 TRURO'S CHOICE OF GOOD FOOD WAS RECOGNISED IN THIS YEAR'S BEST LOCAL FOOD
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Want to discover the ins andouts of honey making or where the cabbages and carrots that you buy come from? Ask away, you’re speaking to the hands that grew them or the fingers that made them. It’s also a taste test extravaganza; from sticky jams to mouthwatering muffins. For the pick of the produce an early visit is a must. Historically a market town, Truro maintains this tradition. An out-of-town livestock market takes place on Wednesdays and a country produce market at the Hall for Cornwall every Tuesday. The city’s indoor markets – Pannier Market and Lemon Street Market – are open throughout the week. Follow the scrumptious smell of roasting pork into Pannier Market, on Lemon Quay, where an explosion of rainbow coloured ice creams and cherry topped buns greet you. Fresh meat, local fish and seasonal vegetables sit next to a cobblers and kitchenalia stalls, explore a little further into the market to discover a hidden From the eclectic Pannier Market, Lemon Street Market is as contemporary and fresh as its name suggests. White walls and flooding natural light combine to provide a modern feel. Vibrant fresh fruit juices, unusual chutneys, an art gallery, recycled and fair trade goods can all be found under one roof, sharing the space with a fishmonger and a florist. Though you’re undercover, there’s a real feeling of being outdoors, palms shroud seating areas. Foodthemed sculptures from last year’s Festival of Light are suspended from the ceiling overhead. When Truro reached the finals of the Best Local Food awards, six judges visited the city to see what it had to offer. They ferreted among the baskets of colourful fruit and vegetables at Carley’s organic store; were privy to cleaver action at meat masters Fine Fettle, and were spoilt for choice with the plethora of local produce on offer at Duke Street Deli and The Cheese Shop, in Ferris Town. “The tour illustrated how Truro supports and promotes local produce,” says town clerk Russell Holden who entered the city in the awards, “but even a three-hour tour didn’t afford us enough time to be able to visit everyone.” And that’s the thing about Truro, there’s much more to it than first meets the eye. From the spacious and You’ll often be surprised at where these openings lead you and what you find there: handmade chocolates lure you from your way down Pydar Mews, candy-coloured kitchen paraphernalia entices you along Cathedral Lane and there’s even French chocolates sat next to contemporary clothing if you explore Nalders Court. Down Tonkins Ope in the modern surroundings of a converted warehouse you’ll find an eclectic mix of sandwiches; window shop as you pass down Tippetts Backlet; then leave the centre behind and head for the river to visit Skinner’s Brewery on Newham Road. It’s the diversity of the specialist shops that intermingle with the mainstream stores that keep Truro’s character alive. Likewise, if you’re looking for a bite to eat, there’s a cornucopia of different flavours to choose from, whether you want a vegetarian only feast, a taste of Thailand or a Cornish steak. Chef Nick Boyle from Indaba, which is currently making the move from bar to seafood restaurant, explains why this specialism is integral to maintaining Truro’s appeal. “It’s all about offering visitors – who are ever more discerning – a quality choice.” And as you explore these ever-growing options in the city, the key to making the most of your day out in this sprawling centre is to be adventurous and let your feet guide you. But at the same time, don’t bypass the obvious attractions if you’ve never paid them a visit. See a show at the Hall for Cornwall, visit the cathedral, go inside the Royal Cornwall Museum, where among the fantastic displays – and on the foodie theme – you can learn all about the crockery of our ancestors whilst pondering just how many cups of tea the giant Victorian teapot on display can hold. You can leave history behind and head to one of Truro’s green expanses. My personal favourite is the peaceful Victoria Park, where you can shelter under cover of the trees, amble the winding paths, or daydream by the bandstand. With nothing but the odd train to disturb the serenity, the city centre feels a million miles away. This is the lure of Truro. If you usually bypass the city en route to your favourite coastal destination, utilise the time of year when the weather is waning to explore this sprawling city centre on foot; enjoy the diversity of the shops, the buzz of activity, the characterful architecture. Whether you’re looking for a local ale in a cosy pub or taking a coffee break during a shopping expedition, the city offers something for every taste. Just look beyond the obvious, take time to smell, taste and really see the city. ‘Simply good food’ boasts a sign outside one of the eateries that we pass. I couldn’t agree more. |
