Lugger Hotel

Found in the tiny Cornish fishing village of Portloe, The Lugger is a hotel and restaurant based inside a 17th century smugglers' inn. Surrounded by cliffs and situated moments away from the waterside, the location of The Lugger Hotel is pretty hard to beat.  However, the restaurant works hard not to play second fiddle to the view, offering a pleasantly relaxed dining experience while still paying careful attention to food, drink & service. This relaxed ambience lends itself brilliantly both to quick casual dinners and lengthier celebratory affairs.

The Lugger's white exterior is as traditional as they come in terms of harbourside inns and there are often fishing boats lying nearby the hotel and restaurant's front door. In contrast to this, the dining room has a more contemporary feel to it; the colour scheme has been kept muted and there's little by way of décor, while original wooden beams above add a touch of rustic charm. The restaurant's large windows ensure that the room is always flooded with light, as well as providing diners with a stunning sea view. During the summer there's also the option to dine outside on the hotel's wonderful secluded terrace.

A menu strong on local & regional produce (especially fish) promises anything from Portloe crab cakes with sweet chilli salsa or Cornish seafood chowder topped with a poached river Fal oyster & herb oil to baked fillet of lemon & herb-crusted hake with a shallot & chive beurre blanc or roasted rump of lamb with root vegetable stew & a honey & rosemary jus. Mango crème brûlée with orange sorbet is a refreshing way to finish or if you have room you can opt for a West Country cheese plate.

The food menu comes accompanied by a drinks list which covers everything from wine by both the glass and bottle to digestifs.