Alastair Sawday Reveals his Coastal Favourites

Written By Kerry O'Neill

Alastair Sawday, owner of the independent publishing house behind The Extra Mile and The Coastal Café Guide (Printslinger Ltd.) shares some of his personal favourite coastal spots in Cornwall (Image shows Godrevy Lighthouse, Cornwall). Alastair: over to you.

As the years have rolled by and experiences have gathered cobwebs in the memory, it is easier to pick one’s now-favourite moments. I’ve given up on skiing, sailing and hiking (ouch) but now know roughly what I need to maintain my enthusiasm for life. I don’t expect anyone else to enjoy cold showers as a kick-start to the day, or sorting out an over-stuffed filing drawer, but I dare anyone to disown the delight of a fine coastal café.  I am going to mention just two. 

Godrevy Café

The Cornish coastal path is rightly loved by all. There is a special section that brings you along the steep cliffs from Hell’s Mouth just to the east of Godrevy, towards the lighthouse (often referred to as Virginia Woolf’s) that stands sentinel 300 yards off-shore at the end of the peninsula. To sit there with an open eye to the sea is to feel the surge of the tide and the tireless assault of the waves.

Another 20 minutes on and you are at the National Trust carpark on the way to Gwithian. At the back of it stands the café which you have come for, Godrevy Beach Café, run by an enthusiastic bunch of local foodies. It serves nourishing portions of good local food and is exactly what is needed after a good walk. From there, you can walk along the vast beach to Hayle, windsurfers and surfers to your right and low sandy cliffs to your left. This is St Ives Bay: wide, welcoming and beautiful.

Porthmeor Beach Café

My next choice is a step or two up gastronomically, but worth every penny. Take a train to St Ives, walk through the town to the Tate and just below you is the Porthmeor Beach Café.  It is fun, informal and very handsome, gazing straight onto the beach. The food is superb, with heavily-freighted crab sandwiches, lemon and ricotta arancini, local scallops and more. It is always lip-smackingly delicious. I have often slipped down to the beach for a plunge between courses. Now that is a life-enhancer!

I am as excited as you are to see the launch of The Coastal Café Guide, whose first edition will launch in 2024. Produced by my independent publishing company, Printslinger, it will contain some well-loved coastal venues plus some hidden haunts that might have slipped under the radar of many. Small, locally-run places that provide a really authentic taste of the local food and flavours will feature strongly. To get in touch about featuring in the book (or indeed about featuring the book on your own channels), find the key information on our Contact page or meet the Team here.

Happy coasteering,

Alastair.

Further info 

Printslinger Limited is an independent publishing company owned by Alastair Sawday. For clarity, Alastair’s publishing company is no longer connected in any business capacity with Sawday’s (the travel brand he founded), nor with Sawday’s Canopy and Stars. Printslinger’s books are distributed by Central Books. Its catalogue is represented by Signature Books. Book information for The Extra Mile, The Coastal Café Guide and all subsequent titles will be available on Nielson Book Data. For all trade orders and enquiries, please contact Central Books. The Extra Mile can be ordered now.  

For all enquiries, please contact writer and project manager Kerry O’Neill initially via email. Contact welcomed from those seeking to feature in the book, stock the book or receive further details about the book. To pre-order The Coastal Café Guide (due 2024), contact Kerry on the email above. 

Find the Coastal Café Guide online 

Find The Extra Mile: Delicious Alternatives to Motorway Services online 

Find the Farm Shop Guide online 







Kerry O'Neill
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