wanted. That. along with a cheeky croissant and lots of rich dark freshly brewed coffee.
Henry decided to have the Cornish breakfast with scrambled eggs. He rediscovered his love for hash browns and enjoyed eating the locally sourced produce on his plate.
After breaking our fast, we sadly had to leave The Llawnroc. We had an incredible stay and were well looked after by the staff.
Thank you so much for having us.
Who is plbedford?
Lovely to see photos of Henry. He is adorable! You both look very happy — not surprising, with the excellent company, beautiful environment and yummy food. Thank you so much for your posts. My list of places to visit when I come to Cornwall is growing because of you!