Sundowners in St Ives...

Now I’ve always been a fan of this colloquial British tradition and in my view there is no better way to round off your day whilst on holiday than with a glass of something very cold, and in my case bubbly, overlooking the ocean.

With this in mind, I took it upon myself to research six of the best spots for a sundowner in St Ives. It was a tough job but someone had to do it! Here is a rundown of my favourites:

The Alba Restaurant

Old Lifeboat House, Wharf Road

Following a slick refurb, The Alba has transformed its ground floor restaurant into a trendy, London-esque bar with an equally trendy cocktail menu. If you’re feeling peckish they also serve a great selection of small plates from 12 -10pm, perfect if you’re in the mood for a couple of drinks and a few nibbles.

The Hub

Wharf Road, St Ives

Grab yourself a table on the upstairs balcony and you have the perfect spot for a bit of people watching. Craft beers, burgers and hot dogs are the speciality but good wines and cocktails also feature on the menu. If you were tempted to stay for a bite to eat no one would blame you, the barbecue smells trickling from the kitchen will make your mouth water.

Rum & Crab Shack

Wharf Road, St Ives

The interior of this quirky little bar resembles a pirate ship and it certainly has a very rustic feel. With nearly 40 varieties of rum, a fantastic menu of local and international craft beers and a carefully balanced wine list to choose from you could spend all week working your way through the menu. On a sunny day the windows concertina back offering panoramic views across the Harbour.

The Sloop

Wharf Road, St Ives

One of the town’s oldest pubs, this St Ives institution is a hit with locals and visitors alike. On a sunny day getting a table outside is like gold dust but if you do, don’t be surprised if you’re soon sharing it, as this is one of the hottest spots in town. The Sloop is a traditional pub and it’s drinks menu reflects this, ask for a ‘Sex on the Beach’ and you’ll probably be met with a strange look!

Upper Deck

Fish Street, St Ives

Tucked behind The Sloop, this open-air bar has a very cosmopolitan feel and basks in the sunshine all day. The service is super friendly and the drinks are beautifully chilled making this alfresco bar a summer time favourite of mine.

West Beach Bakery

Porthmeor Beach (West), St Ives

This funky little beach bar is the best spot in town to watch the sun disappear into the sea. With a laid back vibe and jugs of Pimms and Sangria in plentiful supply this lesser known gem is most definitely worth a visit. The sourdough pizzas are pretty special too!

Have fun, and of course drink responsibly, we cannot be held responsible for fuzzy heads in the morning!

Kelly x