Alfresco Theatre

Schools out for summer and the sun is shining so why not make the most of the beautiful weather and take the family to an outdoor theatre performance in Cornwall.

Nothing quite matches the charm and magic of watching a show in the fresh air with expanses of sky above you and even the space to spread out with your own blanket, cushions and tasty picnic!

The most famous outdoor theatre venue is of course the Minack Theatre…

Nestled in the granite cliffs above the azure waters of Porthcurno the amphitheatre looks as if it was carved by the Greeks thousands of years ago. In fact, it was just under eighty years ago that the magnificent structure was created.

Throughout the summer the Minack offers a busy schedule of events from storytelling for the children in the daytime to classic Shakespeare plays in the evening. For more information on what’s on at Minack just follow the link below:

http://www.minack.com/whatson.htm

For something a little more contemporary there’s the Kneehigh Theatre Company based in Truro. Offering a unique theatre experience from their bespoke nomadic tent in the heart of the countryside, Kneehigh seek to evoke a sense of magic and playfulness through their ground-breaking productions.

Also as a Kneehigh ticket holder you will benefit from free access to the Lost Gardens of Heligan from 6pm so you can enjoy the scenery and grab a bite to eat before the show. To check out the Kneehigh summer schedule follow the link below.

http://www.kneehigh.co.uk/page/the_asylum_kneehigh.php

Besides the Minack and Kneehigh, the National Trust often have outdoor theatre events at their many venues throughout Cornwall and finally The Miracle Theatre Company are also worth a look as they offer numerous shows at a variety of locations in Cornwall.

If you've never been to an outdoor theatre performance I thoroughly recommend it and suggest you add it your list for summer 2014!

Abi x

Taste St Ives...

St Ives is well known for its fantastic selection of good quality restaurants so if you plan to dine out somewhere different every night you really are spoilt for choice.

What happens though if you want to prepare a picnic full of local goodies or you you’d like a light supper in your apartment? Here are our top tips of some of the best spots to shop for tasty, locally sourced produce:

Cornish Deli
3 Chapel Street , St Ives Tel: 01736 795100

Offering a great selection of local cheeses, deli meats and freshly baked bread, Cornish Deli is a must if you want to put together a picnic hamper fit for a king. Cornish Deli also prepare a great selection of freshly cut sandwiches on site so if you’re after an easy lunchtime treat it is most definitely worth a visit.

The Allotment Deli
30 Fore Street, St Ives Tel: 01736 794578

For a mouth-wateringly good selection of homemade goods pop along to The Allotment Deli where the choice changes daily. Fill your jute bag with wedges of deep filled quiche, create your own salad box or treat yourself to a slice of one of their homemade cakes. The Allotment Deli also do a number of gluten free options each day so if you struggle to find tasty, gluten free goodies The Allotment Deli is the place to head for.

Loft Larder
Norway Lane, St Ives Tel: 01736 794204

The Loft Larder is a new venture which is an extension to the Loft Restaurant (and it’s right on our doorstop).  The Larder will be selling a range of artisan Cornish produce alongside a range of home cooked jams and chutneys, biscuits and infused oils. The Loft Larder will also be hosting weekly savoury and sweet evening classes where you can learn about a range of cooking techniques, including meat and fish preparation, cake decorating, pastry making and much more.

St Ives Farmers Market
The Guildhall, St Ives – Every Thursday

Pop along to The Guildhall on a Thursday for a real foodie treat where you can source a whole host of delicious Cornish produce. Salted chocolate brownies, freshly caught seafood and bahjis and samosas made in Ruby June’s St Ives kitchen are just some of the tasty treats on offer. If you call the office around lunchtime on Thursday and there’s no answer, we’re more than likely here.

Enjoy!

Kelly x

Spoilt for choice...

I am quite frequently met with that classic Cornish conundrum – which beach should I go to??! With just 10 miles separating the South Coast from the North Coast we have access to a ridiculous number of stunning beaches, coves and bays. From Porthcurno to Sennen, St Ives to Praa Sands we are spoilt for choice!

But this Sunday, as I do live in the gorgeous Marazion, I decided to stay local and go with Humphrey (our sunshine addicted dog – I think he might be solar powered!) to the beach in front of St Michaels Mount.

When we left the house the sun was shining, the flowers were blooming…

and the tide was on its way out allowing people to walk across the causeway to the mount…

It was so hot on the beach that Humphrey and I decided to settle up on the quay where we’d get more of a breeze. We had a really relaxing afternoon basking in the sun!

A couple of times I had to drag Humphrey into nearby rock pools (to his disgust)  to make him cool off – I wish I’d got a picture of that, but I think phone, dog and rock pool would have been a recipe for disaster!

It was a perfect way to spend a Sunday and I can’t emphasize enough how beautiful Marazion is!