Cocktail bars in St Ives

A cocktail bar for every occasion 

From classic, intimate bars perfect for date nights to lively venues primed for unforgettable celebrations, this talked-about town is one to visit on your next getaway to Cornwall. If you’re feeling thirsty, find some of St Ives harbourfront's best watering holes below.

Silco

© Silco via Instagram

In an enviable position along the harbourfront, Silco in St Ives is a stylish bar and kitchen specialising in small plates and tapas. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or prefer to try something different, Silco’s extensive cocktail menu is packed with plenty of mouth-watering options. From limoncello spritzers to frozen elderflower margaritas, sit back with a sundowner and soak in the sun's peachy-orange glow after days spent on the beach. 

Offering an array of flavourful, internationally-inspired dishes - think Singapore crab fries, katsu chicken and truffle parmesan fries. Using fresh, local ingredients wherever possible, Silco's no-plastic policy and environmentally friendly ethos make each dish even more tempting.

St Eia

© St Eia via Instagram

A taste of Paris in St Ives - no need to cross the channel for a good glass of wine. Tucked away from the bustling main streets sits this intimate café come wine bar that’s a stone’s throw from Porthmeor Beach. Expand your palette and sample a selection of daily changing wines enjoyed by the bottle paired with manzanilla olives or a charcuterie board of Cornish cheeses. Alternatively, grab a Campari spritz and head for a table under the warm summer sun.

Suppose you’re looking to dine in the evening. In that case, a selection of plates including French onion tart, Newlyn crab toast and Rarebit and pickles have been expertly prepared to complement the drinks menu. To end your day on a sweet note, finish with a slice of chocolate and sea salt brownie.

Harbour View House 

© Harbour View House via Instagram 

Perched above the harbour, this bohemian beach-inspired cafe is the perfect place to take in the scenery. Whether you’re looking for a boozy brunch or somewhere special to enjoy your tipple of choice, the cocktail menu is guaranteed to satisfy every passerby. After busy days wandering the town, take a seat inside and quench your thirst with a mezcalita, or kickstart the evening with a classic old-fashioned. 

Serving a delicious selection of food throughout the day, expect to find tasty breakfast classics including a Cornish full English and much-loved dinner favourites such as tacos and burgers. Committed to supporting other local businesses, every effort is made to ensure that the ingredients used are fresh and locally sourced.

R Bar 

© R Bar via Instagram 

Sitting at the bottom of granite steps you’ll find a modern-day speakeasy where every hour is happy hour. Hidden and lowly lit, the R Bar is a great place to enjoy pre-dinner drinks with friends or a loved one. Stop by during the week for live jazz sessions or pop in on a Saturday to partake in their two-for-£14 cocktail nights. Specialising in rum-based concoctions, there’s no better place to enjoy a dark and stormy.

Stop by during a visit to St Ives, for a cocktail or two, all before heading to your reservation at one of the town's best restaurants.

Beer and Bird

© Beer and Bird via Instagram 

Famous for craft beer and fried chicken, this family-run business is open from 4pm every day for those in need of some good old-fashioned comfort food. Their drinks menu is varied with the likes of cocktails, wine and a large selection of craft beer. Meanwhile, the food menu caters to fried chicken enthusiasts with everything from unique burger options to deep-fried wings smothered in a selection of popular sauces. 

Having gained an enviable reputation over the years for great dishes, Beer and Bird pride themselves on sourcing their produce from local butchers ensuring that all options contain the very best ingredients for visitors. We recommend diving straight in with a K-pop burger and finishing with honey-soaked Belgian waffles and an espresso martini. 

Seven Bar

© Seven Bar via Instagram

Seven Bar takes pride in crafting unforgettable drinking experiences for its customers. With a balcony that offers stunning views over the town, sit back and relax while enjoying a spicy Tommy's margarita. Alternatively, browse through the signature cocktail menu for something unique. Utilising his extensive knowledge of mixology, head barman Ky has created a premium cocktail menu by incorporating a wide range of spirits from across the world. 

The Sloop Inn

Separated from the sea only by a cobbled pathway, The Sloop Inn is one of the most cherished pubs in St Ives. With its relaxing atmosphere and dog-friendly seating area, this popular spot is a great place to settle in the sun. Serving lunch from noon, their surf and turf-focused menu is sure to go down a treat, while their 1312 Sloop Gin is a great post-walk refreshment. If you're just stopping by for a drink, there's also an additional seating area reserved for over 18-year-olds serving cocktails and light bites throughout the day. 

Hubbox 

© Hubbox via Instagram 

Since first appearing in St Ives in 2003, Hubbox has expanded across 10 locations in the UK, with plans for further growth. Each restaurant may have its unique signature style but the menu is equally impressive across every site. Sample a tasty selection of American-style burgers, hot dogs and loaded fries where each dish has been lovingly prepared using high-quality produce sourced from local suppliers. 

Sit and watch the world go by with an Aperol spritz in hand before tucking into their famous selection of curated beef, chicken and vegetarian burgers. If you're looking to go all out, order the Big Kahuna with a side of dirty fries or for those visiting with little ones, the mini dog and strawberry milkshake come highly recommended. 

A weekend in St Ives

An exceptional home set above the beach, fall asleep to the sound of the waves and gaze out to infinite sea and sky views from Shun Lee this summer. Set over four floors, this home provides space and facilities in abundance for up to 14 guests, making it the perfect base for special celebrations and large group escapes. Explore the chocolate box charm of St Ives before returning home to curl up in front of your favourite flick from the cinema room.

Our luxury holiday homes in West Cornwall make a great alternative if you're looking for somewhere a little further afield. From romantic beachfront retreats with a hot tub to family-friendly stays above harbour towns, explore this corner of the county on your next getaway. 

Image credits: © Silco via Instagram, © St Eia via Instagram, © Harbour View House via Instagram, © R Bar via Instagram, © Beer and Bird via Instagram, © Seven Bar via Instagram, © The Sloop Inn via Instagram, © Hubbox via Instagram. All other images are our own.