The Old Coastguard

Business Details

15 Years

experience

Luxury Seaside Hotel & Restaurant in Mousehole

The Old Coastguard is a family-owned seaside hotel and restaurant located in the fishing village of Mousehole, Cornwall. Established in 2011, we specialise in providing comfortable accommodation and seasonal cuisine sourced from local producers. Our 14 bedrooms offer panoramic sea views, while our dining room and terrace showcase Cornish ingredients through simple, well-executed dishes. As part of a group that includes The Felin Fach Griffin in Wales and The Gurnards Head in Cornwall, we combine hospitality experience with a commitment to community engagement.

Our team prioritises sustainability, working with local suppliers for fresh seafood, game, and dairy. Recognised for excellence in wine service through awards like the IWC Restaurant Wine List of the Year, we maintain democratic spaces for guests to relax, dine, or enjoy events throughout the year.

Services

Accommodation Dining Bar Services Event Hosting Art Exhibitions

Details

Year established: 2011

Highlights and features

We offer 14 sea-view bedrooms with premium Vispring beds for exceptional comfort
Our menus feature daily catches from Newlyn fishing boats and local West Country produce
Award-winning wine list winner of the IWC Restaurant Wine List of the Year
Part of a trusted hospitality group with properties in Cornwall and Wales since 2011
Sustainable practices include sourcing from local dairies and working with foraged ingredients

What people say

Blissfully relaxed atmosphere Best nights sleep Delicious seasonal menus Stunning sea views Excellent wine selection

Website

Update Listing

Services

Accommodation

Our 14 sea-view bedrooms combine comfort with Cornish character. Each room features premium Vispring beds, Roberts Radios, Bramley bathroom products, and local art. Most rooms include baths with select suites offering private balconies. The top-floor Best Double Room provides panoramic views of St. Clements Isle and the Lizard peninsula.

Dining

Seasonal menus showcase Newlyn-caught seafood, West Country game, and local dairy. The brasserie-style dining room serves breakfast, lunch, and supper daily. Special menus include the Lunch for Less three-course option and seasonal tasting experiences. Vegetarian and plant-based alternatives available throughout.

Bar Services

The coastal terrace bar offers award-winning wines, Cornish ales, and creative cocktails. The Crab Shack provides casual drinks and light meals during warmer months. Speciality drinks include Lucky Saint alcohol-free lager and Somerset Cider Brandy. Carafes of wine available in 250ml and 375ml portions.

Event Hosting

We host wine suppers, ale festivals, and seasonal celebrations. The restaurant accommodates large groups with flexible seating arrangements. Special events include Christmas festivities and summer garden parties. Monthly newsletters keep guests informed about upcoming cultural and culinary events.

Art Exhibitions

The dining room and corridors display works by local artists including painter Tim Hall. Rotating exhibitions feature 12+ contemporary Cornish artists annually. Artworks include paintings, prints, and sculptures that reflect the regions creative heritage. The venue supports local artistic communities through ongoing collaborations.

People

Charles Inkin

Founder

Co-founder of The Old Coastguard, Charles brings decades of hospitality experience from managing properties in Wales and Cornwall. He led the revival of this historic Mousehole establishment in 2011, combining traditional innkeeping with modern coastal luxury.

Edmund Inkin

Business Owner

Co-owner Edmund oversees operations across the groups properties. With hospitality experience spanning 15+ years, he ensures consistent quality across dining, accommodation, and guest services at this Cornish coastal destination.

Danny Garland

Head Chef

Appointed Head Chef in 2022, Danny leads both kitchen operations. With experience at Ottolenghi and Theo Randalls restaurants, he champions foraged ingredients and sustainable practices while mentoring emerging culinary talent in West Cornwall.

Questions

What dining options are available at The Old Coastguard?

We offer breakfast, lunch, and supper daily with seasonal menus featuring local seafood and produce. The Crab Shack provides casual outdoor dining during warmer months.

Are pets allowed in the hotel?

We welcome well-behaved dogs in designated rooms. Please contact us directly to discuss specific requirements and availability for pet-friendly accommodation.

Can I book a room with sea views?

Most of our 14 bedrooms offer sea views, with the best panoramas available in our top-floor Best Double Room. Specific room requests can be made during booking.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit cards, contactless payments, and cash. Payment can be made at the time of booking or during your stay through our secure payment systems.

Do you host private events or weddings?

While we don't have dedicated private rooms, we accommodate larger groups at communal tables. For weddings and special events, we recommend contacting us directly to discuss venue options.

What sustainability practices do you implement?

We prioritise local suppliers, seasonal ingredients, and sustainable seafood. Our menus feature foraged elements, and we work with nearby producers like Polgoon Farm for juices and dairy products.

Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Lex Dekkers

Jun 17, 2022 Report

Enjoyed the restaurant. Very friendly staff, excellent food. A tad pricey, but well worth it. Happy we stopped by.

Yvonne Payne

May 30, 2022 Report

I enjoyed my stay. The room was large and spotlessly clean. I thought the bathroom was dangerous. There was nothing to hold on to climbing into and out of the bath. I found myself clinging on to the taps. This was reported to the management. The staff were charming and friendly.

Danta Paws

May 18, 2022 Report

The food is a RIP-OFF, and totally BELOW-PAR. For 24 for ALL main course meals, I expected at least reasonable quality and flavours, instead we got 2 little 2inch diameter pieces of pork on a leaf of cabbage and some hash brown thing. The pork was bland, lacking much moisture and the crackling was lacking flavour. The chips were well over salted. Only gave 2 stars because the waiting staff were nice and good at their job.

I only hope the fact the owners rip you off for 24 a meal, & sdd a service charge on, that they pay the staff way ABOVE the minimum wage! AVOID if you like your food to taste decent and if you like proper sized portions of food

Grace McElwaine

May 14, 2022 Report

Great spot, amazing staff and really delicious meal. The food was really good and offered slightly different takes on some lovely courses. Would certainly recommend for a drink on the lovely terrace and a tasty dinner if you're in Mousehole, or nearby!

Geoff Buck

Apr 22, 2022 Report

Outstanding hotel. Very warm and professional greeting on arrival. Large bedroom (14) and large bathroom (bath, separate shower and wardrobe), and small balcony with table and four chairs. Friendly service throughout. Very good food. Spacious dining area and bar. Terrace and garden overlooking and sloping down to the sea. Five minute walk to Mousehole. Car park large enough for residents with some free on street parking nearby and also some paying carparks. Highly recommended.