Exclusive:
There are few things more perfect than a drink in a stunning beer garden when the sun in shining – and The Old Coastguard Hotel in Mousehole, Cornwall, could have the best in Britain
Picture the scene – a glorious winter day without a cloud in the sky, the sun beaming down and you’re wrapped up in your cosy coat, hat and gloves. After a bracing walk around a picturesque harbour with views for miles out to sea, and as the sun starts to lower in the sky, you just fancy a nice glass of wine to take in the stunning scenery.
To make everything even more perfect, you’re in Mousehole, the fairy tale perfect village and fishing port perched on one of the most southerly ports of Cornwall – and you’re just minutes away from, in my humble opinion at least, the best beer garden in the whole of the British isles.
A pal and I had taken the rather bold step to embark on a day trip from London to Cornwall – which might sound like madness but was an absolute delight, especially when you can travel in style on one of the UK’s only sleeper trains, the Night Riviera, operated by Great Western Railway.
Hopping on board on one grey, Thursday evening at Paddington, the cosy warmth of the buffet car and our adorable little cabin soon had us feeling cosy. And as we sipped drinks on the comfortable seats, watching the countryside whisk by in the darkness, we both felt all our day to day stresses melt away.
Tucked up in the warm and welcoming cabin, as rooms on sleeper trains are known, under thick duvets and squidgy pillows, we were soon snoozing as the miles zipped by. Arriving in Penzance, the final destination on the Night Riviera Sleeper. Breakfast in bed, brought to travellers by the ever helpful staff, was a real treat – tea or coffee, orange juice and a pastry or sausage sandwich, we were well set up to take on the delights of Cornwall.
Emerging into the stunning Cornish winter sun, and after a quick freshen up in the Great Western Railway lounge later, we were ready for our day trip adventure. First up was a potter around Penzance and an early lunch before we hopped on the (mini)bus to Mousehole. This little village needs to be seen to be believed.
It’s no stranger to fame, much of the 1995 romcom, Blue Juice, was filmed in this stunning little place and the crystal blue waters of its ancient harbour have long been used to advertise the beauty of Cornwall. The village is ram jammed full of galleries, craft shops, gift stores, pubs, cafes and charm. Getting lost amongst its maze of streets is the perfect way to while away a sunny afternoon.
The beautiful harbour is the perfect place to take in the sea breeze as the tide comes in, watching the gulls and birds wheel in the skies above – but be very careful of the approaching water and make sure you get back up the steps in time. And as we made our way out of Mousehole, and back to Penzance we were thrilled to discover what can only be described as the best and most beautiful beer garden in the country.
One visitor described it on TripAdvisor: “What a view. Breathtaking, especially in the sun! The beer garden is the best beer garden around honestly you will not find better!” While another said: “The perfect place to be on on a sunny afternoon!!” And a third added: “The view from this hotel/ restaurant is second to none. The garden slopes down to the sea and the outdoor and indoor style loggia make for a perfect place for a sundowner!”
Situated at the back of The Old Coastguard Hotel and Restaurant – itself a stunning building with a very impressive restaurant, bar and delicious looking menu – is a cliff top paradise. Kept safe from the elements by screens, you can sit on the clifftop over looking miles and miles of stunning blue sea as you sip your drink and feel your worries melt away.
Even the January chill couldn’t snatch a single second of enjoyment from this beautiful view, and as the sun began to set and previously clear blue sky was lit up with pinks and purples we genuinely thought we were in heaven. As dark slowly descended and the colours deepened, the twinkling lights of Mousehole added a stunning quality to the moment. It’s one I will never forget and I can’t wait to return again soon.
Book it
Tickets for a single occupancy cabin start at £45, on top of your rail ticket price, £34 for double occupancy, on top of your rail ticket and airline seats come at no extra cost. For more information, visit the Great Western Railway website.
