With a smattering of brilliant eateries in the area, Bude is one of north Cornwall’s top spots for eating out. From seafood restaurants and cosy pubs to coastal cafes, here are the best places to eat and drink in Bude.
Restaurants in Bude
Successfully combining fine dining without the fuss, bistro-style Sea Fever is in the town centre. With colourful interiors and contemporary seafood dishes, there are some spectacular views over Summerleaze beach for diners that manage to bag a table by the window. Much of the fish is caught in the bay and all other ingredients are local, all of it Cornish. Check out their seasonal feasts which come round every few months, and the cocktails are delicious.
Having opened back in 2020, it may be fairly new to the scene but popular Potters has already become one of the best places to eat and drink in Bude; it’s even earned a listing in the prestigious Michelin guide, too. Their Cornish hake fish and chips is one of North Cornwall’s best, whilst other offerings include Tandoori Cornish monkfish and St Ives smoked mackerel pate. The Cornish negroni cocktails include Bude gin and are especially delicious.
Set just back from the canal in the centre of Bude, The Falcon Hotel is Cornwall’s oldest coaching hotel and serves up formal but unfussy food. The Coachman’s Bar and Grill has lovely views over the canal and the centre of Bude, whilst the sprawling terrace sits under the trees and is the perfect spot for a drink when the sun’s shining.
Cafes in Bude
Open from Wednesday through to Sunday, the buzzy Electric Bakery on the outskirts of Bude is definitely worth hunting down for their artisanal sourdough, cakes and pastries, specialty coffee and craft beers. They’re staunch supporters of local producers (try their ‘3-mile loaf’) and great advocates of sustainable food — their menu reflects the seasons. They also run popular sourdough bread making courses throughout the year, and host street food pop ups during the summer months. Grab a table outside and watch the world go by.
Right above Summerleaze, laid-back Life’s a Beach is perfect for anyone who’s worked up an appetite in the waves. Serving great beach café fare by day, including Cornish mackerel salad and local Launceston burgers. By night the place becomes one of the best places to eat and drink in Bude with a local seafood menu as well as the odd steak or lamb dish. A perfect spot after a swim at the sea pool on Summerleaze Beach below.
Pubs in Bude
Cornwall’s first micropub, The Barrel at Bude is one of Bude’s tiniest venues with a maximum capacity of 40 people. In the centre of town, it sells craft ales from independent brewers and producers and holds live music events throughout the year, too. Away from the crowds in the pretty village of Stratton, about a mile from Bude, The Kings Arms is a 17th-century coaching inn with centuries-old flagstones, huge inglenooks and bags of character. The extensive menu features wholesome pub fare, whilst the bar stocks plenty of local ales, spirits and ciders.
Finally, The Preston Gate Inn is everything you would imagine a Cornish country pub to be, and is dog friendly inside and out. The hearty menu is paired with real ales, craft beers and an array of Cornish gins. The historic pub The Brendon Arms has been run by the same family since the 1800s. Overlooking Bude’s inner harbour, it serves homemade dishes using fresh local ingredients, best washed down with a Cornish ale or a glass from the carefully selected wine list, which includes local suppliers.
