Review - Organic Panda B&B, St Ives, Cornwall

Green Credentials: organic and locally produced food, organic bedding, recycled furniture, recycling and composting of waste, bamboo towels, organic toiletries.

As far as I am concerned, put together the words ‘Cornwall', ‘organic' and ‘B&B' and you can't go far wrong. So I was very excited about my first trip to Organic Panda, run by Peter Williams and Andrea Carr. I had heard great things about it - the amazing food, the luxurious beds, the views. Add to that the chance to enjoy some quality, relaxing time with a very dear friend, wandering the beaches and cobbled streets of St Ives, and I was almost beside myself with excitement!

And I wasn't disappointed.

I must admit I had the pick of the three beautifully equipped en-suite rooms in this rambling, tastefully renovated Victorian house on the winding streets above St Ives. I had an enormous double room with a bay window framing a magnificent view of St Ives Bay. Breathtaking.

The bed was quite simply the most comfortable I have ever slept in and plenty big enough even for a starfish sleeper like myself. The crisp and clean bed linen was organic, as were the complimentary toiletries in the bathroom - I must admit to smothering myself in the delicious Avalon Lemon body lotion. The décor was calming and neutral and the furniture reassuringly clumpy and recycled!

After a wonderful night's sleep, I woke early and was lucky enough to be tucked up in my sumptuous duvet with a cup of organic herbal tea while watching the sun rise over St Ives Bay. A memory to treasure. Things couldn't get much better.

And then I had breakfast...

As a vegetarian I get used to a limited choice of food when eating out. But this morning I had an amazing choice. I chose from the Green Panda option and had halloumi (oh yes!) and spinach, mushrooms, tomato, poached eggs and homemade bread. There was also a wide selection for meat eaters, not to mention a fabulous choice of teas and homemade jams. The food is locally produced, and Peter is a member of Slow Food Cornwall as well as running the Fore Street Deli in St Ives. So you are guaranteed a fabulous, locally produced feast!

We were the only guests as it was low season and not only did our host prove to be a wonderful chef but also provided the perfect balance of friendly chat and local knowledge with privacy and peace and quiet. We didn't meet Andrea, but her stunning artwork peppered the house, adding to the charming artistic atmosphere.

Personally I have to avoid St Ives in the summer as it is so busy, but in the low season it is truly a treat to visit. The cobbled streets and beaches are empty, as are the tea shops and galleries. For a relaxing break, springtime St Ives has everything I could wish for. And I can think of nowhere better to stay than Organic Panda.

Contact:
Peter Williams and Andrea Carr
Organic Panda B&B and Gallery
1 Pednolver Terrace
St Ives
Cornwall
TR26 2EL
01736 793890
www.organicpanda.co.uk

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Photos taken from Organic Panda website

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