Star & Garter, Falmouth – West Country Lifestyle

I discover what Falmouth’s quirkiest Restaurant & Rooms has to offer…

As I walked along Falmouth’s busy high street and spied its many independent shops, cafes and art galleries, I found myself wondering how I had only just discovered such a gem of a destination. The charming harbour town is home to countless art students and eccentric residents; and every other window you pass is filled with artwork or seaside trinkets. I was pleased to see plenty of homegrown brands as we wound our way around its streets and I couldn’t wait to check into our hotel for the night, The Star & Garter.

The Star & Garter restaurant and rooms had caught my eye some time ago, thanks to its unique interiors and its string of gastropub awards. So, on a total whim, I decided to book their penthouse suite and pop down to Cornwall for the weekend. After everything i’d heard online, I was keen to find out if the eclectic pub would live up to my expectations…

What is The Star & Garter?

The Star & Garter is difficult to put into a box. On one hand, it’s pitched as a laidback ‘gastropub’. Yet on the other, it boasts some rather bougie guest rooms, complete with Georgian style paintings and striking harbour views. From the outside, the pub is most intriguing. Neatly slotted between two antique shops, one can’t help but notice its quirky, offbeat signage. Something about the place certainly stands out from the crowd and when you step inside the magic only continues with dark walls and unique art.

Accommodation at The Star & Garter, Falmouth

When you book one of the rooms at Star & Garter you should expect to pay a small deposit in advance and then the full amount upon arrival. For some people, this might be a touch off-putting. However, in hindsight, I completely understand their reasoning for this. The rooms at Star & Garter are set above the pub and function somewhat autonomously from the restaurant below. Think of it as a luxurious Airbnb and you’ll see what I mean.

As I mentioned before, we’d opted for the Penthouse Suite during our stay and we were pleasantly surprised to find that the suite could be booked for only £120/night during off-peak season. The suite is composed of two very generously sized rooms and a modestly sized bathroom. Personally, I thought everything about the place was gorgeous – not least the unspoiled views of Falmouth harbour from the lounge and kitchen. I loved all the little design elements, courtesy of brands such as Oliver Bonas and Anthropologie, and I couldn’t stop staring at the beautiful Nightingale Tree print by Felix Packer.

For fear of sounding like I’m gushing, I really couldn’t fault the rooms at The Star & Garter for the price we paid. They even left a loaf of bread and cakes as a welcome gesture; while the fridge was stocked with fresh milk for coffee and butter for toast. What’s more, the blind in our bedroom was temporarily broken, so by way of apology, they offered us a complimentary bottle of wine! It’s little gestures such as these that really make a place stand out to me and show that it knows how to treat its customers. For self-catering rooms, The Star & Garter gets a 10/10 from me.

Food at The Star & Garter, Falmouth

The Star & Garter serves a menu of British classics for lunch and dinner, as well as Bottomless Brunch every Saturday and a hearty Sunday roast (served 12-3pm and 6pm – 9pm). During our stay, we were booked in for dinner at 7pm and I can honestly say that once again we had no complaints about the quality of the service or the food. The restaurant treads a careful line between laidback and formal, with a very relaxed ambiance but careful attention to detail throughout. While it’s certainly not fine dining, you are still made to feel like you’re in capable hands. For instance, before dinner, we were given glasses of prosecco and asked how our room was. This was a lovely added gesture and it really made us feel welcome.

For dinner, I ordered Cod’s Roe with olive and anchovies (£7) to start; Featherblade Beef with horseradish mash, balsamic onions and buttered cabbage (£18) as my main; and Rum Baba with honey, plum and roasted almonds (£6) for dessert. Once again, you shouldn’t expect fine dining, but all three were very enjoyable and the portion sizes were extremely generous. My beef was beautifully tender and as a result I’d certainly be keen to try their Sunday Roast when we return later in the year.

Things to do nearby

Falmouth has a thriving artistic community and there are plenty of galleries to browse during your stay. Personally, I was so lovestruck with the print on the Penthouse wall that I had to go and seek out the artist responsible for it and inquire about purchasing my own! Likewise, I walked past lots of antique shops and coffee houses during our stay which looked like great places to visit. Alternatively, I recommend just taking a stroll along the pier and soaking up the harbourside vibes. I guarantee you’ll leave wanting to explore more of what Falmouth has to offer.

Overall Impressions of Star & Garter, Falmouth

This gastropub-meets-Airbnb is one of my new favourite finds in Cornwall. I definitely recommend you try the place yourself and I’m already planning another visit (this time staying in their Crow’s Nest suite). I left Falmouth with a newfound desire to explore more of what Cornwall has to offer and I can’t wait to discover more hidden gems such as The Star & Garter.

To find out more, visit starandgarter.squarespace.com