What’s on: St Ives Beer & Cider Festival...

There’s nothing better than a cold bottle of cider to finish of a great day holidaying in our luxury apartments. People have been enjoying cider in Britain since before the Norman Conquest, largely due to the English climate being more suitable for growing apples, than it is for growing grapes. By the 1300’s its popularity had grown so immensely that there are records of it being produced all over the country and by the 18^th Century it was customary to pay part of a farm workers wage in cider. 

  

With so many fantastic local producers down in the West Country we love our proper good scrumpy, that’s cider if you didn’t know. Scrumpy is locally made cider using traditional methods. It has a distinctively cloudy appearance, and is often much stronger than commercial ciders, so pace yourself. It’s not the mass produced bottles you find in most supermarkets.

Why not get a taste for the local tipple and head to the St Ives Beer and Cider Festival? Running for the second year in a row with over 1,500 people through the doors last year, this is an event not to be missed. Conveniently located in St Ives’s Guildhall the festival is within walking distance from our luxury self catering accommodation, perfect if you want to enjoy a few cheeky drinks. With over 60 real ales, as well a proper Cornish ciders, perries and fruit wines there’s something for everyone. There is also live entertainment, local bands and delicious local hot and cold food to line your stomach.

The event runs from the 21^st – 23^rd of August. The grand opening takes place on the Friday at 5pm and closes at midnight. During the weekend the festival is open from noon till midnight, with children welcome until 8pm. Admission is only £5 for the day or you can get a weekend pass for £8. Both tickets include a souvenir glass to commemorate the event and can be bought on the door. If you need directions just ask, don’t be shy. It’s only a short walk from our holiday cottages, you never know you might even see us there! 

Onna x 

St Ives Food and Drink Festival

As promised here is the second installment of our pick of the best events happening in St Ives. This week we are featuring the St Ives Food and Drink Festival, a relatively new festival to the town, but one of our favourites.

Starting on Monday 16th May for six days the festival promises to highlight the culinary delights of St Ives and the local area amongst a host of cooking demonstrations, foraging, walks and wine. 

Here is a pick of some of the events we are looking forward to most:

Tuesday 17th May - Coastal forage and beach barbecue with Porthminster Cafe

A foraging walk along the coast with one of St Ives' most renowned restaurants to forage for food to cook later at the beach. We think this sounds great, there are so many hidden treasures along our coasts, with the help of some experts this should be a great day out. It is limited to 15 people and tickets cost £20 - make sure you book in advance with Porthminster Cafe on 01736 795352. 

Thursday 19th May - South African Wine Evening with Scarlet Wines in Lelant

A sharing of tables in a relaxed setting - guests will be provided with six wines to taste served with South African inspired dishes. A great way to try new wines from a very knowledgeable team, with a growing reputation for the quality of food this should be a great sociable evening. 

Friday 20th May - Wine and Cornish cheese evening with Mark Elwood at Cornish Deli 

Sample some of the best Cornish cheese with Mark, its a great place to eat at any time, but this should be even more special! 

Sunday 22nd May - Cooking Demonstrations

There are going to be several cooking demonstrations on the Sunday, our favourites would be at the Porthminster Cafe, Porthgwidden Cafe and the Seafood Cafe. These should be great and we look forward to seeing you there! 

Next time we will be looking at the big one, the St Ives September Festival.