The Lifeboat Inn.
Wharf Road, St Ives.
The Lifeboat Inn is a traditional harbour-side pub in St Ives with a log fire and outstanding views of the harbour and the sea. Sitting alongside the famous lifeboat house it's a great place to relax, have a drink, enjoy a meal and watch the maritime activities of St Ives. Upstairs the five boutique style bedrooms are perfect for a holiday in the heart of the town.
The big windows of the ground floor bar and restaurant give fantastic views of the harbour, all the way from Harbour Sand on the left, along Smeaton’s Pier and across to Hayle Towans on the right. The menus combine pub classics with enticing specials, and behind the bar you will find locally brewed beers such as the renowned St Austell Tribute ale and Korev lager, west country ciders, fine wines by the glass, classic cocktails and barista coffees.
The day starts with breakfast: full English, full Vegan, Continental, and lots of other options such as American pancakes and Eggs Benedict. The main menu offers a wide choice of dishes ranging from lighter bites to 10oz steaks with plenty of options in between. There is also a complete vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menu.Cornwall has some of the best food and drink in the UK, so nearly everything at The Lifeboat Inn is locally-sourced. The fish is as local as you could possibly get, crab comes from Newlyn, fruit and veg from Falmouth, meat from Redruth and Newquay, cream from Scorrier and ice cream from Callestick.
Blending period features with contemporary style the bedrooms are full of charm with quirky features. Their decoration blends character with a cool coastal theme. Being above a popular and lively pub, they are best recommended for people who go to bed after closing time. The sea-facing double rooms have the super wow-factor of windows looking straight out onto the harbour and the sea from their elevated first floor location. They have plenty of space with a king-size double bed, or they can be made up with two singles. The standard double rooms are similar, on the first and second floors, and these face back to the town. Family rooms also share the sea view and have a king-size bed (or twins) and practical bunk beds for two children.
St Ives really needs no introduction. It’s a stunning location, with glorious beaches, quaint streets and alleys - and world-class art galleries. Add to that, some of the most dramatic coastlines you will ever see, coastal walks that will take your breath away - and some of the best food around. Porthmeor and Porthminster are two of the best beaches in Cornwall. Wander the cobbled streets and discover a huge range of locally-inspired art, jewellery and crafts. Don’t miss the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. When all that’s done, hop in the car and travel down through Zennor to Land’s End, see the cliff-edge Botallack mine near St Just or the Minack Theatre at Porthcurno, then head back via the pretty little fishing village of Mousehole.