Nightlife in Newquay

It’s hard to overstate just how good the view is from Fort Inn, especially with a pint of something cold in your hand. With sweeping views across Newquay and its wide-open beaches, it’s easy to get carried away with the scenery and forget to eat, which would be a shame, as the Fort Inn’s food is really rather good. There is the traditional pub trio of burgers, bangers and mash, and pies, but the fish dishes come highly recommended – you’re not going to get much fresher fish in your time, with the local mussels a big hit with regulars.

The views at The Bowgie Inn are just as good, and it’s perfectly placed for the surfing crew, just a short walk from the golden sands of Crantock Beach. With low ceilings, panoramic views and serving food, coffee and drinks daily from 11am, the 18th-century pub is popular with families, walkers and beachgoers alike. The Bowgie – which is Cornish for cowshed – serves a mouth-watering roast on Sundays, delicious brunches daily and boasts an extensive selection of Cornish tipples. The view from this pub is truly incredible!

The Smugglers Den Inn might not have the same views, but it is housed in a 16th-century  building, complete with a stunning Victorian terrace that is perfect for sun-kissed afternoons and evenings. A five-mile drive from our Newquay (Quintrell Downs) hotel, the pub is well known for its food, including the renowned fish pie and Smugglers burger. Set in the Instagram-able village of Trebellan and with distant views across the coast, the pub is home to a wide selection of guest ales, an impressive wine list and a roaring fire for those cold winter afternoons.

If you’d like to wiggle your toes in the warm summer sand while knocking back a local cider or ale, then the Mermaid Inn is your spot. Literally on the beach, this family-run pub has been a favourite in Newquay for years and is well known for its seafood, including specials caught that day. With regular events, such as kids’ craft parties and quiz nights, the pub is always lively and offers a good selection of drinks, spanning guest ales and locally distilled gin. Pair that with the stunning sunset views and you have a real winner.

Start your Newquay bar crawl at Belushi’s and you might not leave. Boasting a cliff-top beer garden, sprawling cocktail menu, live music and stacked burgers, it’s got pretty much everything you’d want from a night out. Oh, and they have their very own surf school, which very few bars in the world can boast. Spread over two floors, there’s an impressive range of beers and ciders on tap, as well as an expansive food menu, perfect for the après-surf the bar specialises in. Belushi’s really comes alive at night with live bands and DJs, especially at weekends, and with amazing views across the bay, you’re never short of something to look at.

Another post-surf drinking spot, Fistral Beach Bar has outstanding views across the Cornish coastline and a bustling atmosphere from sunup until late into the night. The open-air terrace is perfect for sun-dappled days, while the main room inside can host up to 600 people and screens live surf events and videos from across the world. Open for breakfast, coffee, lunch and dinner, the bar is dog-friendly and – like most of Newquay’s pubs and bars – comes into its own at night with guest DJs and live bands. The beach is also home to annual surfing competitions, making the Fistral Beach Bar the perfect place to watch the competitors make a splash.

There are three key ingredients to a good night out; good friends, good drinks and good music – and, if you’re in Whiskers, cats apparently. With feline-friendly decor, this Newquay hotspot has a wide range of craft beers, local ciders, bespoke cocktails and a well-travelled wine list, with live music every Wednesday and DJs at the weekend. Just around the corner from the Blue Reef Aquarium, the venue is spread over four rooms, each draped in colourful velvet and quirky cat-inspired designs. You’ll never struggle to get to the bar, find a comfy seat or make a little elbow room and get your groove on.

Rounding out the selection is Tom Thumb, a wood-lined, welcoming speakeasy that offers everything from your morning coffee hit to a late-night tequila shot. The walls are adorned with local art and the bar is open from midday daily serving freshly roasted coffee, lunches, dinners and a head-turning selection of top-shelf spirits, beers, ciders and wines. If you’re looking for a classy bar away from the hustle and bustle of Newquay’s more lively spots, then grab a pew and let Tom Thumb take control.