Updated June 2023
For this blog we decided to research the best places to go for a cream tea when visiting St Ives in Cornwall. St Ives is well known for its surf beaches, its art scene and of course cream teas.
Porthmeor Beach
https://porthmeor-beach.co.uk/
LOCATION / VENUE
Porthmeor Beach, St Ives TR26 1JZ
Porthmeor Beach Café is located just below the Tate in St Ives, it boasts amazing views over the beach and makes a perfect lunch spot.
MENU
A Traditional Cornish cream tea is £6 (Jan 2020). They also have a wide selection of cakes (Guinness and Carrot Cake to name a few).
REVIEWS
TripAdvisor 4.5, Google 4.6
TripAdvisor reviewers regularly refer to the quality and variety of freshly baked cakes, their good coffee and great views. They also offer a delicious dinner menu with a wide choice of local alcoholic drinks. There is a vegetarian and vegan option available.
Olive's Cafe
LOCATION / VENUE
Island Square, St Ives, TR26 1NX
Located on the square in St Ives, a quiet area well known for its laid back atmosphere compared with the rest of the town.
MENU
Cornish Cream Tea - Two homemade scones served warm with local preserve and Cornish Clotted Cream.
REVIEWS
TripAdvisor 4.5, Google 4.7
Reviews focus on the delicious fresh scones, amazing location and the friendly staff.
The Pier Coffee Bar
https://www.facebook.com/thepiercoffeebar
LOCATION / VENUE
Pier House, Quay Street, St Ives
A lovely independent café serving proper Italian coffee and traditional tea. With a selection of delicious Italian puddings or a Cornish cream tea there is definitely something to suit everyone’s tastes.
MENU
Cream Tea for 2 £11 (includes pot of tea each, 2 freshly baked scones each, 2x pots of cream and 2x small jars of jam) (2018)
REVIEWS
TripAdvisor 5.0, Google 4.8
Lots of the positive reviews mention the delicious Italian coffee. There are gluten free and vegan options available. Welcoming friendly staff and very popular in the summer. A great place for watching the world go by.
The Yellow Canary Café
https://www.facebook.com/TheYellowCanaryCafe/
LOCATION / VENUE
12 Fore Street, St Ives, TR26 1AB
The Yellow Canary Café is set in the heart of St Ives. They have been serving award winning Cornish pasties, delicious Cornish cream teas and homemade cakes for over thirty-five years.
MENU
Cornish Cream Tea 5.95 (2019). Gluten free scones are also available
REVIEWS
TripAdvisor 4.5, Google 4.6
Great reviews on Trip Advisor, friendly and helpful staff, delicious pasties savoury as well as sweet, large sandwiches (you will definitely not leave hungry) a bit pricey but certainly worth it.
HarBar Kitchen, bar & Terrace
https://www.harbourhotels.co.uk/st-ives/harbar-kitchen-bar-terrace
LOCATION / VENUE
The Terrace, St Ives, TR26 2BN
HarBar Kitchen, Bar & Terrace is situated above Porthminster beach within the Harbour Hotel. HarBar Kitchen Bar and Terrace has Hotelspectacular views adding to the dining experience. Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed in the beautiful bay view lounge.
MENU
Afternoon Tea £15.95pp (2020) includes selection of sandwiches, scones, cream & jam, selection of fresh cakes, selection of teas (gluten and vegan options are available)
REVIEWS
TripAdvisor 4.0, Google 4.3
Fantastic customer service and food, great for a special occasion, great dining with amazing views.
Lakeside Cabin Café
http://www.facebook.com/lakesidecabincafe/
LOCATION/VENUE
Nance Lakes, Lelant, St Ives, TR26 3EZ
Lakeside Cabin Café is a small family run business with beautiful views over the lakes. They have seating inside and outside and a large car park.
MENU
A selection of breakfast baps, lunch baguettes and a choice of sweet cakes and slices and of course traditional Cornish cream teas.
REVIEWS
TripAdvisor 5.0, Google 4.8
Lots of people commenting on lovely, friendly staff, how delicious the food is and due to the large portions not having room for cake (so definitely needs two visits).
Duckies Café, Hayle
https://www.facebook.com/DuckiesCafe/
LOCATION/VENUE
5 Penpol Terrace, Hayle TR27 4BQ
Duckies Café is a small tearoom in Hayle town centre popular for breakfast and lunch.
MENU
A daily selection of freshly baked cakes from the counter with scones and cream teas also available.
REVIEWS
TripAdvisor 4.5, Google 4.9
Great for breakfast and lunch with care taken to accommodate for people's dietary requirements. Freshly cooked and well-presented food at a reasonable price.
See also where to go for a cream tea in Newquay and Padstow.