The Victory Inn

Located near the harbour, this friendly fishermen's local is named after Nelson's flagship but adopts a modern approach to its daily lunch and dinner menus. You may eat downstairs in the traditional bar, or in the modern and stylish first-floor Seaview Restaurant (white walls, white linen and wicker chairs), with a terrace that looks across the town's rooftops to the harbour and the River Fal. High on the list of ingredients is fresh seafood - all from Cornish waters, of course - the choice changing virtually daily to include crab risotto; fisherman's pie; and beer-battered cod and hand-cut chips, with chicken breast cordon bleu; lamb shank provençale; and curry or casserole of the day among the other favourites. Children are provided with paper, crayons and their own menu; dogs are given treats too. Wines are all carefully chosen and excellent in quality, as are the real ales from Cornwall's own Roseland, Sharp's and Skinners breweries. There is outside seating with views over the harbour. Booking for meals is definitely advisable in the summer months. Ever popular St Mawes boasts lovely safe beaches, and if you choose to venture further afield the dramatic Cornish coastal scenery is close at hand.