The philosophy at The Gurnard's Head in St. Ives is that a night's sleep will only be as good as the bed itself. With this in mind the seven-bedroom traditional inn piles all its efforts behind creating blissful nighttime surroundings, such as special Vi-Spring beds, cosseting Welsh blankets and soothing Roberts radios, to help you drift off in absolute peace. Add to that the tranquility of the location, which overlooks sheep-flecked moors to one side and the Atlantic coast to the other, and feel your body ease down a gear to a slower pace of life. What's more, you don't need to look far for a nightcap; the Gurnard dubs itself a a real local pub where the community gathers for a sip of tasty local ale washed down alongside the inn's offering of simple, seasonal food.
What makes a stay at The Gurnard's Head unique?
The Gurnard’s Head is an inn that returns you momentarily to the slower pace of life that so many of us yearn for. Time spent in this part of the world will unwind you as you enjoy one of the country’s most dramatic coastlines, one that has inspired artists and walkers for centuries. The salty air is proven to make you sleep deeply in the most comfortable Vi-Spring beds. You will eat simple, earthy and delicious food. Beers, wine and sherries.
What style cuisine is on offer at The Gurnard's Head?
Home to so many interesting and dedicated people who grow and nurture plants and animals, West Cornwall is a wonderful place in which to run a kitchen. And, like so many things, food is best kept simple, The Gurnard's have built the reputation of their kitchen on this maxim. A short, fresh and seasonal menu changes every day according to what is brought to the back door or what the chefs feel is at its seasonal best. In Winter you might get Fish Soup with Rouille or in summer, a Ceviche of Sea Bass alongside leaf salads foraged by Fat Hen.
What is the signature dish at The Gurnard's Head?
Mussels, ginger, chilli, lemongrass, coriander, coconut broth
Scampi monkfish, vindaloo dip, lime, coriander
Pork belly, fennel kimchi, BBQ sauce, peanut & sesame seed
Gurnard, tomato, anchovy, olive, samphire, pinenut, courgette
What are the rooms and facilities on offer at The Gurnard's Head?
Only the best Vi-Spring beds, the bedrooms are about melting into one of the books that lie around the building, listening to a Radio 4 play on the Roberts radio or staring out to the sea or to the moors. Some guests are even sufficiently hypnotised to wait for the hooved shuffle of the cows on their twice-daily amble to and from milking.
What can guests enjoy when staying in the St Ives area?
Walking
Some of the world’s most awe-inspiring coastline is right on the doorstep. Wander out of the back door and be on top of the cliffs in little more than five minutes.
Art
The Newlyn and St. Ives schools, Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Alfred Wallace, Patrick Heron, Roger Hilton. The names from yesteryear roll off the tongue but the inheritance remains in good hands.
From the more famous Tate St. Ives and Hepworth galleries, to independents such as Penlee in Penzance, Essex Tyler in Mousehole, Kurt Jackson in St. Just and Yew Tree Gallery in Morvah.
Maritime Matters
Just north of Land’s End, Sennen Cove is the best known beach in the area. Long, sandy and popular with surfers, it has a great café.
The Gurnard's have their favourite cove that is nearer, more protected and less well known. A longish walk down the cliffs, but worth it.
