With origins dating back to the late 19th century, the Fern Pit Café and Ferry has a long history on the banks of the River Gannel. Transformed into a tearoom and garden in 1910, it has been turning tired and hungry visitors into happy and satiated explorers ready for the next step of their adventure for over 100 years. Needless to say, they know what they’re doing.
A family-run business, the dog-friendly Fern Pit Café nestles in a sheltered crook between Crantock Beach and the East Pentire headland, overlooking the Gannel Estuary. On the quiet fringes of Newquay, the lively town centre is only 2 miles away, yet this hidden café feels a world away from the hubbub, boasting glorious views and peaceful tranquillity.
Formed of a charming tearoom and tiered garden surrounded by thick vegetation and wildflowers, the Fern Pit Café is definitely one for those who appreciate thoughtful homely touches and home-baked food. Retaining a humble feel and offering simple, tasty dishes to fill hungry tums, the experience is relaxed, feel-good and friendly.
With thoughts of food in mind, the café proposes a range of wholesome breakfast options, served between 9am and 11.30am, followed by a later lunch menu. Famous for its fresh crab sandwich, this classic favourite is definitely recommended. The local lobster salad is also a great choice, landed by their very own fishing boat Excelsior, but with a number of hot baguettes, wraps and sides on offer, the choice is all yours.
For the complete package, nothing beats tucking into a delicious wedge of the Fern Pit Café’s homemade cake whilst supping hot tea and taking in the views. Of course, if you are too full to even glance at a pudding, you can also choose from the takeaway menu so you can relive the experience later on from the comfort of home.
With Crantock beach accessible at low tide via a footbridge, Fistral Beach just half a mile away and Newquay’s vast array of attractions and activities, there are plenty of post-meal options to enjoy. For a fun way to get about, the ferry boathouse is just down a little path below the café and provides access between Newquay and Crantock beach between 9.30am and 6pm every day in the summer months.
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Fern Pit, Riverside Crescent, Pentire, Newquay TR7 1PJ | 01637 873181 | https://fernpit.co.uk/
