5 of the Best Pasties in Cornwall

*Last updated: November 2024

If there’s one thing that defines Cornwall’s culinary identity, it’s the iconic Cornish pasty. Known for its beautiful designed pastry and scrumptious filling, the Cornish pasty is not just a go-to across the Cornish county, but across the UK.

We all love a good pasty here in the office and we feel very lucky indeed to have some truly fabulous bakers close by! But with so many pasty shops across the county, where should you go to find the very best Cornish pasty in Cornwall? We’ve whittled it down to five of our favourite pasties in Cornwall that come highly recommended, in our office at least!

So grab your appetite and discover five of the best Cornish pasties in Cornwall…

The History of the Cornish Pasty

The history of the Cornish Pasty dates back over 300 years. Designed with Cornish miners in mind, the meat and vegetables filling wrapped in pastry made for a suitable lunch design, preventing dust and soot from getting into the pasty.

If you were lucky, some of the mines also had huge ovens on the surface that continued to keep the pasties hot until it was time to eat. Many miners’ wives would also write their husbands initials on the side of the casing, so they would be able to tell them apart from others.

As much as the pastry is part of the dish now, back then it was a disposable piece – the crust meant that miners could hold their pasties without them getting the insides dirty. In the tin mines, the crimp around the edge of the pasty was essential to avoid arsenic poisoning.

Pasties are now an important part of the Cornish economy and a real tick-box for any travellers heading to this part of the UK. Now, with a wide number of business and shops across the county selling Cornish pasties, you have an abundance of choice. This truly hearty meal made a big difference in that era of mining and has now become a staple of Cornish and British culture.

1. Rowe’s Cornish Bakers

First on the list of the best Cornish pasties in Cornwall is Rowe’s Cornish Bakers, who recently celebrated their 75th birthday. Rowe’s Cornish Bakers has more than 60 shops across the South West of England & Wales, making it a convenient choice to try this freshly baked treat.

Founded in 1949 by Mr Bill Rowe, this family bakery is one of Cornwall’s longest-standing favourites. Sticking to what they know best, Rowe’s main-stay is their delicious pasties, although they do now offer plenty of other snacks, pastries and sweet treats. They also offer frozen pasties – perfect for taking back home with you at the end of your holiday to enjoy at a later date!

Filled with locally sourced Cornish veg, potatoes and red tractor British meats delivered every morning, and with a wide array of talented chefs using their expertise to celebrate heritage while embracing new trends, it’s no wonder Rowe’s features on our list.

Rowe’s has a wide selection of shops across Cornwall, in Camborne, Falmouth, Newquay, Penryn, Penzance, Saltash, Truro, Redruth, St Austell and Helston.

Opening Times: Full list of bakeries and opening times
Website: rowesbakers.co.uk

2. Philps of Hayle

Another Cornish family business, Philps was founded by Sammy Philps in 1958. Sammy’s cousin, Everett Philp was the baker in the family and was the one who began to make the delicious pasties.

With the Cornish pasties at the family shop becoming more popular, Sammy took a selection of them to the Cornish Arms in Hayle, who became the first public house in Cornwall to sell pasties in the 1950s. News spread and soon the family were supplying to lots of pubs in the area.

Philps Pasties set up their office premises in Hayle in the 1990s and today the bakery is a thriving business run by Sammy’s grandchildren.

Using traditional baking methods and local produce to create their lovely pasties, Philps has become a firm favourite not only amongst locals but also visitors to Cornwall. Why not try one of their lovely hampers full of Cornish goodies, including local tea, scones, jam and saffron cake?

Philps has a number of stores across Cornwall and also delivers around the UK. Stores include: Hayle, Marazion, Porthleven, Helston, Camborne and Praze-an-Beeble.

Opening Times: Full list of bakeries and opening times
Website: philpspasties.co.uk

3. Ann’s Pasties

Next on the list is Ann’s Pasties; these delicious treats are handmade on the Lizard, using a recipe which has been passed down through the generations.

The business started when Ann helped her mother, who was a professional pasty-maker make, with some pasties for the Breton agricultural fair. Ann felt she could crimp as fast as her mother, and it sparked a business idea, with the aim of creating the best possible Cornish pasty. Ann and her mother started selling at the nearby market town of Helston and went on to purchase a shop in Porthleven.

Today, frozen and cooked pasties are available for delivery throughout mainland Britain, as well as Cornish pasty gift boxes. In Cornwall, Ann’s Pasties have shops in Helston and the Lizard, and the pasties are also available from The Cornish Food Box Company, Picnic Cornwall at Heartlands near Redruth, The Allotment Deli in St Ives and Green Star at Four Lanes.

Order your pasties online or check out the wide varieties of gift hampers and even clothing options on their online store.

Opening Times: Full list of bakeries and opening times
Website: annspasties.co.uk

4. St Ives Bakery

St Ives Bakery is a unique little bakery, situated in the stunning and popular coastal town of St Ives. This independently-owned bakery offers a wide selection of breads, sweet treats and of course, the famous Cornish pasty.

With the shop close to the harbour, it is perfectly placed to attract beachgoers visiting in the summer, as well as those seeking a warming pasty during the cold winter months.

They also offer bread options including traditional, sourdough, long fermentation breads and focaccia, as well as an exotic range of patisseries.

All their pasties are handmade and freshly baked throughout the day; they even bake them to order for your arrival. Alternative pasty options are also available in shortcrust or flaky pastry options; other types of pasty fillings include Chicken, Steak n’ Stilton, Lamb n’ Mint, Vegetarian, Cheese n’ Onion and more.

So head to St Ives Bakery and treat yourself to a tasty Cornish pasty today!

Opening Times: Mon – Fri: 9am to 5pm | Sat – Sun: 10am to 4pm
Postcode: TR26 1HE
Website: stivesbakery.co.uk

5. Malcolm Barnecutt

Last, and certainly not least, of the best Cornish pasties in Cornwall is Malcolm Barnecutt.

The Barnecutt ‘dynasty’ was founded in North Cornwall in 1930 by Malcolm’s grandfather Percy. Malcolm’s father, Keith, opened a bakery in Padstow in the early 50’s, and more shops soon followed in Wadebridge, St Columb Major and Newquay.

Malcolm’s son James has now taken control of the business, and together with his own sons, Toby and Harry, their aim is to maintain the highest standards of quality, as set by their father.

Barnecutt also offers a great range of breads and sandwiches, as well as sweet options such as cakes and buns, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

There are a number of Barnecutt shops, including Bodmin, Pool, Launceston, Liskeard, Newquay, Rock, St Merryn, St Austell and Wadebridge.

Opening Times: Full list of bakeries and opening times
Website: barnecutt.co.uk

What are you waiting for? Head out and try all these delicious options and decide for yourself which Cornish is best!

For more culinary delights, why not take a look and find out our selection of the best cream teas in Cornwall? For more things to do during your next visit, take a look at our guide to the top 10 things to do in Cornwall and our selection of some of the best Cornish walks, perfect for working up an appetite!

Secure your next booking in Cornwall today with a wide selection of cottages in North Cornwall and cottages in South Cornwall. Want to find a property for you and your pet? See a selection of dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall, or if you are looking at enjoying that extra bit of luxury, browse these cottages in Cornwall with a hot tub.