10 of the best coffee shops

Cornish Coffee Shops

Chosen by some as a surrogate office, and others as a calm retreat, coffee shops have persisted as a firm favourite for many during the past year and half. We have put together a small selection of the choicest from across Cornwall, for you to sample at your leisure.

Bread & Butter, Truro

With a glorious courtyard sanctuary and comfortable booths to settle in with a book and a delicious Origin espresso, Bread & Butter brings a chic, laid back vibe to Truro’s River street. An array of breakfasts, pastries, cakes, and light bites make for a delectable diversion and one further reason (as if you needed one!) to while away the hours in this modern yet delightfully quaint high-street gem. Supporting local suppliers including Trewithen Dairy, St Mawes Hens, Da Bara Bakery and Origin Coffee Roasters, Bread & Butter is a sure-fire win if you’ve got an hour or two to spare in Truro. Try their specialty American-style pancake stack – you won’t be disappointed. www.breadandbuttertruro.com

The Old Bakery, Cawsand

As seaside spots go, Cawsand, tucked-in on the Rame peninsula, is pretty high on our list. And the Old Bakery – an artisan bakery, pizzeria and café situated just seconds from the village’s iconic shingle beach from which you can gaze across the water to Devon – makes it unmissable. With the café’s friendly staff and warm atmosphere, it is a welcome retreat come rain or shine. But be quick to avoid disappointment – the Old Bakery is only open between April and October. That said, if you like what you see and want to recreate some of their goodies to tide over the winter months, you can learn the art of sourdough baking yourself in one of their Friday or Saturday masterclasses, which run throughout November. www.theoldbakery-cawsand.co.uk

Espressini, Falmouth

Even among the host of coffee shops crowding the scene in Falmouth, Espressini needs little introduction. Effortlessly cool, the eclectic pink shop front is just the first hint of the café’s quirkiness. On entering, the contrastingly shabby-chic interior gives the place a well-worn, comfortable character – the perfect atmosphere as you sip on an expertly brewed espresso and or a loose-leaf Earl Grey. Whether it’s house blend or single origin you are after, Espressini does it all, topped off with some of the best latt-art around. And if you are going to become a regular, why not pick yourself up one of their own-brand takeaway reusable cups – environmentally friendly and they look pretty good too. Facebook @Espressini

Pavilion, Newquay

Ensconced in a cleverly restored lifeboat shelter overlooking the harbour, Pavilion has to be one of the ultimate spots for any coffee lover looking for a caffeine boost on the way to the beach. And with a range of artisan loaves, pastries and wood-fired pizzas on offer, coffee is by no means the only draw. For the more adventurous among us, Pavilion’s unusual range of pizza toppings is an unmissable gastronomic experience. Being the chain’s only site outside of London, the Cornish vibe clearly resonates with founder Rob Green, who, at all of his cafés, celebrates sustainable UK produce by stocking meat-free ingredients from organic, local suppliers. pavilionbakery.com

Copper Waves, Hayle

A cool, geometric breath of fresh air on Hayle’s Fore Street, Copper Waves is among the fashionable new cafes that have brought a new lease of life to the north coast port town. Bringing a tropical elegance to breakfast, their signature colourful “smoothie bowls” are a treat for the eyes as well as the palate, and will leave you feeling virtuous to boot. Everything from the clean, inviting interior, to the tasteful minimalist branding, imbues a sense of calm escapism. Supporting a locally-owned, independent business never felt so good. Facebook @copper.waves.hayle

Olive & Co, Liskeard

Boasting fantastic views over Siblyback Lake, family-run Olive & Co. is a true Cornish delight. The eponymous “boss” is owners Roxy and Lee’s six-year-old daughter, Olive, who clearly knows the ingredients for a successful business! With a young and vibrant team, the café has a modern take on traditional home-made food and cakes – with a mouth-watering array of vegan and veggie options, as well as artisan coffee and teas galore. Relax in at one of the café’s outdoor tables and catch the last rays of October sun rippling on the inviting waters of the lake. www.olivecocafe.com

Temple, Bude

Laid back coffee joint during the day, and fine dining at night, Temple offers so much more than just coffee. Boasting local produce from young and progressive farmers, Temple is thoughtful in its choices, celebrating quality and flavour while capturing a relaxed and elegant vibe. Bag a spot on the roof terrace overlooking the pretty seaside town of Bude to watch the world go by, while sipping on a cold glass of rose and snacking on tapas-style small plates. And if you fancy staying on for dinner, you can experience Temple’s fantastic two course setmenu – an inventive and beautifully executed array of nostalgiainducing seasonal food – all without breaking the bank. www.templecornwall.com

Strong Adolfo ,s, A39 Atlantic Highway near Wadebridge

With “roots in art, surf and motorcycle subcultures”, Strong Adolfo’s is the perfect blend of Californian cool and rustic Cornish charm. With an exterior reminiscent of the iconic American diner, the menu and atmosphere certainly does succeed in redefining roadside dining. Taking influence from across the globe, but sourcing ingredients locally, with a focus on sustainability – all food and packaging being recyclable or compostable – you can experience a world of flavours safe in the knowledge that you are helping protect the environment. Fans of Origin Coffee Roasters will be pleased to see the beans taking centre stage on the café’s coffee menu. www.strongadolfos.com

Dog and Rabbit, St Just

The wood-panelled interior, exposed beams, and wooden countertops fully laden with cakes and pastries, give the Dog and Rabbit the look and feel of a Victorian sweet shop. But don’t be fooled into thinking this place is old fashioned. The place combines everything one could wish for from a café, with a modern menu, and a cosy and relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of sofas to sink into in front of a wood-burning stove. Run by Cornish born and bred owners, Rosie and Ben, most ingredients are sourced locally from Bosavern Community Farm, Trevean Farm and Alsia Cross Market Garden, and their coffee is from Falmouth entrepreneur-owned Yallah. Friday Night Live Music night is an unexpected bonus if you find yourself there after hours. Facebook @Café-Dog-And-Rabbit

Cast Café, Helston

With lovely views across Helston to St Michael’s Church, there is no better place to spend a Saturday morning than on Cast Café’s sun-bathed courtyard seating area or inside the light and airy café. The simple but well-executed menu suggests an elegant minimalism that is also mirrored in the Scandinavianstyle, clean décor. Ingredients come from local suppliers including Trevelyan Farm, Treen Farm, Dales Butchers and Kernowsashimi, and the Mediterranean-inspired menu and delicious coffee selection will delight, whether you are there for breakfast or lunch, or flying by for a mid-morning revive. www.castcafe.uk