written by Julie Mitchinson
My first memories of Hayle are of my first day at Penpol Primary School at the age of seven. We had just moved from Launceston and my first day was a big new adventure. Little did I know then about the fantastic fifteen years I would go on to have living in such a spectacular place. While I would eventually move “up north” to Redruth when I got married, I loved everything about Hayle and still do.
Sadly, I moved away from Cornwall for good some years later and now only visit the town and my lovely Cornish friends around once a year. Nevertheless, I now make a ritual out of my yearly visits to my friend’s glorious holiday cottage in Angarrack, sipping coffee in the sunny garden, watching the trains go over the viaduct.
Due to the pandemic, I missed my visit last year, but I was fortunately able to catch up with everyone in June this year.
The first evening was a little wet so my friend and I did not venture far, heading to The Angarrack Inn for dinner. The service was first class and the Inn buzzed with activity. The homemade beef goulash was an absolute delight. I am both gluten and dairy free, but this was no problem with plenty of choice available. While this is increasingly common now, it’s still a pleasure when a restaurant has extensive and tasty gluten-free options.
Sunday brunch was at The Old Forge. We had a gorgeous meal with excellent service. I had the Arancini, one of my friends had the scotch egg, and the other the crab linguini. We all loved our meal, and the team were all so friendly and efficient. Again, dietary requirements were not an issue with plenty of choice and help.
On Monday we spent the day walking the length of Hayle, from Copperhouse to Foundry Square and back again – visiting the shops and cafes along the route. I was impressed with how many interesting shops I discovered. The gorgeous Lily Rose gift shop in Copperhouse was especially worth a browse. I departed with a stunning necklace and scarf. A jigsaw from Blewett’s Toys and a silver snake chain from Copperhouse Jewellers were amongst my other purchases.
Coffee was hoped to be at Copper Waves Coffee Shop, but their excellent reputation came before them as they were stacked out and an alternative venue proved disappointing.
Next was lunch in Foundry Square. Our usual haunt Duckies was closed due to proprietor Mike’s unfortunate sporting injury and with Salt Kitchen Bar already reserved for later in week there was an issue with finding anywhere in Foundry able to cater for my dietary requirements. Then we lighted upon Feed, who from the most modest of premises manage to produce a delightful menu to satisfy the most discerning of customers.
After that it was a visit to one of my favourite places – Old Foundry Chapel (formerly known to me as Pratt’s Market) and the lovely little shops within, I especially enjoyed the delightful Ula Clothing & Lifestyle with lots of tempting things to buy and Kensei Refill shop which had a great selection of goodies. We rounded off that day with a delicious frothy coffee at the picturesque Hayle Pool Café.
The rest of the week flew by. A highlight was a gorgeous evening meal out with friends at Salt. My monkfish prawn skewers melted in my mouth. Both friends had steak which they declared was perfect. Another evening was spent at The Bluff Inn with a glass of wine watching the sunset over the stunning Hayle beach and the G7 activity out at sea.
As is our tradition, on my last day in Cornwall we visited Paradise Park. I have been going there for many years and it is a super day out for everyone. The birds and animals were so entertaining, and the gardens and views beautiful. We especially loved the free flying Macaws and a new character, a Hawk Headed Parrot called Henry. We had to keep going back to talk to him as he was just irresistible. What a brilliant way to finish up my week!
Even though I come every year, Hayle never ceases to surprise me with each visit, always offering something new, diverse and exciting. That’s exactly why Hayle remains not only a fantastic place to visit, but a stunning and vibrant place to live.
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