Porthleven Cornwall: The historic fishing village
The historic village of Porthleven, Cornwall is the most southerly working harbour in mainland UK. The harbour exists today due to HMS Anson being wrecked on Loe Bar on December 29th 1807. Tobias Roberts, a hero that day, swam through stormy seas out to the Anson. A rope was tied around Tobias enabling him to create an escape route for those on board. Although he successfully reached the ship, over one hundred crew perished including the ship’s Captain Lydiard.
Appalled by the loss of life, Tobias Roberts knew that a harbour of safe refuge was urgently needed. Being a man of determination he won the battle and Porthleven Harbour was constructed and then improved at a later date. Once a hive of commercial activity including imports and exports, boat building and fishing, trade declined leaving Porthleven harbour supporting a reduced number of commercial boats, pleasure craft and sports.
However, the harbour still plays a major role attracting visitors from all over the world. Of course the village received the attention of the media when it was hit by a hurricane in December 1989. Television coverage was worldwide, showing the destructive storm with its monster waves spraying seaweed and shingle over 72 feet or 22 metres, the height of Porthleven’s clock tower, part of the Institute Buildings. Over the years village has attracted film and television programme makers helping to promote Porthleven’s natural unspoilt attraction.
In addition, brown tourist signs were introduced and publicised the village in a variety of ways including the Discover Porthleven leaflet which is now reproduced annually.
Of course the village received media attention well beyond affordable advertising when it was hit by a hurricane in December 1989.
Television coverage was worldwide, showing the devastating storm with spray from monster waves reaching heights over 72 feet or 22 metres, the height of Porthleven’s land mark, the clock tower forming part of the Institute Buildings. The village has attracted film and television programme makers all helping to advertise Porthleven’s natural unspoilt attraction.
There is a great variety of places to eat in Porthleven with restaurants such as the Blue Haze Restaurant, a recent asset to the village, quickly building a great reputation with both locals and visitors alike. Kota Restaurant and B&B is located on the harbour head and produces a well presented and varied menu. Both restaurants have chefs who have a great passion for cooking with locally sourced food. There are also two fish and chip shops and a Chinese takeaway.