Beaucliffes at Porth Veor Manor, Porth

While Newquay is Party Central and Watergate Bay rather trendy, Porth is a somewhat quieter neighbour. Overlooking its big sandy beach from the hill above is the Porth Veor Manor Hotel, housed in a 19th century manor house. And as befi ts such a building, the hotel’s Beaucliffes restaurant, in a sunny conservatory with beach views, has a decorous air and ‘smart casual’ dress code – which means collared shirts, guys.

Head chef Robbie Williams’ cooking is aptly accomplished and often intricate; think asparagus tips tied nattily with a ring of onion around a neat pile of juicy dressed Cornish crab and sprinkled with scarletcoloured microgreens.

The elaborate composition of the dishes is reflected in the upmarket prices, but if being an early bird suits you, you can choose from a small, more affordable selection of traditional dishes (available 6.15-7pm), such as beer battered fish and chips or Cornish-cured gammon steak with poached free-range egg, chips and caramelised pineapple.

Request one of the tables around the edge of the airy conservatory for the views out over the lush green grass of the hotel lawn, and over to the beach and the headland beyond. And if, after the crêpes soufflées or a cheese platter, you feel the need for a walk-it-all-off stroll, make use of the hotel’s private footpath leading down to the beach.