If you’re heading to Cornwall on your holidays, the ancient market town of Wadebridge, just off the A39, makes an ideal stopping point. Not only is it conveniently close to attractions such as Tintagel of Arthurian fame and the popular Camel Cycle Trail, but it also boasts two exceptional eateries that are well worth a visit in their own right.
Little Plates Bar and Eatery on Polmorla Road opened at the end of 2013 and is going great guns, proving hugely popular with locals and receiving rave reviews on TripAdvisor. As the name suggests, the venue serves tapas-style dishes, but the focus is international rather than just Mediterranean, with Chinese-style pork belly and Mexican-style fish tacos on the menu alongside arancini, melanzane parmigiana and patatas bravas.
Little Plates is open for lunch from noon to 2pm and dinner from 6pm to 9pm, but you can also pop in for morning coffee, when churros and chocolate make a divinely indulgent snack. There’s no need to book, but it is possible to make table reservations, and there are ten seats at the bar, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For a more substantial and more traditionally British meal, pay a visit to Little Plates’ older sister, The Ship Inn on Gonvena Hill. One of the oldest pubs in town, it is a real Wadebridge institution, being listed in the Michelin Guide and winning Best Foodie Pub in the 2015 Food Magazine reader awards. Here, you can savour spectacular homemade burgers, beautifully fresh fish dishes, vegetarian specialities, and a selection of local ales and ciders.
Children are more than welcome at this family-friendly establishment and can choose from the Little Ship Mates menu. All the main courses are followed by an ice cream, and there’s a box piled high with toys to keep children amused throughout the meal.
The atmosphere at both Little Plates and The Ship Inn is relaxed and friendly, with excellent service, so whether you’re after an assortment of delicious international light bites or a top-notch version of a hearty British classic, make sure you stop off in Wadebridge this summer.
Request a free copy of our Cornwall Food & Drink Guide here, or read online:
