Beach bars in Hayle
Hayle beach bar N.1
The Cove Cafe
On a warm, sunny day in July I decided to walk the dogs on Hayle Beach. I heard a new beach bar was newly open just off North Quay. Plus, I wanted to try The Cove Cafe which is under new ownership. I started out with taking a stroll around the headland with my two dogs to The Cove Cafe.
The Cove Cafe, Hayle Beach
Dog-friendly
In July and August, dogs are banned from the section of the beach between North Quay to The Cove Cafe. As I walked with my dogs, realisation hit me on my way back to the car. Sweating that I may meet the dog warden and face a hefty fine! I have to say, there were other dogs around which is why I didn’t immediately twig. My goal was to have a coffee at The Cove Cafe, the beach bar overlooking Hayle Beach and St Ives Bay. It has stunning views across to St Ives and it is dog-friendly. What better way to take a mid-beach walk break?
Parking at The Bluff or Riviere Towans would mean dogs are legit between July and August! By walking down the steps at The Cove Cafe and turn right, you hit the dog-friendly section of the beach.
On the beach
This beach bar is quite literally on the beach! It was recently bought by a well-known chef who runs Philleigh Cookery School on The Roseland. Apart from offering coffee, tea, cakes, breakfast baps and light lunches it hosts supper clubs with delicious menus for discerning diners.
Relatively easy access
The beach bar is accessed either via steps up from Hayle beach (the steps up from Hayle Beach have handrails) or via a gentle slope from Riviere Towans. There is off-road parking in Riviere Towans or paid parking at The Bluff.
Friendly-staff
I loved this beach bar as me and the dogs got a warm welcome. There are water bowls outside and they are allowed inside. Inside has rustic charm and incredible views. Imagine wooden tables and concrete floors. Walls are a mix of wood clad and white walls with artwork plus there is a wood burner too. The whole place felt cosy and comfortable. The views from inside are as breathtaking as outside!
Great coffee
I opted for just a coffee but it was delicious and beautifully made by the barista. Other diners across from me had ordered breakfast and their sausage and egg baps looked very tempting!
Hayle beach bar N.2
Gilbert’s
This happy beach bar is right on the beach at North Quay in Hayle. There is a car park just behind it which can be paid for using the Just Park App which I paid £2.20 for 2 hours. The bar overlooks Hayle Estuary and looks across to the otherside to Porthkidney Beach and Lelant Church. It’s a wooden structure with outdoor dining as well as a covered, sheltered section.
Gilbert’s Beach Bar (photo credit: gilberts-hayle.co.uk)
Dog-friendly
It’s perfect for taking a rest with refreshments after a dog walk in Hayle. The section of the beach directly in front of the beach bar has a dog restriction on it during July and August but there are other sections of Hayle Beach that can be accessed and walked on nearby. Strictly speaking, there is no ‘inside’ but there are covered areas if it’s raining or windy. There are plenty of benches on the sand to offer any reactive dog the space they need from others. There are even doggy snacks at the bar!
On the beach
Gilbert’s beach bar is quite literally on the sand so it’s the closest thing to being a beach bar in Hayle!
Very easy access
There is a level approach from the car park just behind the bar but also there is a slope up from the beach if approaching it from the beach side. The bench tables are all on the sand outside and the inside is decked. There are toilets for diners to use but be warned, they aren’t luxurious, more functional and clean!
Friendly-staff
The staff were all friendly and helpful. You order at the bar and give your table number so all very well organised too. The aromas of cooking greet you as you queue up to make your order and you can even chat with the chef and get their recommendation too.
Great coffee
Whether it’s iced coffee or a warming latte, Gilbert’s is more than a place to sip a cold glass of wine or a pint of beer. We recommend getting their breakfast bap with an iced latte.
In summary..
Both The Cove Cafe and Gilbert’s are fabulous beach bars in Hayle.
- They are dog-friendly
- There is parking very nearby
- Their coffee is delicious as is the rest of their menu!
- They play chilled out beach tunes
- They each have views to die for!