Lostwithiel, the ancient stannary town, was once the economic hub of Cornwall’s rich mining history. Today this medieval town is the antique capital of Cornwall, host to regular fairs and antique shops, but the streets and surrounding area are also worth exploring for foodie treasures.
Every other Friday, the renowned Lostwithiel Farmers Market can be found in the Community Centre from 10am – 2pm, but even if you miss this you can find a wealth of local food at Muffins Deli, Lostwithiel Bakery, Liddicoat’s Butchers, and Fran’s Pantry. If you don’t fancy cooking, Asquith’s Restaurant is a great place to eat, along with other local pubs and cafes.
Outside town, you can also step back in time by visiting Trewther Farm’s Victorian gardens where they produce fresh ice cream and apple juice, or Restormel Castle. Built on an earlier Norman mound this 13th-century fortress was visited by the Black Prince and saw action in the Civil War 1644.
This circular castle with a dry moat is well preserved, with the opportunity to climb the walls, from where you can experience the commanding view of the wooded valley it presides over, making a perfect start point for a bracing walk to the National Trust’s Lanhydrock House.
Restormel Castle can also be viewed from a different angle from the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery. The nursery, reached by following the brown signs from the main road as you exit Lostwithiel towards Liskeard, has a unique range of over 4,000 varieties of plants, and the exquisitely presented shop stocks an eclectic mix of gardening paraphernalia, gifts, and treats supplied by local artisan producers and contemporary young designers.
The café, opened only in 2011, was awarded the Food magazine title of best café in the South West in the same year, and visitors will soon find out why. The café caters to a variety of tastes and offers a relaxed setting in which to enjoy great home-cooked food made from some of the best local ingredients, at reasonable prices.
Traditional Cornish Cream Teas feature clotted cream from Trewithen, the local dairy just a mile away; simple but elegant dishes like locally smoked potted mackerel are perfect for sunny days on the decking enjoying the view; while slow-cooked pork belly is a must for cooler days sitting by the wood-burning stove set in a huge granite fireplace.
If you are feeling the need to burn off calories after your visit, Cardinham Woods, a 15-minute drive away, offers the perfect opportunity for some exercise with a choice of trails and a children’s play area. Offering stunning views, streams, and set in 600 acres of woodland, visitors will find walks for all abilities, including wheelchairs. The trails are also great for cycling and the woods have picnicking and barbeque areas.
Woods Café is another wonderful find for food lovers, providing a cozy cottage retreat serving local food and even has its own yurt in the garden for functions. Menus feature Dave’s sausages (from up the road), homemade soup, sandwiches and cakes, and a range of locally produced drinks including Cornish Orchards’ award-winning cider and apple juice.
Food Adventure was compiled by Ria Murphy, Jim Martin, Andy Potter, and Paul Haddrell of South West rural insurer Cornish Mutual.
