Beaches & BBQs

Hayley Bisofsky Pope

Cornwall dweller, lifestyle blogger and founder of The Little Naturalists Club

24 May 2022

Cooking and eating outside is a true feast for the senses; the roar of the grill, the medley of smoky flavours, the mouthwatering anticipation as delicious BBQ food is served up to eat in the great outdoors - there’s really nothing that compares. Here in Cornwall, our beautiful coastline provides the perfect backdrop for eating al fresco, and a BBQ provides an elemental way of taking us back to basics. This issue we look at everything you need for the perfect beach BBQ, from the food to the blanket and everything in between.

Which beach?

Here in Clay Country we have a wealth of beautiful beaches nearby, meaning that the most difficult part of planning your perfect beach BBQ will be deciding which beach to have it on! Whether you crave golden sands or a hidden cove, a dog-friendly beach or surfable waves, there’s something for everyone just a pebble’s throw away.

Here is everything you need to know for your very own beach BBQ with a difference…

Polstreath Beach
Polstreath is a wide, sheltered beach not far from Mevagissey with a mix of sand and shingle. Despite being just a quarter of a mile from the busy harbour town of Mevagissey, this beach remains quiet and sheltered, perfect for an early evening BBQ (just be ready for the steep steps back up!)

Porthluney Cove
If you like your beaches with a castle in sight, Porthluney Cove is the beach for you. Also known as Caerhayes Beach, this tranquil cove has good parking and the waters are often calm making it perfect for a post-BBQ swim as the sun goes down.

Porthpean Beach
With calm, clear waters and fine golden sand, this popular family-friendly beach is nicely sheltered making it ideal for a beach BBQ with the whole family. Dogs are welcome (except in July and August) and there are good facilities.

The Star of the Show; The Food and Drink

Once you’ve picked the perfect setting for your beach BBQ, you’ll want to consider the most important element – food and drink! Whilst BBQ food has come a long way since the charred hot dogs of old and too-warm bottles of beer, you can’t forget these crowd-pleasers whilst also incorporating some interesting ingredients to ensure that the foodies in your party are satisfied too.

Sausages
Undoubtedly a family-favourite, no BBQ is complete without the humble banger. Choosing locally-made, responsibly-farmed sausages and burgers is easy when you have so many incredible local producers nearby – Kittows or Philip Warren’s butchers make traditional handmade sausages using natural casings, locally sourced pork and fresh seasonings to ensure your hot dogs satisfy the tastebuds.

Steak, Ribs and All the Rest
Be creative with your BBQ meat and consider using a variety of meats to up your BBQ game. The Cornish Food Box Company do a ‘BBQ Box’ which takes the guesswork out of choosing delicious, locally-sourced produce for your chargrilled supper which includes chicken, steak and all manner of delicious meats for your BBQ.

Pescatarian

Fish
With the working harbour town of Mevagissey nearby, you can enjoy the privilege of fresh fish straight off the boats. There’s nothing quite as delicious as fresh mackerel or scallops gently crisped on the BBQ with a crunchy green salad to accompany.

Veggies
Local seasonal crops like Cornish asparagus provide a delicious BBQ addition for plant-based scrumptiousness, and shows us that the BBQ is no longer the mainstay of carnivores alone. Create delicious skewers with onions, halloumi and peppers for a rainbow of BBQ flavours.

Cornish Sauces
Keeping it local has never been easier than with the talented condiments producers over at Cornish Ketchup. With a tempting range of sauces including garlic mayo, chipotle and classic ketchup, your BBQ flavours will be beautifully enhanced with the addition of Cornish-made sauces.

Tipples

Cornish Gin
There are several good Cornish gin producers in our county; whether you choose Elemental premium craft gin or perhaps the popular flavours of Tarquins, just make sure you serve it with lashings of ice and a big smile.

Cornish Cider
They say that Rattler has a sting in the tail- have you tried it? This popular apple-based beverage is a favourite among cider drinkers and never fails to quench the thirst. Cornish Orchards also make a great range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ciders, perries and elderflower juices.

Cornish Wine
With Trevibban Mill and Camel Valley on the north coast you don’t have to look far for award-winning delicious Cornish wines.