Cornish Culinary Corners

What goes around comes around - so we're back to the Windswept Cafe (Newquay, South Fistral Beach). I'll even stick in another photo of the aforementioned premises just to satisfy all you Googlers out there.

When I scribbled a piece on the Windswept Cafe back last summer, little did I know just how many poor punters were drawn to Beach Bum's blog after trawling the www for more info on this eatery. The Windswept doesn't have its own website yet so they get washed up here.

The reservation number is 01637 850793 since you asked. Those with a sweet tooth (assuming your sugar rush addiction has left you some) might also like to know they have a monthly "pudding club" where, it seems, the starter is dessert - and probably the main course too. It sounds to me like an antenatal class but I'm the kind of Beach Bum that has oysters for dessert so why quibble?

Over the winter months the Windswept Cafe have gamely laid on all manner of attractions to entice the peoploids in. Art shows, special offers, music and the lady with the python (OK, I made the last one up). I wonder if you still need to be a midget to work in the kitchen though? I said it before and I'll say it again, focus on the grub and the customers will follow. Of course, that's a foodie's perspective. The music gigs are going down well. Martin Harley of the Martin Harley Band did a solo spot at the end of January and it sold out in a flash. I've never heard of MHB, but then I'm still playing The Sweet.

Today, however, our stroll along the beach had us hankering after log fires, pints and cosy pubness. For Beach Bum and family, this generally means that sea-views are sacrificed, and we motor inland to the Plume Of Feathers at Mitchell. The pub food here reflects the high standards that the Plume's restaurant strives for and gets thumbs up and lips smacking from all of Beach Bum's crew.

Today, I didn't go for my usual Caesar salad (with anchovies) but tucked in to the succulent angus beef burger served with sweet onion relish. Sea Nymph wasn't as enamoured of the leek and potato soup as on previous outings but this a minor blip on an otherwise fine excursion for the taste buds.

Service is always courteous, if a little slow, but I reckon that's down to the care the chef takes cooking and presenting the food. I recommend just ordering the Guinness extra chilled. That way, when your food arrives, the black stuff will have just reached quaff point perfection. When the food is finally served, the courses come in order, a minor miracle in many eateries. And no waiting for this side portion or that while the rest of your main course stares back at you.

The portions are almost over-generous, the kid's menu offers a selection that's of a standard equitable with the adult's - and they get to colour in their menus. A big plus point is a lunch menu available to 5pm. I wish more pubs could manage this arrangement.

Mental note: extra lengths in the pool on Monday otherwise, at this rate, Beach Bum may morph into Blubber Bum.