We’re super proud of the Cornish pasty and with a little help from our readers, we’ve chosen 12 of the best independent bakeries in Cornwall selling some of the tastiest pasties in the south west.
Please remember to practice social distancing on your visit.
Sitting proud on bustling Fore Street in St Ives, St Ives Bakery is open seven days a week and lures hungry tourists and locals alike with a tempting window display of freshly baked breads, cakes, and scones. The pasties are handmade and baked in the shop and can be devoured hot or cold.
Chough Bakery was crowned winner of the Cornish Pasty World Championships in 2016. Their traditional Cornish pasties have buttery and flaky pastry, plenty of filling and a wide choice of tempting flavours (make ours the steak and blue cheese please); so we think it's a well deserved accolade.
On a cold winter's day in Cornwall, there's no better way to warm up than with a hearty Cornish pasty. Tasty Pasties in Bude is just the place to go but make sure you arrive with an empty belly as there are more than 25 variations to choose from (oh how we wish we could try them all!). Fillings include meat, vegetarian and even sweet fillings.
This pasty shop can be found in an old fishing cottage in the historic seaside town of Looe. Sarah's Pasty Shop has been producing pasties for over 26 years and the family-run business sells a number of different and unique flavours. Start your day with an 'Ultimate Breakfast Pasty' complete with sausage meat, bacon, mushrooms, eggs and beans, or treat yourself on 'Fishy Fridays' with a mackerel pasty.
No trip to Penryn is complete without popping to Pip's Pasties for a traditional Cornish pasty. We think the pasties sold here might be some of the biggest in Cornwall! Pick yours up en-route to the Harbour Village and indulge whilst you watch the fishing boats sail in.
6. The Strand Café, Trebarwith Strand
After a morning walk on Trebarwith's golden sandy beach, you'll have worked up an appetite big enough for one of The Strand Café's pasties. The large outdoor terrace of the café on a sunny day is the perfect spot to tuck into this traditional Cornish delicacy whilst you watch the surfers catch some waves on the beach.
7. Ann's Pasties, The Lizard or Helston
Pasty-making has run on the maternal side of Ann's family for many years and Ann is Cornish born and bred, so you can rest-assured you'll be getting the real deal when you visit one of Ann's pasty shops at The Lizard or Helston. If you're not local, you can always order a pack of Ann's pasties to be delivered directly to your door to enjoy at home.
When you think of dairies in Cornwall, clotted cream and fresh milk might be the first thing to spring to mind. But Martin's Dairy is well-known in Looe for producing some of the best Cornish pasties in south-east Cornwall.
We're trying to think of the last time we managed to pop into Hayle without swinging into Hampsons for a pasty; it's just not possible. All pasties are made with traditional short crust pastry and packed with plenty of steak (21% steak infact) and vegetables. Have you got a special pasty filling request? Ring ahead of your visit and Hampsons might just be able to sate your craving.
10. Ferrell S H & Son, St Ives
Recognisable for its traditional-looking shop front with oodles of baked goodies on display; Ferrell S H & Son is also famed in the seaside town of St Ives for its mouth-watering pasties. But be warned - you'll need to get there early if you want your pick of the best; they don't hang around for long!
11. Boscastle Farm Shop, Boscastle
If you want a seaside view whilst you tuck into your pasty, Boscastle Farm Shop is a great shout. The pasties here are made with red ruby beef or Davidstow cheddar and are served with Halzephron Cornish ale chutney and crisps. You can always walk it off along the South West Coast Path afterwards.
12. St. Agnes Bakery, St Agnes
Lean meat, lots of peppery seasoning and flaky pastry are the perfect ingredients for a traditional Cornish pasty and we think the St Agnes Bakery has this Cornish staple covered. Top this with the bakery's friendly service and picturesque setting and it's up there as one of the best bakeries in Cornwall. If you're quick, you might be able to get your hands on one of the bakery's festive pasties filled with turkey, cranberry and stuffing sold in the run up to Christmas.
Article updated by Martha Griffiths in May 2021.
