Watchful Mary, Cornwall: bar review

There’s a new spot from which to watch the sunset on Watergate Bay – a beachfront bar with small-batch beers and beats.

Where is Watchful Mary?

The latest addition to Watergate Bay Hotel, just north of Newquay – Cornwall’s ‘ski resort on a beach’, where swimming, surfing, and coastal walks are encouraged before dips in the pool, soaks in the hot tub, and après in the hotel – Watchful Mary looks over the water. It’s the perfect place, so say the owners, to catch the ‘green flash’ dancing along the horizon. Click here for more restaurants and bars with great views.

What’s the vibe at Watchful Mary?

Standalone from the hotel, Watchful Mary feels like the grown-up counterpart to Watergate Bay’s family friendly vibe. There’s a DJ on the decks, driftwood furniture, buttery tan leather sofa seats, and dozens of rattan lampshades in all shapes and sizes hang from the ceiling, as well as, of course, those views across the shoreline.

What’s the drinks menu like?

Things are kept simple and decisions come easy at Watchful Mary. Order a jug of sangria, or a martini (dry by day, sweet and coffee-spiked by night), or work through the local craft beer and spirits, including colour-changing rose-scented Cornish gin, Lyme Bay spiced rum, or even limoncello made from lemons grown in the Eden Project.

Is there any food?

Bar food at Watchful Mary consists of truffle-roasted nuts, plates of silky charcuterie, veggie antipasti and wedges of British cheese served with gooseberry and nettle or pear and nigella chutney.

Where to go nearby for dinner

Slope up to Watergate Bay Hotel, to Zacry’s for the likes of monkfish katsu curry and slow-cooked duck shepherd’s pie. And if you’re lucky enough to stay over, be sure to grab a place at the DIY waffle stand, then load up with sausage, bacon, egg and tomatoes for an extra-special full english.

olive tip

Check out the Watchful Mary website for the team’s tip on the best time to catch the sunset and the elusive green flash.

Price

Expect to pay around £7.50 for a sangria, or £10 for something a bit stronger.

watchful.co.uk