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