The restaurant might be closed for the season, but Baby Bay doesn't disappear when summer ends.
By October, Polzeath looks a little different. The long tables have been packed away, the summer crowds have gone home and the beach is back to its quieter self. And we rather like it that way.
Winter at Baby Bay
Colder mornings, fewer people and the sort of coastal walks that require a decent coat. Summer at Baby Bay is about long lunches, good food and getting everyone around the table. Winter is a little less organised.
A walk along the coast. A cold plunge with our good friends at Saunas by the Sea. Friends getting together, and something hot to eat when you get home. And the thought of a Hot Buttered Rum after an afternoon in the fresh air sounds pretty perfect to us.
Something warming for Halloween
We're not particularly interested in green cocktails or plastic spiders. For us, Halloween is a good excuse to get outside, put on another layer and make something warming. Which brings us to our Hot Buttered Rum.
Made with Porthilly Pure Golden Rum, butter, brown sugar, orange and warming spices, it's a proper cold-weather drink. The spices are gently toasted, the rum is warmed rather than boiled, and everything comes together in one rich, aromatic serve. It's the sort of thing we'd choose after an afternoon by the sea.
Two autumn walks
Pentire Point and Baby Bay
3.2 miles · about 2½ hours · starts at Pentireglaze car park
If you're heading down to Polzeath this autumn, make an afternoon of it. This circular walk around Pentire Point takes in some of our favourite stretches of coastline, including Baby Bay.
Start at Pentireglaze car park, just outside New Polzeath, and follow the route towards Pentire Point. From the headland you'll get views across the Camel Estuary towards Padstow and out over the Atlantic. Keep an eye on the water too. You might be lucky enough to spot a seal or two. The route then follows the coast path back towards Baby Bay before heading inland to the car park.
Bring a decent pair of boots. The paths can get muddy and the clifftops are exposed, particularly at this time of year.
View the Pentire and Baby Bay walking route
Rock to Daymer Bay
If you're on the other side of the estuary, start in Rock and walk along the beach towards Daymer Bay. It's a lovely stretch of coastline, with views across the Camel Estuary towards Padstow. If you're feeling energetic, climb Brea Hill on the way for views over the estuary.
When you've had enough fresh air, pop into Porthilly Bar in Rock. We'll be there pouring cocktails made with our own spirits, alongside cold beers, wine and plenty of tapas if you've worked up an appetite.
A little something from us
Say "trick or treat" when you visit Porthilly Bar and we'll take 10% off your bill. The offer is valid until 30 November 2026, so you've got plenty of time to fit in a walk and a visit.
How to make our Hot Buttered Rum
You'll need
- Porthilly Pure Golden Rum
- Unsalted butter
- Soft brown sugar
- Orange peel
- Cornish sea salt
- A handful of spices
Method
- Toast the spices and orange, then add the water and sugar.
- Gently warm everything with the rum and butter, and give it a good stir.
- Strain, blend until lightly foamed and finish with nutmeg and cinnamon.
A different sort of Halloween
No costumes required. Just a good walk, something warming to eat and a decent drink waiting at the end of it. Summer will be back at Baby Bay before we know it. Until then, we're making the most of the quieter months.
Free UK delivery on orders over £35