If you’re wandering the picture-perfect, postcard-pretty streets of Polperro and wondering where to eat, stop right now. One of the best places to eat in Polperro is The Three Pilchards. We’ve eaten here every single time we’ve visited the village, and not once have we had a bad meal. Not even a mediocre one. It’s a cracking combination of laid-back pub vibes, lovely staff, and food that consistently exceeds expectations. Every. Time.
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Pubs Polperro
Returning customer, shameless fangirl, and fish pie enthusiast reporting in…
Let’s get one thing out of the way – my boyfriend is OBSESSED with the fish pie. Not just a fan. Not just a “that was nice” kind of vibe. No. This is the benchmark fish pie. All other fish pies must now live in its cheddar mash shadow. The famous Three Pilchards Fish Pie is genuinely iconic: locally sourced fish – smoked haddock, juicy prawns, crayfish, peas, a dreamy white wine, garlic, dill and cream sauce, and that golden cheddar mash topping. It’s rich, indulgent, warming and satisfying. I’ve watched him practically polish the plate clean.
Three Pilchards Review
We’ve slowly made our way through a fair chunk of the menu. Just to “test” it (what we do for research!). Here are some standout dishes we’ve devoured over the years:
Ham hock with bubble and squeak and a fried egg – a nostalgic starter that hits all the right notes, full of flavour and comfort.
Prawn and salmon with champagne sauce – a lighter, elegant option that still feels luxuriously indulgent. My boyfriend didn’t want to share.
Scallops and tiger prawns in garlic butter and chorizo – perfectly cooked seafood with that irresistible buttery richness and a little chorizo kick.
Loaded dirty chips – absolute filth, in the best possible way. Pulled pork, chorizo, melted cheese, chilli… The kind of pub grub makes you want to order a second portion.
Bourbon BBQ pulled pork burger – stacked high, juicy, messy, and massively satisfying. The beer bread bun and homemade bourbon sauce is a gorgeous touch.
Southern fried chicken strip burger – crispy, crunchy chicken, a lick of sweet and smoky BBQ bourbon sauce, and hand-cut chips to dunk in anything left on the plate.
Crab bisque with toasted ciabatta – rich and deeply savoury. It is for proper seafood lovers. We had this as a starter, but it could be a main.
Vegan parsnip curry – a hearty, warming dish with a beautifully spiced sauce and a phenomenal homemade onion bhaji.
Ploughman’s platter – a countryside classic done properly, with quality ham, cheese, pork pie and all the trimmings.
Beef chilli – a generous bowl with a fun build-your-own vibe, loaded with cheese, guac, salsa, and a mix of crunchy and soft carbs. Yes, please.
Ham, egg and chips – simple, proper, delicious pub food. The ham is thick-cut and flavourful, the chips are golden and crispy, and the eggs are always perfect.
Tandoori chicken salad – surprisingly fresh and vibrant, with a pop of sweetness from the mango chutney dressing and a lovely crunch from the poppadom.
Scallop and prawn starter with garlic butter, chorizo and tandoori spices, served with fresh bread and a crisp side salad – we still talk about this one.
Slow braised steak and ale pie – the kind of pie that makes you want to move to Cornwall. Tender beef, rich gravy, fluffy mash, seasonal veg… comfort food perfection.
You can even order sausages for your dog – that alone deserves an extra five stars, frankly.
Polperro Pubs with a View
We’ve eaten inside, up on the terrace with sea views (mind your head on the way down!), and tucked into hearty plates on blustery afternoons – and it’s always been a highlight of our trip. There’s something truly special about a place that delivers consistently good food and feels like a warm hug every time you walk in.
So if you’re in Polperro and fancy a meal you know will be excellent, head straight to The Three Pilchards. Order the fish pie (trust us). Bring your dog. Order dessert. Come back the next day. And tell them the returning couple with the fish pie obsession sent you.
The Three Pilchards Polperro History
The Three Pilchards isn’t just any old pub – it’s the oldest pub in Polperro. It dates back to the 16th century and is named after the pilchard fishing industry that once fuelled the local economy. Steeped in maritime heritage, the pub has seen everything from smugglers and sailors to the rise and fall of Cornish pilchard fishing.
The building itself oozes character – low beams, whitewashed stone walls, and cosy corners – it feels like stepping back in time. You even have to go outside to the toilet! With modern plumbing, the facilities are found in the back alley.
Where is The Three Pilchards
📍 Quay Rd, Polperro, Cornwall PL13 2QZ
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Three Pilchards Opening Times
Open daily from 11am and food is served until 9pm (part from Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve)
Make a Booking
You can not pre-book a table. When you enter the pub, if there are no free tables, the team will take your number and call you when a table is free. As a couple, we’ve been able to sit at the bar, but larger parties may need to go for a walk or sit in the quay, before coming back.
Is The Three Pilchards Dog Friendly?
Yes, The Three Pilchards in Polperro is dog friendly. They are more than welcome. However, they are discouraged from sitting on the furniture. You can purchase a Three Pilchards dog bandana. And dogs can even dine with you, we often purchase sausages to eat whilst we’re tucking in.
Follow them on Social Media
Stay updated on the latest offers and promotions by following them on Facebook | TripAdvisor
Polperro Dog Friendly Pubs
We’ve wandered the cobbled lanes with our four-legged friend in tow to find the best spots for a pint, a plate, and a warm welcome – tails wagged, bellies filled. Polperro has everything you need if you’re craving traditional pub fare, fresh seafood, or a cosy tearoom experience. There are plenty of Dog Friendly Pubs in Polperro.
Best Restaurants in Polperro
We’ve dined our way through Polperro – think harbourside seafood, rustic pub favourites, and hidden gems like Michelle’s, The Blue Peter Inn, and Couch’s. These are the spots we’d happily go back to for seconds. Eating in Polperro is exciting, especially for such a small village; the quality is exceptional. Here are All of the Places to Eat in Polperro.
Restaurants in Looe Polperro
From fresh-off-the-boat seafood to cosy pub classics and indulgent treats, here’s where we’ve actually pulled up a chair and tucked in – no guesswork, just proper good grub. Check out the Restaurants near Looe and Polperro.
Get 50% off Food
If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? It’s a membership card that offers 25% off the food bill or 2-for-1 meals for the price of one at over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Places to Stay in Polperro
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance and as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets. Find great places to stay in Cornwall:
Cornwall Hideaways
Cornwall Hideaways have a massive selection of luxury holiday homes to make your next staycation perfect. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there’s plenty to choose from. You’ll be able to find properties with the things on your tick list, including dog-friendly, sea views, walking routes or even a log fire. There are barn conversions, cottages, lofts and manor houses – perfect for self catering holidays.
🐾 Dog friendly
Looe Bay Holiday Park
Caravan holidays are a brilliant option for dog owners. Not only do they give you the flexibility to bring your furry friend along, but they also offer a comfortable and convenient base to explore the stunning surroundings. We’ve stayed at Looe Bay Caravan Park three or four times over the last twelve years, including before we had a dog.
Cornish Days Out
There are so many unusual things to do in Polperro; it’s full of surprises. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or just exploring solo, this charming Cornish town has something for everyone. So, the next time you visit Polperro, be sure to venture off the beaten path and enjoy these unique activities.
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