Over the years Truro has enjoyed an ever expanding range of eating and drinking experiences, making it one of the best gourmet destinations in Cornwall. From the humble fish and chips, a greasy takeaway in the dead of night to a civilized meal before the theatre. Truro caters for all.
So, you may well wonder what on earth the BID (Business Improvement District) is doing running around Truro City Centre – yes it’s that time of year again, where we work in partnership with Truro City Council to produce the Food & Drink section for the official Truro Guide 2015!
The Food and Drink section is dedicated to all the eateries in Truro, including cafes, bars, bistros, clubs, restaurants, takeaways and specialist food stores. All food and drink businesses within the city centre are listed in the guide which is funded through the BID, information in the guide includes a brief description of each business, an image and contact details.
There are 60’000 copies of the guide produced and it is a practical guide for any visitor coming to Truro to see what’s on offer and where best to dine or relax and enjoy a coffee.
The Changing Food Scene….
The food and drink scene within Truro is forever changing, most recently with the rise in the Gourmet Burger and Hot Dog. Last summer Mustard and Rye made its appearance in Calenick Street, as well as the Hub Box (now in Kenwyn Street) moving towards glammed up fast food at its best.
Smoothie bars have also made a bold appearance this summer with B Juicy (fruit freshly blended in a heavy duty blender, as you wait) and Truro Smoothie Bar.
Truro also boasts and eclectic mix of well-established ethnic eateries. For example Mandarin Garden, Truro’s only sit down Chinese restaurant has been in Truro for twenty six years and is the place you need to go in order to experience authentic Chinese food.
The Hub Box, along with Salt and Sam’s in the City – are definitely some of the trendiest eateries. Local Cornish businesses setting up an intial fantastic restaurant and then building on their brands in order to expand. For example Salt originally found only in Hayle and now Truro is its newest venture, Sam’s in the City, as well as the Hub Box have several locations in Cornwall. If the business model is steady and the brand grows, loyalty will follow the image and customers will expect the same quality food, service and vibe. Their whole restaurant image, along with their website presence and social media ensures buy in from loyal fans who keep coming back for more. Customers buy into the image and brand created.
Finally we can’t miss out on Truro’s steady food businesses, unfailing and guaranteed, such as The Old Grammar School, Gravy Boesti, Tabbs, Mannings and Bustophers to name a few. For some of the best seafood experiences you have to try Hooked (formerly Indaba) and The Falmouth Bay Seafood Café!
With the coffee scene, premises are usually small and cosy, they offer an intimate space for you to grab your coffee and go, with a few seats available if rest required. Grounded, 108 Coffee House, Blend 71, Oscars, Café Uneeka, Lunch. The Old Globe Bistro, as well as the reliable Starbucks and Costa really do make visitors spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the best cup of coffee.
Deluxe cream clotted teas are spotted around Truro, with the best views from Charlottes Tea House, as well as Gracey’s Tea Room and Fodders – with the Tinners Court ambiance and market.
With regards to healthy eating, with all the nuts and bean sprouts Archie Browns is king, followed by The Secret Garden as well as MidTown Deli….Speaking of which Lavender’s Delicatessen offers a variety of tantalizing cured meats, cheeses and so much more.
The Old Ale House, William IX, Wig and Pen, The White Hart – all offer your traditional pub fare with locals enjoying their favourite pint. The Attic, The Office and L2 all offer the nightclub scene – supported by trendy Zafiros, QDos, Vertigo, Vanilla and Bunters (plus Sky sports and wide screen TV) to name a few.
Finally the Pannier Market has a mixture of food specialists from macadamia nuts to Pick and Mix. We are truly spoilt with the bounties of Cornwall from The Cornish Food Box, Halzephron and The Cornish Tea and Coffee Company. In Truro we have our own wine connoisseur Old Chapel Cellars, as well as beer heaven – The Red Elephant. Angelato’s gelato has really made an impact on the ice cream scene with its delicious flavours including zingy sorbets!
So after having typed out this piece – I feel rather peckish! I just want to give you a flavor of the Food & Drink section in the Truro Guide. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Guide when it comes out in January 2015!
Enjoy Truro 