Holy Mackerel Cafe in Cornwall, Isles of Scilly

We called in yesterday for our once yearly lunch and once again it was the outstanding meal of our week on the Lizard. This venue is a must visit for some years now and we can’t recommend it enough. Our mackerel based salads were lovely.

This was our second visit to Holy Mackerel after we missed you last year. Ordered the crab sandwich and the vegan sandwich to take away today and I knew after the first visit, we wouldn’t be disappointed. Those sandwiches are a work of art! The bread is amazing, the fillings have so much flavour and the salad is delicious. We took them and ate them overlooking St Anthony beach. We now live near by so we can visit much more often and I cannot wait!! Thank you to the owners who were very accommodating and clearly working very hard on a busy Saturday afternoon.

Annual trip to Holy Mackerel. Fantastic food and the owners, gotta love them. See you again next year. Crab Sandwich 10/10

Decided to have a drive out to Helford and found this lovely quirky place by the village car park. The menu is really different to the normal run of the mill cafes you see everywhere , it’s fish based and fab ! I had a crab sandwich and daughters had a fish finger sandwich and cream tea which were all really tasty 😋 The owners were chatty and our kind of music playing ! We will be back again on a sunny day to have a wonder around Helford

We really enjoyed our smoked mackerel salad with feta and the ginger beer was gorgeous. Slightly disappointed that the service was excellent and no sign of grumpiness at all however, we didn`t let that spoil a lovely lunch and a trip to the wonderfully named Cistern Chapel!! Will definitely recommend

Excellent, crab sandwich to die for...plus locally made bread and cakes..delicious. been customer for 7 years over the years ...find comments on staff unworthy.

Lovely lunch menu. Delicious and a bit different to the norm. Perfect stop off on a walk. Lovely spot to sit outside and enjoy a meal.

The food was very nice, freshly made and delicious. It was such a shame the owners had such a unfriendly attitude. You can see in the response to other negative reviews that they don't like any kind of criticism and the replys are quite offensive. I expect there will be a nasty comeback to this review too so I won't leave any particular details as they distort the truth. All I would say is Cornwall needs tourists and every year we choose you..and choose to spend our money at your resturants/cafes. We are very polite and well mannered people. Please just be friendly and try a bit harder. That's all.

Visited last year for the first time and enjoyed it so much we went slightly out of our way to visit again this year. We were not disappointed and have decided it will be an annual pilgrimage. Too far away to be regulars. Crab salad was devine and so good a portion I did let hubby pinch some in return for some of his cream tea. Cannot recommend it enough for quality of food and service. It is something just that little bit different and special.

The food was enjoyable so my party announce but, when asked about the possibility of off menu sandwich there was a frosty return. Very unlikely to return with that sort of customer non service I’m afraid. There are better ways to say ‘no, sorry’. Please take note.

Nice spot, amusingly quirky decor. Lovely couple running it, very helpful, very friendly. Excellent menu, and others food looked good. Coffee only here, but I should have lunched here and NOT at the Shipwrights Arms pub as I did after my walk.

A very welcome lunch after a long muddy walk. Superb food, I had the smoked mackerel and beetroot sandwich which had lots of tasty extras, so good. Very warm welcome in a very inviting cosy space. Also dog friendly with their doggy bar menu! Would definitely recommend.

Beautiful quirky little spot. One of my favourites anywhere and coffee and flapjacks are incredible. Bravo

Wow what a great little cafe, quirky and wonderful. The food we had was absolutely beautiful chicken Korma Sandwich and crab sandwich , everything was so fresh and extremely tasty. Great welcome for dogs with the dog Deli. Service was very good. I think the couple serving owned it, not overbearing ( something I hate when trying to eat a meal) but left us to enjoy and was polite and courteous. The cakes looked great however due to watching expanding waistlines we had to give them a miss … but definitely looked worth the calories ! We will return Thank you

A pleasant venue and the food was ok but the atmosphere was unwelcoming. The place was quiet but the staff very much appeared as if they didn’t want customers!

The food was excellent, interesting and unusual but the staff were aggressive, volatikw and rude. Such a shame. This is written for my friends who went there for lunch on 16th August. The staff were also very rude to my daughter yesterday. They could really make a go of this cafe but if they don't learn to to treat people politely, they will fail.

Came to Holy Mackerel for a light lunch. Food was generally ok and nicely presented but menu seemed limited if you don't want fish or shellfish. It was very quiet when we visited but staff not overly friendly. I'd recommend as a good place to stop for a cup of tea and light lunch or cake if you are already in the area but I wouldn't go there especially.

Drive to Helford. Park at the carpark. Do one of the lovely walks from there. Return to carpark. Go to The Holy Mackerel café. Gaze at the menu for ages,you'll be spoilt for choice. My husband and I chose the crab sandwiches. Wow! Loads of fresh crab with a side salad of mixed leaves,samphire, seaweed and pickled radishes. Choose home made dog treats for your furry pal from the dog deli Tea is served in China teapots and china cups. Too full,take a slice of home made cake or flapjack home with you Dogs are welcome in the cafe and safe to wander in the enclosed garden.

Chad our waiter was amazing! He was very friendly and professional. I will definitely come back to this restaurant and recommend to all my friends and family!

We were visiting my Dad locally and popped over for lunch. We were a group of 4 adults and 3 small children. Everything was going well until one of the smalls accidentally dropped some water just outside the front door. We realised late and when we saw the owners mopping up, we apologised, upon which we were instructed by the owner to sit our children down. When our children then picked up some of the gravel, the owners scowled at us. We were made to feel VERY uncomfortable and were on edge thereafter. These people have serious contempt for children and therefore we would not advise any families to go here despite the lovely garden and the great food. It put a downer on what was otherwise a lovely afternoon.

Every summer, I return to this café and always wonder why. The service has been poor for years, and unbelievably, it doesn't improve.

Food and drink was good as were surroundings. Welcome was unfriendly and questions and instructions were answered in an officious way. Decided not to return for lunch as has been made to feel uncomfortable. Pity as we had been looking forward to trying the cafe.

A charming place for a coffee and piece of cake, we loved the owner's quirky style which gives the place armfuls of character in this converted religious building. Located next to the car park and yards away from the centre of the village (making it easily accessible), we would thoroughly recommend the Holy Mackerel Café to anyone visiting Helford.

We saw this on a Google map when satnav had led us astray. My wife said that the Holy Mackarel cafe is down here and so we gave it a go. So glad we did as an afterthought my dearest wife suggested a crab sandwich. I was originally flummoxed by the fact it contained seaweed BUT dear reader I am now a convert and to be frank the cream team was so delicious we are now not having a fish supper as we are still full. The place is unique that has to be said as the name says but I have never heard of a Saint Mackarel. But the food was divine and prepared by an angel. Can you tell that we loved it??

We went three times for lunch during our holiday in Helford would have loved to have tried even more of the menu. Lots of variations in the accompanying vegetables etc some of which had been lightly pickled, samphire grass, sea peppers all very delicious. On our first visit, having Meg our border collie with us, I went in to look at the menu on my own. Must have miss read the drinks menu as asked Jenny to order me an "Iced Tea" with my Mackeral on Greek Salad, this became a great joke between the proprietor and Jenny at my expense. On the Wednesday morning (the last day they are open of our stay ). Jenny and the proprietor meet walking dogs through Helford village, Jenny's parting words being we will see you again for lunch, to which the response was I will get the "Iced Tea" ready. At lunch when coming out to take our order he brought an "Iced Tea" which I was presented with along with a lot of hilarity. I think it was made with a slice of orange, small amount of lemonade(?) tea, mint and was deliciously refreshing. We think it would make an excellent addition to the menu especially for all the walkers on a really hot day but he was not convinced. Got to be worth an ask if you visit on a say a ramble on a hot day.

We were recommended this by our neighbour and we were not disappointed. Amazing crab sandwich and seafood salad. Excellent coffee. Everything really fresh and tasty. We will definitely be going back.

Delicious lunch stop! Really lovely atmosphere & even better deep filled sandwiches! Highly recommend the korma curry sandwich & using the bathroom - could be in there for hours with the wall entertainment! If you know you know!

We stopped here for lunch after a short but heavy rain shower. The mackerel sandwiches were amazing, obviously with high quality ingredients and lovingly prepared with fresh salad etc. Prices are above average but so is the quality - you get what you pay for! Friendly staff and house dogs make for a warm environment. We look forward to returning...

A very warm welcome and professional approach under COVID restrictions. The best coffee in west Cornwall and the best takeaway crab sandwiches in the western hemispheres.

Food was great. At first I thought it was a bit expensive for sandwiches but have to say they were worth every penny. Had coronation chicken and they were delicious and a good size portion. We followed with a cream tea which was equally as good.Will certainly go again if we can and would definitely recommen.

This is one of our local ish cafes - amazing food and snacks, and usually a warm welcome. So looking forward to returning post lockdown to reacquaint. Patiently waited in line, as per COVID regulations, good system in place as only 2 inside at a time (nice seating area outside, including a fairy garden area which is wonderful for kids). Once inside however member of staff was abrupt to the point of rudeness, rushed us to order, and wasn’t helpful when asked what food/cake was available (no menu visible outside which would be handy whilst waiting in the queue, and not clear inside). I understand they may have had a trying half term week (as it seems many cafes have had locally) but being rude to customers who are consistent year round visitors to the cafe seems short sighted when it comes to sustaining local businesses in the off season. Generally though, hoping it was a one off bad day, and will be giving it another go as the food and location is lovely (as was the other member of staff, who tried to smooth over our visit and was pleasant and cheerful).

Excellent. Highly recommend. The coronation chicken and chilli cheese sandwiches were excellent. Great service too.

Wonderful crab sandwiches and delicious cakes with very friendly owners who must work incredibly hard to keep all the passers by fed & happy. The dogs also love the home made doggie pick and mix!My son insists that all our walks end at the Holy Mackerel and cookies all round!! No other cafe cuts it, so it’s holidays in Helford forever after...

We arrived at your cafe as you were putting the signs out (10:45), you stared at us so I ask if you were open to which you just shook your head. We left and I then looked up your opening times. Wouldn’t it have made more sense to just say “sorry we aren’t open until 11 but if you would like to wait you are more than welcome”!? As you have stated in other reviews you are stressed working in the pandemic but surely being rude and turning customers away will not help. As a business owner of 2 businesses and as a previous manager of a very successful cafe and farm shop you really need to think carefully about how you treat customers. I notice in previous reviews your attitude towards others, some of which are local and will be the ones to return and as you are finding it hard in the pandemic you really need to change your attitude and focus. Had you just been polite and said you weren’t quite open we would have happily waited. You worry about negative reviews affecting your business in the pandemic but seemingly think that can be an excuse to get away with appalling customer service. Within my business we have gone above and beyond during the pandemic for our customers working 7 days a week and sometimes putting in 18 hour days. Owning a business is not easy but being polite and treating customers with respect is.

We called in for a couple of cream teas. They were busy but well organised, with fully distanced tables outside. Service was very good and quick. The scones were huge but very light and generally excellent. The tea was hot and of good strength despite having to be served in disposable cups. Everything was just right, and the location is delightful. I think they've now closed for the season unfortunately, so check before visiting.

Lovely, well-filled sandwiches on fresh bread (crab and smoked salmon) but the salad of pickled vegetables was a little strong on the pickle for our tastes. Nice apple cake with a dollop of clotted cream finished the meal off nicely.

Called in for a cuppa and cake. Excellent cup of de-caff tea and wicked slice of coffee and walnut sponge.

I have been meaning to visit this place for 6 years, often talking about it on my boat trips and yesterday I finally made it! We took the ferry over from Helford Passage which was a treat in itself, the boatmen so friendly a lovely on demand service to Helford Village - way easier than driving round! Arriving at the jetty we had a lovely stroll through the village to the Holy Mackerel. Arriving it was such a lovely setting with tables set out in the garden. We only had a few minutes before we headed inside to order our food. What a lovely menu, friendly staff too. We order lattes which were lovely - proper coffee and the food was top notch. I had the mackerel served with Greek salad, a nice touch the mackerel had been warmed through, and my friend had the crab sandwiches which she really enjoyed! A nice gentle stroll back through the village and we boarded the ferry on our return trip to Helford Passage and a gentle stroll up the hill back to the car. It was such a lovely experience I can't wait to go back again. The wait was worth it! What a fabulous place for lunch and fab boat across. It was a wonderful day off! thank you

Isn’t it lovely when you visit a cafe or restaurant and the food served is beyond your expectations? That was my experience at the Holy Mackerel. Great crab sandwich with extra-tasty salad on the outside as well as inside. And cinnamony (wholemeal?) crumbly scones with fresh strawberries draped over Cornwall’s signature dairy product taking the clotted cream tea up a notch or two. Read the artistic menu board, follow the Covid rules and enjoy.PS: The missus and I shared the sandwich and cream tea, I didn’t scoff the lot alone!

Third visit to this quaint little ex-chapel with its quirky setting and outdoor tables. The covid compliance was very good - everything stated very clearly from choosing from the large menu board before you go in, info on mask requirement and sanitiser for anyone who's been living on another planet for the past 6 months....working in a similar environment myself, you better believe there appear to be lots of them ! Once again the food was delicious - fresh local crab sandwich in an eco-friendly covid compliant box followed by the best ice-cream with clotted cream on top. Worth coming back for and looking forward to our next visit!

I walked into the cafe and was ordered in a very rude manner to put my mask on. Having complied I was then ordered to use the hand sanitiser.I asked what cakes they had. Was told to look at the board outside.The lady was very rude with no pleasantries.I asked for a cup of water with my tea and was refused. No tea pots etc. Everything served in takeaway cups. Not cheap.Our scones were plonked on the table. Not very nice. Crumbled as soon as you tried to butter them.The rude lady brought another customers order to their table. No mask, leant over them to pat their dog. Talk about double standards.|If I visit Helford again I will bring my own picnic!

We visited Helford on a whim and found ourselves needing something to eat. The pub was fully booked so we nipped back up the hill and gave this a shot. Housed in an old church and its grounds. A lovely setting A very simple and efficient way of dealing with the current safety requirements - one customer inside at a time, sanitiser on entry, outdoor eating only with fully recyclable containers and cutlery, meaning no further trips needed to collect cutlery etc. The smaller menu that is currently being offered was good and varied enough - although we'd love to visit again in the future when the full menu is available!Two of us had stunning local crab sandwiches that were as good as I've ever tasted. Generously filled, good quality bread, well seasoned. The salad accompaniment was really well dressed and seasoned - how rare it is for salad to be dresses well in this country! Our daughter's pulled ham hock sandwich was excellent too. Great ham!Teas and coffees were good and a hot chocolate was generously topped with extras!Service was courteous and efficient, and a small request to alter one of the sandwiches was no problem.Fabulous. We'd visit again in a flash.A little surprised at the negative reviews on here. Some very petty people making cheap shots at a small business making huge efforts to cope with the changes being faced at the moment, and remain profitable and sane.Well done to Holy Mackerel, though.

Clearly you cannot be this rude and offhand all your customers to receive such glowing feedback. Today we visited you twice for tea and cake only to be met with, short sharp unfriendly replies. Must be a bad day for you. As locals we will not be back.

Sweet looking venue in a pretty location, The Holy Mackerel Cafe looked an inviting and promising place to stop for lunch. On arrival I stood at the doorway and enquired if I had needed to book in advance as is the case with other eateries in the area, and was met with a sharp reminder that if I was coming in I should have my mask on. I explained it was not my intention to come in, I was just enquiring about the seating outside. The menu was good with plenty of choice. My husband (complete with mask) popped inside to place our order. When it arrived the lady just plonked the bag containing our lunch on the table with no regard for any hosting skill or niceties. No ‘enjoy your lunch’ or ‘is there anything else I can get for you’ it was just plonked on the table with a side order of irritability. Some may say rude, I would just say she did not seem at all happy in her work, which is a shame as it was a lovely setting in need of a warmer welcome!

Having planned my trip for Saturday breakfast found it does not open until 11am. So paid extra on the car park and did a 2 hour walk - only to find a tiny note on my return on the actual door saying not open Friday and Saturday.Really disappointed, and as were a number of people who polled up while I was there (one family meeting as 8 who had driven from Bath). Thought in peak season when there is hardly anything on offer in Helford that this business would be taking advantage of the summer trade.

When we arrived we noted the lack of local people using the cafe. Only takeaway service so should have no VAT which should be reflected in their prices but the food when it came was fine.When ordering the lady particularly was very rude to us. We are local but will not be returning.Very disappointed.

I arrived today to order lunch, there is a small sign reminding you to social distance but it is not highlighted really, and there is no real restriction other than they supply a very watery sanatiser on a stool at door. I walked in and had to walk out several times as people were coming out again. When I finally entered, there was a lady behind the counter doing a few things, she didn't even acknowledge me, I then waited and a man with a ponytail came in and walked behind the counter, he didn't even say, Hello or acknowledge me, no welcoming smile, nothing! I asked if this was were I ordered, and he carried on doing what he was doing not looking up at me at all...He said, in a miserable voice, "is it for food?" I replied, "yes please." He still didn't look at me, but carried on doing what he was doing and looked up at the clock and said, "it will be about 30 to 40 minutes!" I then said, " for food? " and he again made no eye contact at all, but said flatly, "Yes!" I said ok, and then left. He didn't once smile, look at me, or treat me with any worth as a customer. I appreciate he might be busy, but it costs nothing to be polite, and smile and engaging with your customers. I ran my own cafe once and now my own wedding venue and I wouldn't dream of treating customers that way. I always aim to welcome ALL my guests and treat them with respect and pleasantly. Smiling isn't a difficult thing to do. If you can't offer a friendly, happy and pleasant service when you work In a cafe, then maybe a cafe isn't the place for you to work. The service industry requires you to be smiling, and engaging and welcoming ALL the time, no excuses! I thought this cafe looked really cute and wanted to enjoy it, but I wouldn't bother going there again with such rude and miserable looking people working there, it isn't worth it, and they need to tighten up their COVID safety a great deal. It's not safe at present and doesn't seem to be being taken seriously by the employees/owner. A huge let down and a very unpleasant experience.

Closing time was 4pm .. we asked to make an order at 3:40 and were told no .. no food orders .. we would have happily had what was made or a cream tea but the way we were talked to was awful and ruined was was a beautiful day to the area ....

My fave place to eat in the area, I’ve been looking forward to my first visit when I came down on holiday. I was not disappointed! My no 1 choice of Cadgwith crab sandwich was as good as expected. The use of disposable cutlery etc didn’t detract from my enjoyment of my lunch. Well done to the Holy Mackerel!

Lovely cream tea here today. Homemade scones were excellent served warm with cream, jam and strawberries. Nice garden to relax in and friendly staff.

Popped in for lunch at end of 3 wk stay nearby. Wish we had found it earlier. Party of 4, we had 3 special mackerel pates and a veggie pate. All top notch. Once the couple running the place could decider our Scots accent, we found the banter as good as the food. Chap who served was a gent, and food quality & presentation excellent. Be returning this July - will pop in again.

Had a cream tea in the summer of 2019. It was s noce, clean old fashioned cafe with resonable prices. Worth a visit

I am so in love with this cute little spot on the helford. It's beautiful location by the river is just stunning and the food is delicious. Their crab soup is my favorite thing ever.... I'm literally addicted. The owners are always very sweet and love a good chat when it's quieter, their dog Kipper is so adorable too. I also had their crab sandwich in summer which is one of the best i've had in my life and their cakes are out of this world.... All homemade and so well sized. This is a spot not to be missed. There is a beautiful walk near by too to the headland. Ideal for walking of that delicious cake!!

We ended up at the Holy Mackerel Cafe by default as The Shipwrights Arms was full at lunchtime. This proved to be an excellent find. The food is very tasty and well presented, the people who run it are very pleasant and helpful and it's dog friendly. All in all well worth going to if you're in the area.

You just can’t beat this delightful cafe - a haven in the storm for us today. Everything was delicious especially the crabby soup, sandwiches and the hot chocolate! Worthwhile driving out of your way to eat here!

But I can't, because our visit was wonderful. Our group of four had crab sandwiches and the antipasti sharing platter along with hot chocolates and pots of tea - everything was wonderful. The quirky location (and the good, honest owners) were a joy. As locals, I'm sure this will become one of our regular lunch locations. Don't let the Trip Advisor reviews put you off!

Horrible wet morning in Helford so to cheer ourselves up we went to the Holy Mackerel for lunch having been last week and had the mackerel and beetroot sandwich which was superb.Today both my husband and myself had the crab soup with a chilli kick. It was scrummy with fresh crab running through a heart warming soup all served with big chunks of fresh bread and a healthy serving of butter.Well worth the visit; the only downside is that we don’t think we are going to get time for a return visit before we go home.Found the owners very pleasant, chatty and serve very good fresh food.

What a great spot, popped in for a early brunch. Warm welcome from the owners, the crab soup was incredible as was all the food we ordered. Don’t be put off by the few bad reviews written by miserable keyboard warriors. It really is a beautiful place which I will definitely be returning to!

Went on a local walk around the estuary on a drizzly morning and on the return i thought I would stop for a cream tea. The building its in is an old converted church and its really well done conversion. Large menu to choose from. Scones were perfect. Crumbly and warm, clotted cream first!Would happily visit again!

Friendly patrons, beautiful old converted church. Excellent coffee and homemade cakes, can recommend Cornish apple cake.

Visited this lovely cafe recently as part of our holiday to Cornwall

fantastic grub after a long walk. beautifull building with the amazing helford close by. Ploughmans is a must!

Had their fabulous charcuterie sharing platter- light mackerel pate was superb as were the local cheeses served with warm chunks of rustic bread .....and as for the pickled grapes!

Lovely spot. We enjoyed delicious ice cream, an amazing cup of tea, super coffee and a wonderful scone, cream, jam and strawberries. Lovely hosts too.

Had a lunch with my family at the Holly Mackerel, Helford. My husband and I had a Surfboard for 2 for £25. Seafood platter was simply gorgeous! It consisted of prawns, smoked mackerel and salmon, dressed crab, homemade mackerel pate, Marie-rose sauce, pickles and tomato jam. All the food was super fresh. We thoroughly enjoyed our food. Service was very friendly and quick. We’ll be definitely going back there again.

First time here and I have to say we will be coming again. Id recommend the fish platter. So much for your money. The ploughman's was good as well. Friendly staff and great views.

Sadly we also encountered the rude staff at this cafe and will not be returning despite living close-by.

Visited this café and was served by a woman who was extremely rude. Looked at the tripadvisor to see if anyone else had commented on the rude staff, sure enough they had but I was not impressed to see the very rude replies to these reviews by the manager of the café. Very unprofessional, clearly do not care about their customers.

Wonderful visit to this nice cafe on our way along the UK South-Coast, while staying overnight on the Helford river. Triggered by the comments of an earlier guest, we entered the garden of the Holy Mackerel and engaged a warm and friendly welcome by the manager and his partner. Shortly afterwards, delightful prepared cappuccino’s with fresh cookies were served. Useful discussion about changing attitude in the UK about the presence of (well behave) dogs in cafes and restaurants. We felt very welcome in this magnificent house and noticed warm

I live in Cornwall and have been more than once to this cafe but this will be the last. I came with a group of friends at the weekend. We thought it opened at 10.00 missing the opening time written amongst the menu on the board. We went into the garden at 10.05 told be told 'We don't open until 11.00'. This was followed by her going into the building and slamming the door. This is not the first time we have witnessed rudeness by the staff but we will not be coming back. Perhaps you can afford to loose a group of up to 20 local people.

Really pretty spot, lovely inside and a great garden. Stopped for tea and coffee stayed for lunch. High quality sandwiches and cake.

Beautiful place, really interesting building and the food is spot on, love it! Keep doing what you're doing, thanks.

Whenever we do the IwalkCornwall route around the Helford Estuary, we go over to the Shipwright Arms - which is also very good - but we gave this place a go instead and we were very happy.

This was in a great spot as we were ready for a cold drink. However, the staff were not very welcoming. Food and Drinks overpriced for what they were and utensils not very clean. Best to walk on a little further and go to the pub in the village below.

Lovely characterful cafe. Was really pleased to find they provide soya milk for coffees and don’t charge any extra for it (unlike most places in this area). Would highly recommend coming here for a relaxing coffee or cream tea.

Came across on ferry from Helford Passage.

Can't wait to go back to this incredible little cafe,lovely friendly owners and unbelievable food deffinately recommend! The building itself is also beautiful, a proper hidden gem

Bad service, bad food, much better places to spend your money. Lovely inside and could be great but the staff or owners not sure, just seem only half intereste in their job and this shows through out.

Nice to sit outside in the sun food was great as was the service. There was a good selection of hot and cold food,which could be eaten inside or out.

Situated near the idyllic village of Helford, the equally idyllic Helford River and on the SW Coast Path in a stone chapel.

We had lunch here sat in the garden as it was a sunny day, before we ordered we checked out other people’s plates and they all looked to die for.

went here for a snack light lunch. the menu has local and homemade produce and the food was excellent, a setting and the building are a wonderful setting and the owners gave fabulous service and local advice

Stopped for lunch after a loop walk from Helford to St Anthony and back. Absolutely superb crab and seafood sharing platter for two. Delicious home made pate, fresh bread. Was tempted by the cakes too but was full up. Would give a six star rating if I could

Not only is the food delicious, seafood platter excelllent ‘surfboard’, the drinks menu is extensive lattes are well made. Home made mackerel pate to die for. But the customer service is also excellent not overbearing. Don’t know who these idiots are saying it’s bad they must spend time being fawned over in the ritz and be used to overbearing obsequiousness. Me and the hubs loved it

Despite somewhat restricted opening this is a delightful place to have a lunch or refreshment stop. The food is lovely and very homemade. Generous and fresh portions and a very convivial atmosphere. Some lovely walks all around and a nearby ferry across the Helford River.

We've just been out for a long drive in the Lizard area and needed coffee, lunch, cake and the bathroom. We found this beautiful little cafe beside the river and paid for the car park hoping to have a lovely lunch and coffee. Unfortunately my companion was also desperate for the bathroom and I made the mistake to ask if they had one first of all. The lady gave us a black look and just said 'Yes', I looked a bit confused and she then said rudely, 'For customers'. I said we're going to order and went ahead, but we were so upset by her attitude we ordered coffee, sat outside and then left with a very bad taste in our mouths! It put a total dampener on our day, as I have never been spoken to by someone in the Customer Services Industry that way whilst on a day out. I would strongly suggest that this lady goes on a Customer Services course!

Having visited this beautiful little tea room a few years ago, we thought we'd make it the starting point of our coastal walk as the car park (free out of season) is just beside it.

We’ve loved everything about this little cafe and are sad that we’ve only discovered it so late into our stay at Kestle Barton. It’s just a short walk away and welcomes you with lovely decoration and a warm fireplace. We came for the cream tea and were not disappointed. So yummy! While there we decided to have a sandwich as well but the couple was already closing down for the day. Thank you so much for getting out everything out again and preparing the sandwiches just for us.

What an absolute find, gorgeous crabby soup, crab crumble and hot chocolate. Will definitely be back next summer. Don’t walk past without going in, you will not be disappointed 😊 🦀

We went here for coffee and snacks and thought the menu was wonderful (next time we are stopping for lunch!).

I put the wrong location in the Sat Nav, but so glad I did. Next to the car park in the village of Helford is Holy mackerel, in a former church that adds to the quirky reverance of this cafe. I had an Americano with milk, but so wish I had chosen the same as my wife and daughters as their hot chocolates have so raised the bar (see picture). As enjoyed our drinks we watched plate after plate of delicious food pass by, and regretted having already eaten our picnic lunch. We have already vowed to return.

Really love this place, it’s such a great asset to the village. My husband said it’s the best coffee in Cornwall and he would know!! I had the crab soup and he had the crab sandwiches - both were outstanding. Lovely fire to sit beside, playing cards, dog friendly, fantastic selection and hugely inviting menu. This is a must go to place on the coast path.

We started and finished our walk here and thought it would be impolite not to call in to refuel! The cafe is set in an old chapel with a typical Cornish barrel ceiling! The couple running this place are friendly and welcoming. We had crab sandwiches, yummy on beautiful seeded brown bread with a delicious side salad including samphire (a lovely touch). There was a huge pot of tea and we managed 3 cups each, all this for only £20 - excellent value for money. The cafe does hot and cold food, ice creams, hot drinks and beers, wines and spirits - oh and lovely looking cakes (with clotted cream) we were good and passed on these!!! Recommended!

Excellent crab soup and bread at lunchtime.Wonderful addition to Helford village.Highly recommend Holy Mackerel Cafe.

Park your car at Manaccan, walk uphill past the school and cut across the field on the footpath to Helford. Stroll for 20 minutes, down through the beech and oak woods to reach the pretty village and take the coast path eastwards. Holy Mackerel is in an old chapel next to the municipal car park with a view over the Helford river. Sit in or out and enjoy one of the best, crafted fishy, Cornish lunches* you can get anywhere in or out of Cornwall. Follow it up with decent tea or coffee (bone china) plus true slabs (see E. Blyton for definition) of cake. If you can find better vfm round here let me know. “HM Batman, why don’t we come here more often? “

This delightful cafe in a converted chapel is amazing inside. It has a brilliant menu lovingly put together and the food is locally sourced and freshly prepared.We had a cream the served on a wooden platter with a warm scone and fresh strawberries. It was the best cream tea we have ever had . This cafe is along tiny lanes by the river in Helford but it is well worth the effort finding it. Brilliant interior and wonderful food.

Lovely cosy interior, dog friendly and with fabulous cream teas. The home made scones were really moist.

Popped in here after a quick walk to Frenchman’s Creek. The cafe was perfect in terms of location for Helford walks, and had a decent selection of lunch options along with some fantastic home made cake and other sweet things. We loved the crab soup and sandwiches, along with the Cornish Apple Cake and Chocolate Tiffin. Will definitely swing in again if in the area.

We went twice in the week we stayed in Helford. Lovely spot next to the only car park in the village. Good service, very friendly and especially dog friendly, very good food. Highly recommended.

What a find this little café is, just off the coastal footpath on the south side of the creek.