Talland Bay Hotel, Cornwall (Reviewed)

Cornwall is a treasure trove of unique destinations, world class produce and breath taking views. For us, Talland Bay Hotel embodies each of these typically Cornish elements and delivers them with aplomb.

Located in the South East of Cornwall, the hotel sits on Talland Bay itself and it’s only a stones throw from the beautiful village of Looe and Polperro. Venturing inside there is a range of unique and eye-catching pieces of art, each one lending the hotel a hint of character and combining to form a very memorable destination indeed. The website states that this is a hotel with “genuine character” and we have to agree – there is a sense of personality throughout every detail. The stunning gardens also have hidden fairies and other such surprises, therefore reinforcing the hotel’s captivating personality.

Not to beat around the bush, if you are looking for sublime sea views, elegant fine dining and top class service, Talland Bay ticks all the boxes. Plus, it is also our pleasure to note that the warmth of the staff made this feel like a home away from home.

Sleeping and relaxing

Talland Bay Hotel is home to 23 uniquely designed rooms and suites. Each one has been lovingly designed to have their own character. Having spoken to guests on our visit there were many returning guests who favoured certain rooms and actively looked to revisit them, this speaks volumes for the beautiful décor. For us, it’s always special when a guest connects with a room or suite, as it suggests real attention and care has gone into creating them.

One thing is for sure, our Superior Sea View Room had an absolutely stunning perspective on the idyllic Talland Bay. Situated on the hotel’s top floor, the coastal landscape stretched out to the horizon, therefore really maximising the local area’s potential. Stunning.

Aside, from a view of the bay, there was also an ultra-modern bathroom, White Company toiletries, fresh coffee and loose tea too. The level of care and attention to detail to the small touches was certainly noticeable.

Dog friendly destination

As you would expect in such a stunning location, there were many dogs and dog walkers enjoying the sweeping Cornish hills. If you are looking for a dog friendly hotel, then the Talland Bay Hotel also has this covered. Of all the rooms available all but two are dog-friendly. For a small fee, you can bring your pampered pooch along for the stay. Plus, they will also be made very welcome in the hotel brasserie, where sausages and other doggy treats are on offer.

Fine Dining

Talland Bay Hotel is home to a stunning double AA Rosette restaurant, which celebrates the very best in produce from the stunning Cornish coast.  Seasonal, handpicked ingredients ensure the menu is reflective of the very best the area has to offer. We should say firstly, each plate came with bundles of aesthetic flare and extraordinary flavours and textures. The Double AA Rosette’s here coming to fruition on the plate and exceeding that. We would happily recommend the fine dining experience at The Talland Bay Hotel, Head Chef Nick Hawke has done a superb job of creating a menu with a wow factor.

One dish that embodied the restaurant’s fabulous cuisine is the Dover Sole “Grenobloise”. The combination of classic French techniques and locally sourced Cornish crab and sole was absolutely sublime. The freshness of the broad beans and peas working well against Grenobloise and the fish for superb balance. Delicious.

Similarly, the Cornish Cider Pork Belly elevated local ingredients into something rather special. The classic combination of apple had a slight twist with a subtle smokey flavour and crackling granola was light and enjoyable also. The Hogs & Black pudding terrine accompaniment had tremendous visual impact on the plate and really lifted the dish.   All in all, each element worked in harmony and pulled together for a great dish.

Just take a look at the stunning “Cornish Strawberries” dessert too…

Dining at The Brasserie & The Bar

Talland Bay Hotel is not just home to a fine dining restaurant, there is also a superb bar and brasserie (located in the coastal themed conservatory). The brasserie provides views of the gorgeous hotel grounds and dining is a slightly more relaxed affair. However, it should be added that the quality is still of a high calibre and definitely worth considering. Dishes include locally caught skate, mussels and a range of British steaks.

We should also add that the crab sandwich I enjoyed in the brasserie during a lunch time meal was one of the best crab sandwiches I have ever tasted. Deliciously fresh, abundant amounts of crab and a beautiful flavour.

Sat in the heart of the hotel is the bar, which stocks fine wines, spirits and a range of intriguing local specialties. The bar is also home to a huge wealth of premium gins, which definitely caught our attention. Should you wish to sample any of the local Cornish gins on offer, or even gins from all over the world, then you can try a sample of 3 gins on one of the hotel’s tasting boards. This is a great touch and one that we wish we saw more often, certainly something to talk about and something to get everyone’s taste buds tingling.

The brasserie is dog-friendly and well-behaved hounds are always welcome.

An enchanting destination with warmth, heart and fantastic fine dining. Not to mention a superb selection of gins. We highly recommend Talland Bay Hotel.

Book your stay here.