The Old Coastguard
Commanding an enviable position on the edge of Mousehole, The Old Coastguard is a seaside inn that perfectly balances relaxed comfort with exceptional culinary standards.
Part of the acclaimed EatDrinkSleep group, this stylish retreat feels more like a lived-in coastal home than a formal hotel. Its sprawling, sub-tropical garden slopes gently toward the sea wall, offering diners an uninterrupted panorama across Mount’s Bay toward St Michael’s Mount.
Whether you’re sheltering in the sun-drenched conservatory or relaxing in a sofa-filled lounge, the inn provides a front-row seat to the rhythms of one of Cornwall’s most iconic fishing villages.
Dining & Cuisine
The kitchen at The Old Coastguard is celebrated for its commitment to simplicity, seasonality, and the incredible produce found in the far west of Cornwall.
- The Menu: The restaurant follows a classic brasserie style, with a heavy emphasis on local seafood. Expect dishes like Newlyn-landed hake with seasonal greens, prime Cornish beef, and inventive vegetarian plates. Their Sunday lunch is legendary locally, often cited as one of the best in the county.
- The Garden: During the warmer months, the palm-filled garden is the heart of the inn. It’s a spectacular spot for an alfresco lunch or a glass of wine as the light changes over the bay.
- Drink & Atmosphere: The bar features a carefully curated list of craft beers, West Country ciders, and an extensive wine list designed to complement the fresh flavours of the kitchen. The vibe is sophisticated yet unpretentious, where families, hikers, and locals mingle effortlessly.
- Daily Specials: Keep an eye on the blackboard for daily specials that reflect the absolute best of the morning’s catch from nearby Newlyn harbour.
The Essentials
- Location: The Parade, Mousehole, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6PR
- Opening Hours: Open daily. Lunch is served 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM; Dinner 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. (All-day service for drinks and snacks).
- Dog-Friendly: Incredibly welcoming to dogs! Four-legged friends are permitted in the bar, the lounges, and the garden, and they even offer dog-friendly guest rooms for those staying overnight.
- View on Google Maps: The Parade, Mousehole TR19 6PR
Accessibility
The Old Coastguard offers good accessibility for a coastal property. The main entrance, bar, and restaurant are situated on the ground floor and are level-access, making them suitable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
The garden is accessible via a sloping path, though some areas may be slightly uneven. Accessible restroom facilities are available on the ground floor. Due to the narrow streets of Mousehole, the inn’s private car park is a major benefit, though it is recommended to reserve a space in advance if you have specific access needs.
‘Lunch for a tenner’ at Old Coastguard
On January 27, 2026, we visited The Old Coastguard in Mousehole to take advantage of the annual “Lunch for a Tenner” offer. This promotion, which is also available at its sister inn The Gurnard’s Head in Zennor, allows one person to eat for £10 for every two people dining. While we have traditionally visited The Gurnard’s Head for this seasonal treat, this year we decided to experience the offer at The Old Coastguard.
We both selected the same starter and main course: beef croquettes with mustard sauce, followed by venison sausages served with mashed potato, red onion gravy, and kale. For dessert, we shared the chocolate crémeux with blood orange sorbet and chocolate shards, alongside a sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and clotted cream.
The food was lovely, representing excellent value given the quality and the location.
While waiting for our meal, I took the opportunity to visit the harbour to film the tail-end of Storm Chandra. You can view the footage in the video here.
All in all, the combination of great food and a dramatic coastal setting makes this a standout experience. It is a tradition we look forward to maintaining during January and February each year.