We've written about this vital subject before on our blog but we thought it time for a refresh, to make sure you have the latest info on the best places to eat out with your best friend.
Our dog is handbag-sized. When we first brought her home I smugly thought how easily she could be smuggled into almost any pub or shop, and for some months this was true. However, things soon changed.
Firstly, her natural state is an extremely grubby one (I do wash her, but the effect is always short-lived), so she can be smelt wherever she goes. Secondly, in her ‘maturity’, she has developed a painfully high-pitched yap that can damage the hardiest ear-drums. As such, she is now only welcome in the most unwaveringly dog-friendly of places, and so I’ve had the necessity of coming to know the best and most genuinely dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in South East Cornwall.
Below are my recommendations on places in our locality to get good food while your dog lies under the table. Just be sure to check they don’t have a reservation for ‘Kyte’ before you book.
Minions Shop and Tea Room, Minions
Cosy on the inside and lovely views of the windswept moor on the outside, this cafe does lovely simple home-made lunches.
http://www.minionsshopandtearoom.co.uk/
The Plough, Duloe
Our local pub, the Plough, does excellent food made with local ingredients. It’s towards the posher end of pub-grub and they serve local ales and delicious cider from Cornish Orchards (which is just down the lane from Treworgey). You and the dog can walk there from Treworgey in about 25 minutes and muddy paws and wellies are welcomed without a raised eyebrow. In winter the fire is usually alight and the place is spacious enough for your Great Dane to spread out beside it. Mention you’re bringing a dog when you book as they try to keep the dogs in one of the areas. Dining services are 5.30 pm til 8, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and 12-3 pm for Sunday lunch. (Pub is closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday).
https://www.theploughduloe.com/
Talland Bay Beach Café
For a truly fresh crab sandwich with a sea view, snuggle into one of the beach huts or spread out on an outside table at the Talland Bay Beach Café. Dogs are allowed on Talland Beach all year round and it’s a good place to start a walk on the beautiful South West Coast Path. Open every day from the end of March to the end of October.
http://tallandbaybeachcafe.co.uk/
The Devonport Inn, Kingsand
This might seem like an odd decision, but we decided to take the dog on honeymoon with us: a glorious 3 days in Kingsand, 40 minutes along the coast going East from Treworgey. One of the best things about Kingsand is the friendly Devonport Inn in which we had the most delicious food. Dogs are very welcome at The Devonport Inn, with blankets, water and treats available. They are allowed throughout the pub but if your dog is a larger breed let them know so they can save you a table with lots of space. Open daily from 11 am – 11 pm (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) with lunch/brunch 12 – 2.30 pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays; 11 am – 2.30 pm on Saturdays and 11 am – 3 pm Sundays. Takeaways available too along with Cornish Cream Teas. Dinner is 6 pm – 9 pm.
The Lookout, Looe
For a decent coffee and excellent breakfast or lite bite plus cream teas and cakes with the dog in tow, try the Lookout. Watch the fishing boats and gigs coming into the harbour while you eat. Closed Tuesdays but other days open from 9.30 am until 3 or 4 ish or earlier if the food runs out! I’ve heard they’re good for an evening G&T too!
https://www.thelookoutinlooe.co.uk/
Smugglers’ Rest, Talland
On a summer’s evening, can you imagine anything more perfect that sitting on a bench looking out over the Cornish Sea while the aroma of fresh fish and shellfish being barbecued nearby drifts under your nostrils? Open 10.30 - 5 pm daily (closed Tuesdays) with two late nights until 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays in the main season when it’s seriously popular on a sunny evening.
https://smugglersrestcafe.co.uk/
Daisy’s Cafe, Looe
Often described as a ‘hidden gem’ (and a not so well-kept secret!), Daisy’s Café is a retro themed, traditional café offering freshly cooked breakfasts, a delicious lunch menu and huge, home baked daisy shaped scones – served with the warmest of welcomes! Voted TripAdvisor’s most dog-friendly cafe in the UK and Third Best breakfast in Cornwall.
Multiple award-winning Daisy’s Café is located on the Southwest Coast Path as it enters Looe – but is just off Fore Street for those looking to enjoy the delights of Looe. Tel: 07718 269232. Open from 9th February from 9 am. No website.
The Cliff Top Cafe at Whitsand Bay, Tregonhawke Cliff
A personal favourite with the most amazing view and great food and welcomes our four-legged friends. Open every day from 10 – 4 and I believe closed just on Christmas Day (and why not!). It really is another hidden gem and well worth a visit before the descent down to the beach and then, of course, again once you’ve made the steep climb back up.
Olive & Co, Siblyback Lake, PL14 6ER
Another firm favourite for lunch after an amazing walk around the lake which your dog will really enjoy. You could, of course, skip the walk and indulge in a scrummy breakfast making the most of the gorgeous views up on the moor. Food is made by hand in their kitchen and is as locally sourced as possible. Cakes are all homemade in their on-site bakery using many natural and organic ingredients and no preservatives or nasties. Lots of non-dairy and gluten-free options are on offer too. They have no phone reception so no booking possible. Just turn up any day 9 am – 4 pm. Breakfast stops at 12 but luckily lunch begins at 12 til 3 pm. I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
The Kiosk at Hannafore, Looe PL13 2DJ
The tiny Kiosk at Hannafore deserves a mention for many reasons – they serve superb sandwiches, rolls, paninis and pasties along with seasonal specials displayed on the blackboards outside, delicious homemade cakes, Farmer Toms ice creams and even have their own doggie menu featuring doggie ice cream and sausages. All seating is outside with comfy cushions and blankets for those cooler days. The Kiosk is popular with both locals and visitors to Looe, hosting regular social occasions around Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day to name but a few with live music, street food and a great atmosphere. Our own Treworgey Times Newspaper shows details of the discount available on purchases for our own guests.
https://www.hannaforekiosk.co.uk/