The Gurnard's Head
Zennor, between St Ives and St Just · Inn
View on Google MapsPhoto: Victoria Wake
A mustard-coloured dining inn on the wild road between St Ives and St Just, with eight rooms and a serious kitchen.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Gurnard's Head
The Gurnard's Head is a solitary mustard-yellow building on the B3306, the coast road that runs across the moorland between St Ives and St Just. There is very little else out here: gorse, granite, field boundaries that date back thousands of years, and the Atlantic a short walk down the hill. The inn takes its name from the headland below it and has become one of the best-known places to eat and stay in west Cornwall.
Eight bedrooms sit above the bar and dining rooms. They are individually decorated in strong colours with Vi-Spring beds, jam jars of flowers, Roberts radios and books rather than televisions or telephones. Room 8 is the largest, with a courtyard terrace, log burner, seating area and a tadelakt-walled bathroom with both bath and shower. The others range from smaller doubles to rooms that take a rollaway bed, sofabed or cot, so families can be accommodated with a bit of planning. Dogs are genuinely welcome throughout.
The kitchen is the reason many people make the drive. Menus change constantly and lean on what is landed at Newlyn and grown nearby, cooked plainly and well; the inn holds a Michelin Guide listing and has done for years. The bar keeps Cornish ales and a wine list that is longer and more interesting than the setting suggests. Breakfast is included and unhurried, and the kitchen will make up walkers' lunches.
The South West Coast Path passes below the inn, and the walk to Zennor along the cliffs is one of the finest and most demanding stretches in the county. Guests tend to be walkers, birdwatchers, and couples who want somewhere quiet with good food. There is no mobile signal to speak of and no spa or pool. That is rather the point.
Reception hours
- Monday
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
Amazing food! The best pork belly I have ever eaten and the fresh bread was also excellent. Would highly recommend a meal at this very remote setting. Only compliant was that the service was incredibly slow. Would normally be ok with that on holiday but our 3 course meal was spread over nearly 3h.
2 weeks ago · via Google
Really excellent food. Really interesting, very well presented by the chef. We had a table of six for my mother’s 80th. The owner/manager was thoughtful and offered a glass of bubbles to my mum. Great service from the team. A really lovely Cornish experience and we definitely will return when we are in the area. Well done.
3 months ago · via Google
We went there for a meal last night.First time there but what a wonderful place inside. Staff were so friendly and polite. Food was exceptional, definitely elevated from standard pub food. We have eaten at many pubs in Cornwall from Celebrity Chefs to local village pubs and this one is certainly one not to be missed. The quality and presentation of the food is superb.
2 months ago · via Google
5* food - best lunch in Cornwall! Beautiful drive, gorgeous gardens, brilliant staff, top notch food and dog friendly. Easy parking. We had the Sunday menu and it is worth going back for!
4 weeks ago · via Google
People say this pub offers exceptional, inventive dishes, including delicious vegan and gluten-free options, and a great selection of wines and local drinks. They also highlight the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the attentive, friendly staff. Guests mention the comfortable rooms, spotless restrooms, and convenient parking.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Zennor, Saint Ives, TR26 3DE Get directions
- Property type
- Inn
- Location
- Zennor, between St Ives and St Just
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 8.9 / 10 (780 reviews)
- Prices from
- £130 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Good for groups
- Yes
- Booking required
- Yes
- Destination
- Cornwall