In and Around Truro

Throughout the 18th century Truro continued to increase in importance and prosperity being the major control town for the tin mining industry and also the seat of local taxation. As a result of this many fine buildings were constructed which can still be seen to this day. You should particularly go to Lemon Street. Because of the Georgian and Regency influences there is a certain similarity in some of the streets to Bath crescents and the Assembly Rooms and Theatre.

Some of the many people that have been important in the history of Truro include, Sir William Lemon, mining magnate and MP for the county who gave land for the building of Lemon Street, Silvanus Trevail, the Cornish architect with a distinctive style, who designed many of the buildings that remain today and Richard Lander, who with his brother John, discovered the source of the River Niger in Africa and was awarded the first gold medal of the Royal Geographical Society in 1832.

Next to the bridge in New Bridge Street, in the heart of the town, you will find Bowden-Smith Antiques. Specialising in good quality antique furniture, porcelain and silver that will compliment and enhance every home, the quaint and cosy shop can be browsed at your leisure. Both helpful and knowledgeable, Craig Bowden-Smith has over 25 years of experience in all aspects of the antique trade.

In addition to the shop, there is a warehouse where a furniture restoration service is provided together with further stock. When visiting this, genuinely, interesting store Craig’s friendly staff is on hand to assist with your enquiries.

Truro is the main shopping town of Cornwall and much of the centre of the city has been converted to pedestrian areas. There is a large indoor market on Lemon Quay and occasional farmers’ markets close by. In addition to the major stores and chains, there are still many small individual shops to be found down the narrow streets of Truro.

An enthusiasm for food and drink inspired Nik and Traci Tinney to open Saffron in Quay Street, Truro in January 1999. Since then, their wide choice of menus and informal welcoming atmosphere has made Saffron a popular venue for locals and visitors to Truro.

Through out the day you are guaranteed to find dishes that are genuinely created using local seasonal ingredients many from the Truro area. Children our most welcome until 7pm and can choose from the ‘Young Diners’ menu which contains a range of fish, meat and vegetarian dishes that use the same local ingredients as other menus.

Menus are updated regularly on Saffron’s website and there you will also find more about the seasonal ingredients and local suppliers. www.saffronrestauranttruro.co.uk.

Lettuce and Lovage’s mouth-watering menu varies each week, influenced and inspired by seasonal produce. With unique recipes that include local cheeses, fresh fruits, Foccacia pizza and Panzanella Salad, the café aims to provide customers with a truly individual experience of fresh, flavoursome ingredients, proving that vegetarian food doesn’t have to be plain and boring. The menu also caters for those allergic to gluten, for many people with this condition it is very hard to eat out in restaurants but Lettuce and Lovage can guarantee a delicious meal without fear.

With a mission to prove that vegetarian isn’t just brown rice and tofu Jess said, “I want to bring a fresh take on vegetarian food in Cornwall. Throughout the county and the UK there has been something of a food revolution over the past years with people choosing local seasonal food, and in Cornwall we have a lot to be proud of. I want to involve vegetarianism in this celebration but in a more luxurious way than has been seen before and without being martyrs to the cause.”

The City Hall, which also houses the Mayor’s Parlour and Truro City Council Offices, is of 19th century Italianate design and has a fine clock, which was given by an anonymous donor after the original clock tower was demolished in a fire in 1914. The Truro Tourist Information Centre is also located in this building.

With plenty of amenities for the enjoyment of leisure and surrounded with beautiful and historic Cornish countryside, Truro has a great deal to offer its visitors, as well as a warm Cornish welcome.