Time for a bite

Feeking peckish? Redruth has more than its fair share of eateries, including many in the Buttermarket, the stylish new food hall in the heart of the town. Here are some must-try dishes from Redruth’s outlets.

BANGO KITCHEN

Take your tastebuds to Asia with Bango Kitchen’s menu. Also based in Penryn, this award- winning kitchen in The Buttermarket is unforgettable. Whether you want to be adventurous and try one of their famous bao buns, or have a hearty bowl of ramen, there’s no such thing as a bad choice when you’re eating at Bango Kitchen. 

The Highlights…

CRISPY KATSU CHICKEN BAO: This dreamy bao bun with a combination of peanut curry mayonnaise, toasted peanuts, coconut crumb, Asian pickles, gem lettuce, and of course, perfect crispy chicken, is nothing short of unforgettable. 

PORK RAMEN: With juicy teriyaki pork belly, picked woodland mushrooms and a silky onsen egg, this is the ultimate comfort dish.


LITTLE EARS

Based in Newquay, Little Ears is bringing Mediterranean-inspired food to Redruth’s Buttermarket. Specialising in homemade fresh pasta and using quality ingredients from across Cornwall, Little Ears is championing local produce while making delicious Italian dishes. 

The Highlights …

PICI CACIO E PEPE: This timeless classic is simple yet bursting with creamy flavour, bringing the heart of Italy directly to your plate. 

PAPPARDELLE: A dish with juicy ox cheek and a dusting of parmesan – the perfect meal if you want something that tastes rich and pleasurable.


COWGIRLS

Cowgirls, based in Stithians, is the go-to place in the Buttermarket when it comes to beef burgers. Cowgirls take pride in the fact that their grass-fed retired dairy cow beef is fresh and straight from the farm, resulting in top-quality meals. 

The Highlights…

STITHIANS BURGER: This tender, retired beef burger with cheddar, burger sauce, lettuce and picked red onion, all nestled in a brioche bun, is succulent and satisfying with every bite. 

BEEF DRIPPING CHIPS: These chips are the perfect addition alongside a burger but are also delicious enough to stand on their own as a lighter meal. Prepare yourself for the heavenly contrast between their crispy exterior and fluffy interior.


BEATS AND ROOTS

Run by elegant Ben and roguish Paul, Beats and Roots is nestled behind The Ladder, Clinton Road, in a converted horsebox.

Serving vegetarian and vegan meals with a global flavour, Paul’s food takes its influence from all over the world, including flavours from Indonesia, Kerala and Mexico with the ever-changing weekly specials. 

Come for the grub and stay for the eccentric decor and cheap bottled beer in the sunshine. 

The Highlights… 

CHIMICHANGA: Not heard of a Chimichanga before? This tex-mex classic is a deep friend burritto. Crammed full of beans, rice and veg, this will keep you full till the latter half of next week. And here’s a little secret: some say you can order an off-menu chimi containing a naga chili. We can say no more, although we’re not sure many have lived to tell the tale of how it tasted. 

THE SPECIAL: Each week, starting on Tuesday, Paul   unleashes another food specialism, based on his extensive travels, finding the best vegetarian street food to  tantilise your tastebuds. We’ve had French dauphinoise, Jamaican dumplings, Vietnamese summer rolls, Italian lasagne - all saving you money on having to jet out to these far-flung places.



THE REGAL CINEMA

Yes, you read that right, The Regal Cinema is one of the best places to eat in Redruth. Their pizza is two for £20 Sunday to Thursday and with movie tie-in names like Pulp Fiction, Fisherman’s Friends and Captain America you can enjoy your pizza pre- or post-film to keep you going through the next blockbuster. 

The Regal’s restaurant is also newly done-up with posters and the smell of sweet and salty popcorn. And to top it all, there’s a decent beer selection on tap.  

The Regal also has a great range of programming which isn’t just cinema: kids’ plays, tribute bands, bottomless brunches, drag queens, opera and even strippers…

The Highlights…

FAST 5-BEAN CHILI: Who wouldn’t want their beans with added Vin Diesel?

THE ITALIAN JOB: Hang on a minute lads! I’ve got an idea! Take away this classic and eat suspended half-way off a cliff in a minibus... 

WORDS
DARCEY TRELOAR

ILLUSTRATIONS
ZOE CHAN

Toastie is just the ticket on platform 1

Darcey Treloar


The Station Buffet is a tiny, unassuming café in Redruth Station, on platform 1. You’d be forgiven for finding yourself drawn to the delicious scent of bacon making its way throughout the station from its door. After all, it’s widely known by locals that one of Caroline Jervis’ sandwiches is certainly the perfect way to fill your stomach, whether you’ve got a train to catch or not. 

“The 23rd of June 1996, is the very day that my father signed the lease for this place,” Caroline tells me, as she begins to make my usual order: a bacon and egg toastie – white bread, no sauce. She remembers. 

It’s clear this place has a special significance for her. The kitchen is small, but Caroline works with practised ease, making sandwiches and preparing drinks.

She now runs the café by herself, six days a week, tirelessly fulfilling her customer’s needs, doing so even when she was battling cancer. 

The décor is reflective of its age – the carpet and wainscoting, the painted wooden tables and chairs, creating a retro vibe. It almost feels like stepping into the 90s. It’s charming. 

“What do you like about running the café?” I ask her. She turns around and her face lights up, she’s in her element. “I like meeting people. I like talking to people. I like finding out where they’re going. Everybody’s usually happy. I don’t see many grumpy people, actually!” Caroline jokes.