The historic Cornish village of Porthleven is the UK mainland’s most southerly working port and is just waiting to be found and enjoyed by new visitors. After the wreck of HMS Anson on Loe Bar during a ferocious December 29th 1807 the harbour was constructed. A hero on that day, a man by the name of Tobias Roberts, swam through violent dangerous seas out to the Anson. They created a lifeline for those on board by Tobias tying a rope around his-self, enabling him to create a link between ship and shore. Over one hundred including the ship’s Captain Lydiard perished, even though he successfully reached the ship.
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.
Today, the harbour still plays a major role attracting visitors from all over the world. During the early 1990’s whilst serving on the local council, it became obvious that Porthleven’s economic future would become more and more reliant on attracting visitors. With this in mind the village’s first commercial website was introduced which is attracting visitors from around the globe.
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 are a variety of places to eat such as The Blue Haze Restaurant a recent asset to the village and quickly building an excellent reputation with both locals and visitors alike. Kota Restaurant and B&B located on the harbour head produces a well presented and varied menu. Both restaurants have chefs with a passion for cooking local sourced food. In addition there are two fish and chip shops, a Chinese take-away. Real Cornish Pasties from the Horse and Jockey Bakery (we believe these are the best in Cornwall) and then there is Nauti but Ice where visitors can sit and watch the fishing boats whilst consuming a variety of ice creams and other mouth watering treats.
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