Alex Fisher visits The Longstore cafe in beautiful Charlestown in Cornwall
WHET MY APPETITE
A visit to Charlestown is like stepping back in time. The setting for many Poldark harbour scenes, you will usually be able to see a number of elegant tall ships moored here, along with its array of Grade II-listed buildings. Built to transport copper from Cornish mines in the 19th century, the old harbour attracts many visitors every summer, keen to see how Cornwall looked centuries ago. However, with the addition of The Longstore, this harbour village is now also attracting foodies who love to eat beautifully cooked, local seafood in a more modern environment.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
Local crab, mussels, scallops and fish dominate the menu here. The Longstore smokes its own mackerel, which is served with beetroot and horseradish croutons, and mussels from St Austell Bay, just down the road, are served with Cornish cream, parsley and white wine. We tried crab on toast with crème fraîche, watercress, shallots and capers, which was delicious and as fresh as you can get, along with scallops with Parmesan polenta and tomato salsa. For mains, the menu offers plaice with brown shrimps and samphire, along with seafood linguine with soft shell crab. If seafood isn’t your preference, The Longstore chefs also do an excellent steak, along with homemade burgers and plenty of imaginative vegetarian options, such as the celeriac steak with spicy cauliflower fritters.
HOW’S THE MOOD?
Modern and stylish, but also super-relaxed.
CAN I SEE THE SEA?
You can see the harbour from some of the tables.
WHAT’S THE DAMAGE?
Starters are priced from around £7, mains begin at £11 and rise to £27 for top-of-the-range fillet steak, but there are lots of options, so it’s easy to tailor your spend.
OPENING TIMES
Lunch is served from 12pm to 3pm and dinner from 5.30pm till late. It’s definitely worth booking in the summer months. To book, call 01726 68598 or visit thelongstore.co.uk.
