As world leaders from Japan, the US and several European nations prepare to descend on the small coastal enclave of Carbis Bay this summer, the locals are holding their breath unsure of what to expect…
Although Boris, Joe, Emmanuel & Co. are unlikely to have much time to enjoy the delights of nearby St Ives themselves, their support staff and the world’s media might be keen on a whistle-stop tour. We’ve compiled a handy list of illuminating things that shouldn’t be missed, tucked away though they are!
The Old Forge
We’re sure the catering arrangements will be quite something, but you can’t beat a takeaway pizza!
The presidential motorcade could easily miss this friendly deli and pizza place as it leaves the A30 and rushes through the Lelant roundabout. However, we strongly recommend grabbing a coffee at The Old Forge if nothing else, and perhaps a menu or two for takeaway pizza in case hotel room service should be found lacking!
Scarlet Wines also has a handy outpost onsite and stocks a fantastic selection, particularly of organic wines from around the world, just in case anyone is feeling homesick…
Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Exploring this sculpture garden is a must when visiting St Ives
It’s impossible to miss Tate St Ives, with it’s beautiful semi-circular gallery overlooking Porthmeor Beach. However, the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden is much more tucked away in rambling backstreets, yet a visit here is well worth the effort.
Discover this pioneering female artist’s studio and garden, where many of her works have been situated. Hepworth’s Single Form stands in the United Nations Plaza in New York, so her monumental sculptures may not be unfamiliar to visiting Heads of State.
Anima Mundi
This acclaimed gallery can be found in the former Christian Science reading rooms on Street-an-Pol, incongriously behind a branch of Wetherspoons! During the G7 summit the gallery will be showing ‘Castles Of Sand’, an international mixed exhibition coinciding with the meeting of world leaders and intended to provoke conversation.
Described as one of the most significant contemporary art spaces outside of London, Anima Mundi is known for powerful exhibitions which don’t shy away from controversial subjects; most certainly one for the G7 entourage to visit then, if they’re ready to engage in those difficult conversations…
Porthminster Kitchen
Escape the hustle and bustle of the harbour at Porthminster Kitchen
Escape up a hidden flight of steps in the middle of the bustling harbourside thoroughfare and you’ll discover Porthminster Kitchen – an oasis of great food and views perched above the busy stream of people below. Watch fishing boats return with their catch and admire a vista which has inspired many generations of artists, including Anthony Frost whose work adorns the walls.
Fresh flavours and creativity dictate the menu here, where globally-inspired food is served using the finest local ingredients.
Pilchard Press
If the G7 leaders were looking for an example of a piece of British history reinvented for contemporary times, they could do worse than visit the craft beer experts at The Pilchard Press, a micro-pub just off the harbour serving an evolving selection of small-batch ales from Cornwall and beyond.
After millions of gallons of cask beer had to thrown away as a result of the pandemic, stopping by for a pint or two and supporting the recovery of Britain’s pubs and breweries would be a welcome gesture.
Fish Sales at Smeaton’s Pier
Enjoy privaleged access to the catch of the day, like this local chef!
With the local fishing industry hit by the double-whammy of Brexit and Covid, this project to create new facilities for landing and selling fish at Smeaton’s Pier was desperately needed.
The public can now buy the catch of the day direct from a small shop counter, giving local fishers a new route to market with zero food miles. With the bounty of St Ives Bay at your disposal, the only problem is deciding what to cook (not that we imagine Boris and Co. will be doing much of that!)
We hope the Cornish coast will be the backdrop for a successful summit and perhaps positive change; after all, it is an inspiring place.
